Bill > SB77

This bill exempts certain contracts entered into by the Office of International Trade within the Department of Commerce, specifically those related to developing authorized international business activities and opportunities, from a general prohibition on specific provisions in State contracts. These prohibited provisions, which generally cannot be included in agreements made by the State, include clauses requiring the State to indemnify or defend another party without dedicated funding, agree to binding arbitration or other extrajudicial dispute resolution, name a jurisdiction outside of Maryland for legal disputes, limit the State's liability for damages caused by a contractor's negligence or misconduct, accept unknown or unilaterally changeable terms, use legal counsel other than the Attorney General, or automatically renew contracts that obligate future funding. The bill also clarifies that if a prohibited provision is included, it will be considered void, and the contract will still be enforceable without it, with State law governing any such contract.

Budget and Finance

Budget and Taxation (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0077?ys=2026RS