2024 Maryland Legislative Session Summary

Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care. Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Marylanders impacted by cancer, and the leadership of elected officials is vital to defeating this disease.

In 2024 the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) worked with the Maryland General Assembly in support of the following priorities:

Ensuring Access to Quality Care

• Baltimore Hope Lodge: $200,000 was appropriated in the Capital Budget for the renovation and refurbishment of the proposed new Hope Lodge in Baltimore.

• Public Education Campaign for Lung/Prostate/Breast Cancer: Legislation was enacted which creates a multi-year public education campaign that would target geographic regions that exhibit high health disparities.

• Health Coverage Expansion: Legislation allowing undocumented individuals the ability to purchase health insurance through the Maryland Exchange passed both houses and was signed by the Governor.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

• $5M for the Pediatric Cancer Fund, as well as a new structure to appropriately administer the fund.

• Cancer Moonshot Initiative funding remained at $8.3M for UMMS and $1.7 for JHU.

• Funding for the Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP) remained flat at $13.23 million.

• $27 million was appropriated for the Capital Region Medical Center Regional Cancer Center to fulfill the State’s $67.5 million commitment

Reducing the Toll of Tobacco

• Included in the Budget Reconciliation & Financing Act of 2024 were approximately $340 million in new taxes and fees. $91 million will be raised for education expenses through a new tax on tobacco products, including a $1.25 increase tacked on to each pack of cigarettes. This raises the tax on a pack of cigarettes from $3.75 to $5.00. In addition, the sales tax on e-cigarettes and vapes will rise from 12 to 20 percent. Other tobacco products — but not cigars — will be taxed at 60 percent of the wholesale price, up from 53 percent.

• Legislation that would "modernize" Maryland's tobacco licensing and enforcement has been enacted. The new law increases tobacco license application fees from $25 to $300; requires at least one annual unannounced inspection of a retailer, and a second inspection would occur within 180 days if a violation is found; tightens age 21 verification; and requires tobacco products are “behind the counter” with only the retailer having access.

• Legislation adding “vaping” to Maryland's CIAA was enacted.

• The Tobacco Use Prevention & Cessation Program (TPCP) saw a marginal increase from $8.882 million to $8.907 million.

• $300,000 was allocated for the Professional Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening program.