The Maryland General Assembly convenes on January 14, 2026, ushering in changes in legislative leadership and committee assignments. Maryland Votes for Animals welcomes the new Speaker of the House, Joseline Peña-Melnyk, along with the newly appointed committee chairs and vice chairs.
Maryland legislators and Governor Moore have consistently supported legislation that improves the lives of animals across the state. Following a successful 2025 session in which five priority bills were enacted, Maryland Votes for Animals looks forward to working with the 2026 Maryland General Assembly, and with you, to advance this year’s 2026 Humane Agenda
Last session’s accomplishments include:
- Veterinary Loan Forgiveness
- Restrictions on Keeping Roosters for Cockfighting
- Stacking of Animal Cruelty Offenses
- Transparency of Pet Policies by Residential Landlords
- Establishment of the Maryland Connectivity Coalition to Study Wildlife Crossings
2026 Humane Agenda
Pet Crematorium Oversight
Sponsor: Delegate Allen
Requires pet cremation providers to disclose whether services are private or communal and to certify the return of remains. The bill establishes record-keeping requirements and enforces consumer protection standards to ensure transparency and accountability.
Expansion of Prohibited Exotic Animals
Sponsor: Delegate Lehman
Expands the state’s list of exotic animals prohibited from private possession to include zebras, kangaroos, walleroos, and wallabies.
Trap-Neuter-Return of Community Cats
Sponsor: Senator Lewis Young / Delegate Guyton
Establishes a statewide policy recognizing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as a lawful and humane method for managing community cats. The bill prohibits local jurisdictions from adopting or enforcing ordinances that restrict or ban TNR and defines prohibited acts related to the care and management of community cats in Maryland.
Adoption Transparency
Sponsor: Senator Kramer / Delegate Cullison
Requires research and testing facilities to report annual dog and cat usage and adoptions to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Schools must submit inspection results to the General Assembly. The bill enforces humane treatment standards and establishes penalties for noncompliance.
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