The 2026 legislative session in Annapolis brought three key developments in tobacco control policy. First, lawmakers declined to advance legislation that would have created an exemption to the Clean Indoor Air Act by expanding the number of businesses that allow indoor cigar smoking. This was met with praise by cancer survivors and health advocates, but, as one survivor advocate with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) described it, this session “we took one step forward and two steps back.”
State lawmakers cut overall funding for tobacco prevention and cessation by $1.58 million this year. Adding to it, the General Assembly failed to advance House Bill 1264 that would have ensured people who smoke who are enrolled in Medicaid have comprehensive, barriers-free access to prevention and cessation programming. These decisions come as the federal government has effectively eliminated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health.
In response, Lance Kilpatrick, government relations director for ACS CAN in Maryland, issued the following statement:
“Maryland lawmakers rejected a proposal to establish new licenses that would have created new opportunities for cancer-causing products to enter Marylanders’ daily lives. That decision is critical to preserving the Clean Indoor Air Act and protecting everyone’s right to breathe clean, smoke-free air. The fight is likely not over. We expect the effort to reemerge in 2027 and, when it does, cancer survivors and advocates will be back in Annapolis to oppose them just as forcefully.
“At the same time, we are deeply concerned that lawmakers’ commitment to tobacco control did not extend to tobacco prevention programs and cessation services. Funding continues to decline, and the legislature missed opportunities to invest in the health of Medicaid enrollees, suggesting that Maryland’s progress against tobacco has limits.
“No one should be left without support when they want to quit smoking or avoid starting in the first place. Yet, as we look to 2027, fewer Marylanders will have access to the resources they need. That is a step in the wrong direction.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.