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SB 794

An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, in fire and marine insurance, further providing for municipal certificate required prior to payment of fire loss claims.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Argall and 2 co-sponsors

Would require MHIC contractor license to install residential solar systems, clarifying licensing as a home improvement and ensuring consumer protections.

Referred to Banking & Insurance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 794

Summary — SB 794: Maryland Home Improvement Commission — Residential Solar Power System Installation — Contractor License Required

Status: Withdrawn by sponsor (introduced Jan 28, 2025; later indefinitely postponed/withdrawn)

Purpose / Intent

SB 794 would have required that anyone who installs residential solar power system equipment in Maryland hold a contractor license issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). The bill’s intent was to ensure that solar installers operating on residential properties fall under MHIC regulation, licensing, and consumer protections (including access to the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund).

Key provisions

  • Amends Article — Business Regulation, §8‑101 and §8‑301(a):
    • Adds “installation of solar power systems equipment that is used to generate electricity for use on the property” to the statutory definition of “home improvement.”
    • Explicitly requires a person to have a MHIC contractor license when acting as a contractor to install residential solar power system equipment.
  • Effective date specified in the bill: October 1, 2025.

Who/what is affected

  • Primary: Individuals and firms that install residential solar power systems in Maryland. Under the bill they would be required to hold an MHIC contractor license when performing such work.
  • Secondary: Homeowners contracting for residential solar installations (would have recourse under MHIC licensing rules and access to the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund for qualifying losses).
  • State agencies: MHIC (within Maryland Department of Labor) for licensing oversight; Maryland Energy Administration (noted that its high-volume solar program already requires MHIC licenses for installers).

Fiscal and regulatory impact

  • Fiscal note (Maryland Department of Legislative Services): No State or local fiscal effect. The bill was described as codifying existing practice because MHIC already requires a contractor license for residential solar installers.
  • Small business effect: None reported in the fiscal note.
  • Policy impact: Clarifies statutory authority by explicitly including residential solar installation in the “home improvement” definition and eliminating ambiguity about licensing requirements.

Legislative history / procedural notes

  • Introduced in the Senate (Sen. Mautz listed as sponsor in the bill text); cross-filed companion: HB 1170 (Del. Adams et al.).
  • Assigned to Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee; bill text specified an October 1, 2025 effective date.
  • Subsequent actions: reported as indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration (May 3, 2025) and noted as “died in Appropriations Committee” (June 16, 2025) in available action listings. Current status: Withdrawn by sponsor.

Bottom line

SB 794 sought to make explicit in statute that residential solar installations are a regulated “home improvement” and that installers must hold MHIC contractor licenses — a change the fiscal analysis characterized as codifying current practice. The bill was later withdrawn by the sponsor and did not become law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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