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Bill > HB1143
MD HB1143
MD HB1143Public Health - Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Perinatal Autopsies (Lung Float Test Ban)
summary
Introduced
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
In Committee
03/23/2026
03/23/2026
Crossed Over
03/20/2026
03/20/2026
Passed
Dead
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Prohibiting, for a certain period of time, the Chief Medical Examiner, deputy chief medical examiners, assistant medical examiners, and pathologists authorized by the Chief Medical Examiner from using a hydrostatic lung test, also known as a lung float test, if performing a certain perinatal autopsy; and requiring the Maryland Department of Health to report, by December 1, 2027, to certain committees of the General Assembly on the usefulness and efficacy of the hydrostatic lung test and certain recommendations.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the Chief Medical Examiner and other authorized medical professionals from using a hydrostatic lung test, also known as a lung float test, when performing a perinatal autopsy, which is an examination of a deceased fetus or newborn to determine if the death was a stillbirth or occurred after a live birth. The bill also allows parents, guardians, or legal representatives to file a civil lawsuit if this provision is violated and adds violations of these provisions to the grounds for disciplinary action against a physician. Additionally, the bill requires a report by December 1, 2027, from the Maryland Department of Health to legislative committees on the usefulness of the lung float test and recommendations for its continued use as an autopsy tool, and it specifies that the ban on the lung float test will be in effect for two years, expiring on September 30, 2028.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (32)
Lesley Lopez (D)*,
Tiffany Alston (D),
Heather Bagnall (D),
Dylan Behler (D),
Charlotte Crutchfield (D),
Bonnie Cullison (D),
Jessica Feldmark (D),
Pamela Guzzone (D),
Terri Hill (D),
Tom Hutchinson (R),
Steve Johnson (D),
Dana Jones (D),
Aaron Kaufman (D),
Nic Kipke (R),
Mary Lehman (D),
Ashanti Martínez (D),
Matt Morgan (R),
Julie Palakovich Carr (D),
Edith Patterson (D),
Teresa Reilly (R),
Sandy Rosenberg (D),
Kim Ross (D),
Emily Shetty (D),
Ryan Spiegel (D),
Kathy Szeliga (R),
Deni Taveras (D),
Jen Terrasa (D),
Jennifer White Holland (D),
Jheanelle Wilkins (D),
Greg Wims (D),
Sarah Wolek (D),
Teresa Woorman (D),
Last Action
Senate Finance Hearing (13:00:00 3/26/2026 ) (on 03/26/2026)
Bill Topics
Health
- ‐ Infants and Children
- ‐ Regulation of Doctors and Health Facilities
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1143?ys=2026RS | 02/11/2026 |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1143t.pdf | 03/19/2026 |
| Favorable with Amendments 743027/1 Adopted | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/amds/bil_0003/hb1143_74302701.pdf | 03/19/2026 |
| Vote Image | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/votes_comm/hb1143_hlt.pdf | 03/18/2026 |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1143f.pdf | 02/12/2026 |
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