Electricity and Gas - Emissions Reductions, Rate Regulation, Cost Recovery, Infrastructure, Planning, Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, and Energy Assistance Programs (Next Generation Energy Act) increases the deployment of energy storage, alters how multi-year rate utility plans can be undertaken, and requires a fast-track procurement of new energy generation, excluding coal and oil. The bill also provides $200 million in direct energy relief to Marylanders. Finally, the bill strengthens oversight of Maryland’s gas utilities by reforming the STRIDE program so that companies must now demonstrate that infrastructure upgrades prioritize safety, provide value to customers, and are better than lower-cost alternatives like leak repair. Companies must also notify communities well in advance of any construction.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation - Total Assessed Cost of Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Study and Reports requires the Comptroller with the Department of Commerce and the Maryland Department of the Environment to report the total cost of greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland by December 1, 2026. The Comptroller may hire a consultant to conduct the study.

Health Occupations - Authorization to Practice for Former Federal Employees and Dental Applicants Licensed or Certified in Another State helps ease the dental hygienist/radiation technologist workforce shortage and requires the Maryland Department of Health to draft a plan on how to license federal healthcare workers who lost their jobs.