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EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW.
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*hb0535*
HOUSE BILL 535
J1 6lr1969
By: Delegates Arentz, Ghrist, Jacobs, T. Morgan, and Reilly
Introduced and read first time: January 27, 2026
Assigned to: Health
Committee Report: Favorable
House action: Adopted
Read second time: February 18, 2026
CHAPTER ______
AN ACT concerning 1
Food Establishments – Cottage Food Businesses – Maximum Annual Revenue 2
FOR the purpose of increasing the maximum amount of annual revenue a business may 3
generate from the sale of cottage food products to be considered a cottage food 4
business; and generally relating to cottage food businesses. 5
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 6
Article – Health – General 7
Section 21–301(a) and (b–2) 8
Annotated Code of Maryland 9
(2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 10
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 11
Article – Health – General 12
Section 21–301(b–1) 13
Annotated Code of Maryland 14
(2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 15
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 16
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 17
Article – Health – General 18
21–301. 19
2 HOUSE BILL 535
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 1
(b–1) “Cottage food business” means a business that: 2
(1) Produces or packages cottage food products in a residential kitchen; 3
(2) Sells the cottage food products in accordance with § 21 –330.1 of this 4
subtitle and regulations adopted by the Department; and 5
(3) Has annual revenues from the sale of cottage food products in an 6
amount not exceeding [$50,000] $100,000. 7
(b–2) “Cottage food product” means a nonhazardous food, as specified in regulations 8
adopted by the Department, that is sold in the State in accordance with § 21–330.1 of this 9
subtitle and regulations adopted by the Department: 10
(1) Directly to a consumer from a residence, at a farmer’s market, at a 11
public event, by personal delivery, or by mail delivery; or 12
(2) To a retail food store, including a grocery store, or a food cooperative. 13
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 14
October 1, 2026. 15
Approved:
________________________________________________________________________________
Governor.
________________________________________________________________________________
Speaker of the House of Delegates.
________________________________________________________________________________
President of the Senate.