Voters can access the annual Maryland Humane Scorecard to learn which state delegates and senators advanced laws this year that help pets, wildlife and animals used in research

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 18, 2026)—Today Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund, released its 2026 Maryland Humane Scorecard ahead of the state’s primary election on June 23. Published annually since 2021, the Maryland scorecard grades state lawmakers in the General Assembly on their actions during the most recent legislative session to advance animal protection.

Released by the nation’s leading political animal advocacy organization, the 2026 Maryland Scorecard provides an overview of how every state legislator voted on important animal measures. The actions taken by lawmakers in Annapolis reflect the broad reach of animal issues in the state: a place where more than 1,000 wildlife species call home and a place that has a pet in almost half of every household.

Votes this year also included groundbreaking legislation on animal testing at research laboratories that passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law. The Animal Research Modernization and Best Practices Act affirms Maryland’s leadership in the fight to end animal testing. As the federal government approves the use of new non-animal testing methods, research facilities in Maryland will be required to replace cruel animal experiments with animal-free, cutting-edge alternatives.

“We’re grateful to the Maryland General Assembly for its bipartisan support of the Animal Research Modernization and Best Practices Act, and the leadership of Senate President Ferguson and House Speaker Peña-Melnyk to take a meaningful step forward for animals in the name of modern, humane science,” said Stacey Volodin, Maryland state director of Humane World Action Fund. “The 2026 Maryland Humane Scorecard highlights the actions lawmakers have taken on some of the most important animal protection issues before the General Assembly. It reflects what we hear from Maryland voters: people across the state care deeply about animals and want policies that move us toward a more compassionate future. We look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to build on this momentum and advance animal protection policies in the years ahead.”

About the scorecard

The 2026 Maryland Humane Scorecard includes bills that were considered by the Maryland General Assembly. Humane World Action Fund only scores bills that receive roll-call votes to accurately reflect legislators’ actions. Four of the scored pieces of legislation passed both chambers and were signed into law by Governor Wes Moore.

Nearly all Maryland Senators—42 in total—scored 80% or higher on the scorecard, with 38 senators receiving a perfect score of 100%. Additionally, the majority of Maryland House of Delegates—93 members—received a perfect score. When reading the scorecard, a ✓ indicates a pro-animal action.

  • Animal Research Modernization and Best Practices Act (SB 423/HB 666): The bill requires laboratories testing chemicals, drugs, pesticides and other products to replace animal experiments with approved non-animal alternatives once those alternatives are accepted by the federal government. It also requires research and testing facilities to annually report the number of dogs and cats used in experiments and adopted out after the experiments end to the Department of Agriculture. Colleges and universities will also be required to submit federal inspection results to the General Assembly. Sponsored by Sen. Ben Kramer (D-19) and Del. Bonnie Cullison (D-19) and signed into law.
  • Immunity From Liability – Donation of Pet Supplies (SB 314): The bill provides liability protection for anyone donating or distributing donated pet items. Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher (D-18) and signed into law.
  • Pet Cremation and Burial Services Consumer Protection Act (HB 564): The bill requires pet cremation providers to disclose service types such as private or communal and certify remains to ensure transparency. It also sets record-keeping standards and enforces consumer protection rules for greater accountability. Sponsored by Del. Nick Allen (D-8) and signed into law.
  • Endangered and Threatened Species of Migratory Birds (SB 431/HB 578): The bill updates the management of endangered and threatened species by requiring periodic regulatory review, adjusting criteria for listing decisions, and allowing delisting when conditions are met. It also outlines petition requirements, permits designation of essential habitats, and prohibits taking certain migratory birds. Sponsored by Sen. Benjamin Brooks (D-10) and Del. Julie Palakovich Carr (D-17) and signed into law.
  • Private Possession (HB 53): The bill expands the list of exotic animals prohibited for private possession to include kangaroos, zebras, wallabies and wallaroos. Sponsored by Del. Mary Lehman (D-21) and passed by the House.

As the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal protection, Humane World Action Fund publishes state legislative and congressional scorecards to track the relevant votes, co-sponsorships and other actions of lawmakers. These scorecards highlight which lawmakers are leading on animal protection, and which ones need greater pressure to act. Explore all our scorecards online at humaneaction.org/humane-scorecard.

Media Contact: Liz Bartolomeo: ebartolomeo@humaneaction.org, 240-472-0475