12.13.24 – DC News Now
As we transition to a new year, Marylanders can expect to see some changes across the state.
On Jan. 1, several new laws will go into effect in Maryland. DC News Now has compiled a list of a few that will be enacted in the coming year.
Hearing aid coverage for adults
Currently, Maryland law does not require health insurance companies to provide hearing aid coverage for adults. However, the law does require fully insured health plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and nonprofit health service plans to provide some hearing aid coverage for children if the hearing aids are prescribed.
Starting in the new year, under HB 1339 (passed by the Maryland General Assembly last session and signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore), insurers, HMOs and nonprofit health service plans will also be required to provide an amount of coverage for adult’s hearing aids.
Coverage, however, will be limited to $1,400 per hearing aid for each ear and can only be used once every three years, mirroring hearing aid coverage for children.
If a person wants a more expensive hearing aid, they can choose it and pay the extra cost without any penalties from the provider. Insurance companies can also choose to pay more than $1,400 but are not mandated to, according to the bill.
The new law will apply to all policies, contracts and health benefit plans issued, delivered or renewed in the state on or after Jan. 1.
Newly designated security guard employers
Also in the new year, businesses or individuals that employ one or more people for security services will now be required to license them as security guards, according to Maryland State Police (MSP).
The employer must also register online with the Maryland State Police Licensing Division and submit proof of business insurance.
The law is part of a bill, SB 760, passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law in 2023 regarding security guard agencies, employers and certifications.
State police noted that starting on Jan. 1, 2025, the licensing division will transition all professional license applications from the current paper format to an all-electronic format. Any paper applications must be physically received at the division, located at 1111 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville, by Friday, Dec. 27.
Maryland Road Worker Protection Act
Drivers in the state will also see some changes on the roads this coming year.
In April, Gov. Moore signed the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act, which updated the rules regarding the use of automated speed cameras on highways and in construction zones (SafeZones).
As a result, In June 2024, fines for speed violations captured by automated cameras in work zones increased from $40 to $80.
However, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, Maryland’s work zone speed fines will follow a tiered system based on how fast a car is traveling above the speed limit. When a vehicle is speeding and workers are present, fines will double.
| Speed range in excess of work zone speed limit | Fine | Fine when workers are present |
| Between 12 and 15 mph, inclusive | $60 | $120 |
| Between 16 and 19 mph, inclusive | $80 | $160 |
| Between 20 and 29 mph, inclusive | $140 | $280 |
| Between 30 and 39 mph, inclusive | $270 | $540 |
| 40 mph or more | $500 | $1,000 |
A list of speeds and corresponding fines that will be enforced as of Jan. 1, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
According to MDOT, under the new law, cameras will also be equipped with flashing blue lights, and work zone signage and lights will be updated to reflect when workers are present.