Bill > HB300

This bill exempts certain contracts entered into by the Office of International Trade, which is part of the Department of Commerce, from a general law that prohibits specific provisions in State contracts. A "State contract" is defined as any agreement entered into by the State. The existing law generally forbids State contracts from including provisions that require the State to indemnify or defend another party, agree to binding arbitration or other extrajudicial dispute resolution, name a jurisdiction other than Maryland for legal disputes, limit the State's liability for losses caused by a contractor's negligence or misconduct, agree to unknown or unilaterally changeable terms, allow non-state attorneys to represent the State, contradict other State obligations, or automatically renew in a way that obligates future funding. This bill adds an exemption for contracts related to developing international business activities, meaning these specific types of contracts with the Office of International Trade will not be subject to these general prohibitions.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

Government, Labor, and Elections (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0300?ys=2026RS