5 Bills Signed by Wes Moore That Will Impact Housing and AI Development in Maryland

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed over 270 bills into law on May 26, 2026, including five focused on housing and AI development. Among them, the Maryland Housing Certainty Act aims to address Maryland’s housing shortage of 100,000 units by freezing local zoning laws and land-use policies for housing projects. The law prohibits changes in regulations after project submission and delays development fees until completion, though it retains local jurisdiction over phased permit approvals. Critics argue the act fails to streamline permitting, as Maryland issued 3,500 fewer permits in 2025 despite admitting its current system increases housing costs. The Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act designates transit-adjacent housing projects as enterprise zones, offering tax credits and removing parking requirements. However, opponents claim the legislation shifts regulatory burdens without reducing overall red tape. Other bills integrate AI into public education, though details remain underreported amid scrutiny over crime and immigration laws. Maryland ranks as the sixth most regulated state for housing, with construction costs 27% higher than the national average. The new laws aim to balance development incentives with local control, but developers and housing advocates question their effectiveness in easing the crisis. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development estimates the state needs 590,186 additional housing units by 2045. While the bills introduce targeted reforms, critics say they add layers of bureaucracy rather than simplifying processes. The focus on AI in education marks a secondary priority, overshadowed by housing and economic concerns.