On Friday, May 16, Governor Wes Moore announced a series of vetoes on legislation passed during the 2025 Legislative Session. The list of 23 bills vetoed includes legislation establishing a Maryland Reparations Commission (SB 587 veto letter), several bills requiring extensive studies across state agencies focusing on climate change mitigation, data center impacts, education technology resource guides (combined veto letter), and a bill to create the Strategic Energy Planning Office to study Maryland’s energy needs.

In his comments, Governor Moore emphasized that his vetoes were not made lightly, and that although his veto is a rejection today, that does not mean “never”. The reasons for vetoing the legislation largely fell into three main categories:

  • Bills that Maryland does not have the time, personnel, or budget to enact during a moment of such profound uncertainty;
  • Bills that include priorities that can be address right now without legislation, or enact more efficiently than what would be required if the bill were signed; and
  • Bills that require studies for which a significant amount of work has already been done, either in other states or in Maryland.

A full list of the bills vetoed is below.

  • SB980: Natural Resources – Maryland Heritage Areas Authority – Funding and Grants
  • HB56/SB177: Procurement – State Department of Education – Local Food Purchasing Program
  • HB328: State Lottery – Instant Ticket Lottery Machines – Veterans’ and Fraternal Organizations
  • HB482: Occupational Licensing and Certification – Criminal History – Predetermination Review Process
  • HB1116: Public Safety – State Clearinghouse for Missing Persons
  • SB655: AI Evidence Pilot
  • SB149/HB128: “RENEW Study” Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation – Total Assessed Cost of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Study and Reports
  • SB691/HB333: Healthcare Ecosystem Cyber Work Group
  • SB909/HB1037: Energy Resource Adequacy Planning Act
  • Operating Funds: Fund Study by Comptroller Required by SB149
  • Operating Funds: MSDE Three Positions to Assist LEAs with Cybersecurity
  • HB384/SB157: Disability Service Animal Program
  • SB121: Vehicle Laws – Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems Pilot Program – Inspection and Extension
  • SB168: Confined Aquatic Disposal Cells – Construction – Moratorium
  • SB227: Workers’ Compensation – Payment From Uninsured Employer’ Fund – Revisions
  • HB193/SB219: Uninsured Employers’ Fund – Assessments and Special Monitor
  • SB0972: Anne Arundel County – Board of License Commissioners – Alterations
  • SB503/HB481: Washington County – Board of License Commissioners – Membership
  • HB1316: Primary and Secondary Education – Youth-Centric Technology and Social Media Resource Guide
  • SB116/HB270: Data Center Impact Study
  • SB455: Security Guard Agencies – Special Police Officers – Application for Appointment
  • HB628: Highways – Sidewalks and Bicycle Pathways – Construction and Reconstruction
  • SB587: State Government – Maryland Reparations Commission

Veto letters will be posted on the General Assembly website, in the coming days.