New MD Laws On Abortion, Taxes, Toll Penalties Went Into Effect July 1

MARYLAND — New laws took effect across the DMV Friday, including in Maryland. There is new legislation related to abortion, safety for athletes in schools and tax exemptions.

There are also laws now on the books for the state's mental health crisis hotline and waiving civil penalties for certain toll violations. Click on each bill or act's name to learn more about the specifics of its passage.

Here are a few of the laws that went into effect July 1:

Abortion Care Access Act - This legislation seeks to ensure that there are enough providers in the state to to perform abortions, establishes requirements for insurance coverage for abortions, and establishes an abortion provider training program.

Elijah Gotham Act - All middle and high schools are required to develop an emergency plan for all athletic venues, which include a defibrillator that is very close to the venue and cooling equipment. The act is named after a late high school football player in Baltimore who died after a traumatic brain injury during a game, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Tax Exemptions - A number of bills have rid certain products of Maryland sales tax, including diapers, car seats, and bottles, in addition to medical items like thermometers, masks, diabetic care products, and oral hygiene products, according to Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy nonprofit.

Senior Tax Credit - A new tax break will provide a $1,000 credit for anyone over 65 filing as an individual who makes less than $100,000 per year, or a $1,750 credit for a couple filing jointly that makes less than $150,000 per year.

988 Trust Fund - This law will make 9-8-8 as the primary phone number for Maryland's behavioral health crisis hotline, and creates the trust fund to reimburse for costs associated with establishing the line and keeping it active.

Toll Violations - This legislation requires the Maryland Department of Transportation to waive certain civil penalties for toll violations, and requires them to repay penalties that were paid in error.