Maryland Trust Act - In Terrorem Clause - Void

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The Maryland Trust Act amendment declares any trust provision that tries to penalize a person for challenging the trust or related estate proceedings void, provided there is probable cause for such proceedings. It applies only to trusts created after the law takes effect, protecting beneficiaries and interested parties from coercive “in terrorem” clauses. The change aims to safeguard the right to contest trusts without fear of retaliation.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Judicial Proceedings — Bill Hearing
  Judicial Proceedings · Apr 2, 2026
• Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee
  Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee · Apr 2, 2026
• Judiciary — Bill Hearing
  Judiciary · Mar 11, 2026

History

1. May 12, 2026Approved by the Governor - Chapter 502
2. Apr 13, 2026Third Reading Passed
3. Apr 13, 2026Returned Passed
4. Apr 10, 2026Second Reading Passed
5. Apr 10, 2026Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
6. Apr 10, 2026Favorable Adopted
7. Mar 24, 2026Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
8. Mar 19, 2026Referred Judicial Proceedings
9. Mar 18, 2026Third Reading Passed
10. Mar 18, 2026Favorable Report by Judiciary
11. Mar 18, 2026Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
12. Mar 11, 2026Hearing canceled

The 12 most recent of 16 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Cardin · sponsor
• Taylor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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