After a hefty legislative season with hundreds of laws hitting the books in Maryland in 2024, the start of the new year brings more than a dozen new pieces of legislation.

From changes in health insurance coverage and election protocols to traffic safety precautions, here are some of the laws that go into effect in January.

Maryland Road Worker Protection Act

More provisions of the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act, which was signed into law in April, will go into effect starting Jan. 1.

Fines for speed violations in work zones increased from $40 to $80 in June. Starting in the new year, the state’s work zone speed violation fines will convert to a tiered system, with fines ranging from $60 to $500, based on how fast a vehicle was going. Fines will also double when workers are present.

Opioid treatment and coverage for prostheses

There are new protocols for hospitals when it comes to patients being treated for opioid-related overdoses. Hospitals are now required to make referrals for patients with opioid use disorder to an appropriate provider, including peer support professionals, when they are discharged.

“Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment for patients presenting at the hospital due to overdose will save lives,” according to a written testimony by the Maryland Addiction Directors Council in favor of the law. “MADC strongly supports referral to treatment from hospital care as a key part of an effective care model. MADC providers work with Peer Specialists, Social Workers, and other hospital staff to provide immediate access to treatment and continuation of medication.”

Another law going into effect on Jan. 1 requires the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and state commercial plans to provide certain coverage for prostheses and orthoses. The law, known as the So Every BODY Can Move Act, is supported by a national movement that wants to pass similar legislation in 28 states by the beginning of the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

Election judge recruitment

Poll workers were in high demand throughout the state this election season, according to Capital News Service. In September, Baltimore City Board of Elections Director Armstead Jones told The Banner the city is “in great need of more election judges.”

“It’s one of the most important jobs in our democracy,” he said.

The State Board of Elections is now required to develop a marketing campaign to recruit people to serve as election judges. The new law also says county employees who serve as election judges must receive administrative leave and compensation.

Housing Expansion and Affordability Act

Earlier this year, Gov. Wes Moore signed the Housing Expansion and Affordability Act into law, which is designed to address housing supply issues. The law is also designed to target unit construction “where it is most needed,” according to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

The law prohibits jurisdictions from “denying construction of manufactured and modular home construction types” in single-family zones, according to the housing department. Manufactured and modular homes are constructed off-site, then transported and assembled.