Bill > HB1345

This bill, known as the Maryland Trust Act, amends existing law to declare void any provision within a trust that attempts to penalize a beneficiary for contesting the trust or initiating legal actions related to the estate, provided there is a reasonable basis, or "probable cause," for such proceedings. This means that if a beneficiary has a legitimate reason to challenge a trust or take other legal steps concerning the estate, a clause in the trust designed to punish them for doing so will not be enforceable. The bill also specifies that these changes will only apply to legal actions that arise after the law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and will not affect any existing legal matters.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1345?ys=2026RS