During the 2025 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed several laws that will take effect starting on October 1 that will impact the small business community.

Legislation includes:

• SB 785: alters the definition of “employer” to exclude employers who are covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act for the current year from being required to provide to employees a certain unpaid parental leave benefit in the state.
• HB1018/SB689: Requires banking institutions, credit unions, mortgage lenders, mortgage lending businesses, and mortgage loan originators to include a provision in certain conventional home mortgage loans authorizing a borrower to purchase the property interest of another borrower in connection with a decree of absolute divorce if the lending entity determines that the assuming borrower qualifies for the loan.

While the General Assembly is out of session, Congress in Washington, D.C. is considering federal legislation that will impact your small business. Take action here to see what federal legislation is currently being considered.