Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB1345: Maryland Trust Act - In Terrorem Clause - Void
Status: Signed into law, May 12, 2026
Establishing that, under the Maryland Trust Act, a certain in terrorem clause contained in a trust is void under certain circumstances.
What the bill says
An act concerning Maryland Trust Act - In Terrorem Clause - Void FOR the purpose of establishing that, under the Maryland Trust Act, a certain in terrorem clause contained in a trust is void under certain circumstances; and generally relating to the Maryland Trust Act. BY adding to Article - Estates and Trusts Section 14.5-113 Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement).
From the enrolled text, May 19, 2026:
AN ACT concerning Maryland Trust Act - In Terrorem Clause - Void FOR the purpose of establishing that, under the Maryland Trust Act, a certain in terrorem clause contained in a trust is void under certain circumstances; and generally relating to the Maryland Trust Act. BY adding to Article - Estates and Trusts Section 14.5-113 Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Estates and Trusts 14.5-113. IF PROBABLE CAUSE EXISTS FOR INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS, A PROVISION IN A TRUST PURPORTING TO PENALIZE AN INTERESTED PERSON FOR CONTESTING THE TRUST OR INSTITUTING OTHER PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE ESTATE IS VOID. SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall be construed to apply only prospectively and may not be applied or interpreted to have any effect on or application to any cause of action arising before the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 1, 2026. Approved by the Governor, May 12, 2026.
Sponsors
- Jon Cardin (D, HD-011) · primary sponsor
- Kym Taylor (D, 23)
Latest actions
- : Approved by the Governor - Chapter 502
- : Returned Passed
- : Third Reading Passed (46-0)
- : Second Reading Passed
- : Favorable Adopted
- : Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
- : Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
- : Referred Judicial Proceedings
- : Third Reading Passed (132-0)
- : Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
Votes
- Third Reading Passed (46-0) (April 13, 2026): 46 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Third Reading Passed (132-0) (March 18, 2026): 132 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HB1345?
- HB1345 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Maryland Trust Act - In Terrorem Clause - Void.
- What does HB1345 do?
- In its own words: An act concerning Maryland Trust Act - In Terrorem Clause - Void FOR the purpose of establishing that, under the Maryland Trust Act, a certain in terrorem clause contained in a trust is void under certain circumstances; and generally relating to the Maryland Trust Act. BY adding to Article - Estates and Trusts Section 14.5-113 Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement).
- What is the status of HB1345?
- Signed into law as of May 12, 2026. Latest action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 502 (May 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1345?
- Jon Cardin (D, HD-011), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for HB1345?
- On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb1345?ys=2026RS
Source: official Maryland record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.