Understanding How the Maryland Legislature is Driving Change
As part of its advocacy work, the Maryland Access to Justice Commission (A2JC) published for the first time in 2026 a People’s Guide to the Maryland Legislative Session. The purpose of the Guide is to inform the public about newly enacted laws that will make the civil justice system more accessible, equitable and fair. Written in plain language, the People’s Guide seeks to empower all Marylanders with knowledge about what is happening in the Maryland General Assembly. By making information about new laws available in an easy-to-understand format, the People’s Guide seeks to help Marylanders understand their rights, privileges, and the public benefits that exist to support individuals and their families.
A2JC published its first edition of the People’s Guide for the 2026 Maryland legislative session. The 2026 People’s Guide explains 28 newly enacted laws that address eight key issues most important to Marylanders: access to a lawyer, consumer protection, criminal law and procedure, disability rights & public benefits, estates & trusts, family law, housing, and immigration.