Bill > HB179

This bill mandates that the Department of Commerce create and maintain an online portal on its website where the public can file complaints if a governmental unit, which includes counties, municipal corporations, state units, local units, or any other public body, takes longer than 60 days to process an application for a business or nonprofit organization's license, form, certificate, certification, permit, or registration, unless a specific law, ordinance, or resolution explicitly allows for a longer processing time. Furthermore, the Department of Commerce is required to submit an annual report by September 15th, starting in 2026, to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee detailing the complaints filed through this portal, identifying the governmental unit responsible for each delayed application, and making reasonable efforts to anonymize the data to protect privacy. This Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0179?ys=2026RS