AARP Maryland Celebrates Successful 2026 Legislative Session

Longevity Ready Maryland, Fraud Protections, Support for Caregivers Among Wins for Older Marylanders

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:05am

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A serene, painterly image of a state capitol building in warm, golden light, evoking a sense of civic pride and the quiet power of grassroots advocacy.AARP Maryland's legislative advocacy efforts have resulted in key wins for the state's aging population, from protecting vulnerable adults to supporting family caregivers.Annapolis Today

AARP Maryland is celebrating a slate of more than 40 legislative wins for older Marylanders, including protections for vulnerable adults, support for family caregivers, simplified procedures for property transfers, improvements in long-term care oversight, and a multi-sector plan for aging.

Why it matters

These legislative wins demonstrate AARP Maryland's advocacy efforts to empower people to live their best lives as they age. The new laws address key issues facing older Marylanders, such as financial exploitation, long-term care, and caregiver support, which are crucial for supporting the state's aging population.

The details

Key bills that passed include the Longevity Ready Maryland Act, which codifies the state's 10-year plan to manage its aging population, the Safe Staffing Act to improve hospital staffing, and measures to fund the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and close loopholes in the involuntary discharge process. The LEAD Act also addresses elopement risk across the lifespan, and the Vulnerable Adult Banking Protection Act allows financial institutions to temporarily delay or deny suspicious transactions to prevent financial exploitation.

  • The 2026 Legislative Session wrapped up during Sine Die.

The players

Hank Greenberg

AARP Maryland State Director.

Sara Westrick

AARP Maryland Advocacy Director.

Jim Campbell

AARP Maryland State President Emeritus.

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What they’re saying

“The Longevity Ready Maryland Act aligns with AARP's mission to empower people to live their best life as they age. Age-friendly planning benefits everyone. When we design communities with safe streets, accessible housing, reliable transportation, and opportunities for connection and lifelong learning, people of all ages benefit.”

— Sara Westrick, AARP Maryland Advocacy Director

“By empowering frontline workers, Maryland ensures staffing plans are grounded in real-world patient care conditions. In addition, giving employees a voice in staffing decisions improves morale and retention, which is critical to addressing the staffing challenges experienced at many Maryland hospitals.”

— Sara Westrick, AARP Maryland Advocacy Director

“The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman provides an essential function, often resolving issues with a high rate of satisfaction for residents. We rely on the Office and are heartened to see this bill supporting its work.”

— Sara Westrick, AARP Maryland Advocacy Director

“Involuntary discharge is often one of the most traumatic events a nursing facility resident can experience. This bill will help protect Maryland's most vulnerable residents at their most vulnerable time.”

— Sara Westrick, AARP Maryland Advocacy Director

“The Vulnerable Adult Banking Protection Act is a critically needed bill that will help stop financial exploitation before the money is lost, when intervention can still make a difference. Financial exploitation of older adults is one of the fastest-growing and most devastating forms of elder abuse.”

— Sara Westrick, AARP Maryland Advocacy Director

What’s next

The bills passed during the 2026 legislative session will now go to the governor's desk for signature, and AARP Maryland will continue to monitor their implementation to ensure they effectively support older Marylanders.

The takeaway

AARP Maryland's advocacy efforts have resulted in a significant number of legislative wins that address key issues facing the state's aging population, from protecting vulnerable adults to supporting family caregivers and improving long-term care oversight. These measures demonstrate the organization's commitment to empowering older Marylanders to live their best lives.