April And May Are When Bills Are Signed Into Law

LaToya Nkongolo

Delegate, District 31

I entered the 2026 legislative session with a clear mission: Advocate for District 31 families, uphold common sense values, and deliver results on the issues that matter most to my constituents. My efforts this session were marked by both leadership and legislative success, including being appointed as Deputy Minority Whip of the House Judiciary Committee and passing more bills than any Republican delegate.

During the 2026 session, I successfully sponsored and passed four key pieces of legislation and co-sponsored eleven additional bills that were also passed.

Four pieces of legislation I championed were:

House Bill 393, which requires certain insurers to cover scalp cooling therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Previously considered a cosmetic expense, this treatment can significantly reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss. The advocacy of Amy Tanner, Rossalynn Ripper and others helped ensure the therapy is recognized as a medical necessity, easing both the emotional and financial burden on cancer patients. The bill was signed into law on April 14 and will take effect January 1, 2027.

House Bill 596, the Maryland Uniform Simultaneous Death Act, addresses inheritance complications when individuals, such as spouses, die within 120 hours of one another and survivorship cannot be determined. The law simplifies estate proceedings by treating each individual as having predeceased the other, preventing multiple and costly probate cases.

House Bill 606, which provides property tax payment deferrals for service members in Anne Arundel County.

House Bill 677, which expands protections to ensure the dignified disposition of veterans’ remains. Both measures reflect my continued support for those who serve the nation.

In addition, I sponsored House Bill 1358, known as the Local Workforce Solutions Investment Act, and helped secure passage of its senate counterpart, Senate Bill 777. This legislation strengthens local workforce development boards and enhances support for retraining programs, apprenticeships and rapid response efforts for workers impacted by layoffs, improving access to new employment opportunities across Maryland.

I also introduced several additional bills focused on business growth, family protection, child safety and parental rights — underscoring my ongoing commitment to policies that prioritize strong communities and economic opportunity.

As the 2026 legislative session concludes, my record reflects a focus on practical solutions and measurable outcomes for the residents of District 31. If you need assistance, please reach out to my office by calling 410-841-3510 or emailing latoya.nkongolo@house.maryland.gov. I look forward to continuing to serve our community.