SB 309 Maryland Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Department of Veterans and Military Families - Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program - Alterations

SB 309 requires Maryland's Department of Veterans and Military Families to create an online registry for veterans, military service members, and their families. The registry will collect basic contact information (name and email) and optional status details (such as veteran status, active duty service, or family relationship). It must provide updates on available services, benefits, and news relevant to these groups. The department must also report annual metrics on registry participation - including total users, status breakdowns, and new/removed users - to the Governor and legislature by December 31 each year. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Issues: ✓ Veterans

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2025

Signed into Law

May 2025

Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Signed May 6, 2025

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What changed between versions

First - Department of Veterans and Military Families - Online Registry → Third - Department of Veterans and Military Families - Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program - Alterations · 5 edits

MODERATE

SB 309 was amended to expand its scope from focusing solely on veterans to also include active service members and their families, and to strengthen the Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program's role in providing information and support. The bill now requires broader outreach efforts and includes additional statutory sections related to veterans' services.

Scope change

Expanded from veterans-only to include active service members and their families; added new statutory sections (9-942, 9-943) for enhanced outreach and communications planning.

SCOPE

Changed the bill title from 'Online Registry' to 'Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program - Alterations' to reflect broader program focus.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded program purpose to include service members and their families, not just veterans.

REQUIREMENT

Added new sections 9-942 and 9-943 requiring active outreach to help service members and families access benefits and services.

Modified reporting requirements to include status of federal veterans programs and online registry information.

DEFINITION

Adjusted statutory definitions to clarify applicability to service members in addition to veterans.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 28, 2025 · House of Delegates Mar 24, 2025

How they voted

41–0

Passed · 5 other

Total votes 46

Feb 28, 2025

D Democratic33

28 Yea 5

84% Yea

R Republican13

13 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 6, 2025

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 269

executive

Apr 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

Returned Passed

upper

Apr 7, 2025

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 3, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

lower

Apr 3, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable Report by Health and Government Operations

lower

Mar 24, 2025

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (138-0-1)

house of delegates

Mar 17, 2025

Committee

Referred Health and Government Operations

lower

Mar 17, 2025

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Mar 14, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Mar 14, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Feb 28, 2025

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (41-0-5)

senate

Jan 13, 2025

Committee

First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

3 primary · 0 co-sponsors