Maryland Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
MARYLAND Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
(Adjourned on April 7, 2025)
13 pet related items were proposed during the 2025 legislative session, 9 of which were designated as priority by the Pet Advocacy Network.
Final Disposition of Priority ISSUES:
| BILL # | SUMMARY | FINAL DISPOSITION |
| HB 89/SB 152 | Animal Cruelty Offenses – Sentencing Guidelines: Amends Title 10 (Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct and Sensibilities), Subtitle 6 (Crimes Relating to Animals) of Maryland Criminal Law to establish that: (1) Certain crimes relating to animals do not apply to certain activities; and (2) Each animal harmed in a violation of a prohibition against animal cruelty is a separate offense and shall be deemed an individual victim for purposes of the sentencing guidelines stacking rule. | ENACTED (EFFECTIVE ON 10/1/25) |
| HB 384/SB 157 | Maryland Disability Service Animal Program: Amends Title 7 (Individuals with Disabilities) of Maryland Human Services Law by adding a new Subtitle 11 (Maryland Disability Service Animal Program) to establish the Maryland Disability Service Animal Program within the Department of Disabilities to support individuals with disabilities by facilitating access to trained service animals. | VETOED BY GOVERNOR (BUDGET CONSTRAINTS) |
| HB 438/SB 581 | Compensatory Damages – Pet Injuries: “Buddy’s Law” amends Section 11-110 of the Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article to alter the maximum amount of compensatory damages that may be awarded to an owner of a pet from a person who tortiously causes an injury to or death of the pet under certain circumstances. | ENACTED (EFFECTIVE ON 10/1/25) |
| SB 182 | Maryland Disability Service Animal Program Expansion: Amends Title 9 (Miscellaneous Executive Agencies), Subtitle 9 (Department of Veterans and Military Families), Part VIII (Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program) of MD State Government Law to expand eligibility for the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program to include a spouse or dependent of an eligible veteran. | ENACTED (EFFECTIVE ON 10/1/25) |
| HB 1152/SB 896 | Landlord-Tenant/Pet Policies: Amends Title 8 (Landlord and Tenant), Subtitle 2 (Residential Leases), Section 8-210 (Information Required in Written Leases or Posted by Landlords) of Maryland Real Property Code to require landlords to disclose detailed pet policies on various platforms and in rental applications. | ENACTED (EFFECTIVE ON 10/1/25) |
View ALL Maryland legislation tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025 session.
View ALL local ordinances tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025 session.
View ALL federal and state issues tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025 session.