SB 494 requires Maryland state agencies managing public-private partnerships (like infrastructure projects) to consider using contractors participating in registered apprenticeship programs when selecting partners. It mandates that agencies make project-by-project decisions about this consideration before choosing a contracting method, weighing factors like labor stability, project costs, workforce development, and support for minority/women-owned businesses. The bill applies to defined "reporting agencies" (including state departments and specific universities) and focuses on ensuring projects advance state interests in skilled labor and community benefits. It does not mandate the use of apprenticeship programs but requires documented consideration of them as part of procurement decisions.
SB 493 requires the Governor to include a $5 million annual appropriation for the Maryland Pediatric Cancer Fund in the state budget, starting in fiscal year 2027. It also redirects money from the Cigarette Restitution Fund to this fund, altering how that fund's resources are allocated. The bill specifies that funds must support pediatric cancer research grants to eligible hospitals, labs, and researchers - excluding overhead costs - and limits administrative expenses to 5% of the fund. This directly affects Maryland-based pediatric cancer research organizations and ensures dedicated, ongoing funding through state budget processes.
HB 175 requires Maryland's Department of Human Services to automatically restore benefits lost due to EBT card theft or fraud without needing households to take further action. It mandates the Department to reimburse beneficiaries for fraud losses occurring between specific dates by a deadline, while prohibiting the requirement of police reports. The bill also requires ATM operators to ensure their machines support EBT card functionality and mandates an annual report to the legislature on EBT theft prevention. This directly affects EBT recipients (like SNAP or TANF beneficiaries) and impacts how the state handles fraud recovery and ATM accessibility for benefits.
HB 10 amends Maryland's scholarship program to streamline eligibility verification for veterans. It allows postsecondary institutions to contact the Department of Veterans and Military Families, upon a veteran applicant's request, to confirm disability status for the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program. This change directly affects veterans applying for the scholarship by simplifying proof of disability eligibility. The bill updates existing law to explicitly permit this verification process without requiring veterans to handle it themselves.
SB 232 requires Maryland's Department of Human Services to automatically restore benefits lost due to EBT card fraud (including theft, skimming, or identity fraud) without requiring households to submit police reports or take additional steps. The department must restore benefits within 10 days of notification and reimburse beneficiaries for fraud occurring between specific dates if claims are submitted by a deadline. The bill also mandates ATM operators to implement specific security features for EBT cards and requires the department to coordinate with vendors on fraud prevention measures. This directly affects EBT beneficiaries who experience card fraud, streamlining the process to recover lost benefits.
SB 98 modifies student member provisions for school boards in Baltimore, Frederick, Howard, and Washington counties. It removes the requirement for Baltimore County student members to complete budget training before voting, while adding a nonvoting student member position to the Washington County Board with a new scholarship and reimbursement for their activities. The bill also updates voting restrictions for student members across all four counties, clarifying they cannot vote on personnel dismissals, special education appeals, or certain board appeals. These changes aim to adjust student representation roles without altering their core advisory function.
SB 300 creates a specific felony offense for the theft of a handgun in Maryland, separate from general theft statutes. It directly affects anyone who steals a handgun or knowingly possesses one they believe was stolen. The bill amends the criminal law to establish that stealing a handgun automatically qualifies as a felony, regardless of the handgun's value, with penalties ranging from 5 years to 20 years in prison and restitution requirements based on the handgun's value. This replaces the standard theft thresholds (like the $1,500 minimum for other property) and applies strict penalties for handgun theft.
SB 45 updates Maryland's vehicle laws to ensure fair compensation for dealers performing warranty and recall repairs. It requires manufacturers to pay dealers at rates matching their standard non-warranty repair charges for labor and parts, prohibits manufacturers from selling parts directly to customers, and bans forcing dealers to use specific third-party service providers. The bill also allows dealers to complete warranty and recall repairs even if their franchise agreement ends. These changes directly affect vehicle dealers and manufacturers by restructuring financial obligations and service requirements.
SB 141 allows incarcerated individuals aged 60+ who have served 20+ years to file a motion requesting a reduced sentence. The court must hold a hearing (with options for video attendance) and consider specific factors like the person’s age, rehabilitation efforts, completion of educational programs, and whether they pose no public safety risk. A sentence reduction is only permitted if the court determines the individual isn’t a danger to the public and reducing the sentence better serves justice. The bill applies to current sentences and consecutive terms, requiring courts to document their reasoning based on the 10 listed factors before granting relief.
The Maryland Second Look Act (SB 39) allows individuals serving long prison sentences to petition for a sentence reduction after meeting specific criteria: at least 20 years without credit for good behavior or 25 years with such credit, and at least five years since a prior petition. The court must hold a hearing, provide legal counsel (including public defender representation for indigent petitioners), and notify victims and their representatives, who may attend and testify. For those sentenced as minors, the court must release them within three years if they've matured and rehabilitated, unless public safety requires otherwise. The bill prohibits increasing sentences and permits appeals within 30 days to the Appellate Court of Maryland.
SB 289 proposes removing the requirement that Baltimore City must seek voter approval for certain debts created by the Mayor and City Council. It directly affects Baltimore City officials, eliminating the need for a majority vote at elections to authorize debt for projects like development districts. The bill replaces voter approval with a requirement that debt ordinances must either be approved by Baltimore City's representatives in the Maryland General Assembly or authorized by an act of the legislature. This change streamlines debt authorization while maintaining the existing 40-year repayment limit for city debt.
SB 16 amends Maryland law to adjust funding rules for the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. It increases the maximum grant coverage from 50% to 80% of project costs for heritage area planning, development, and management plans. The bill also reduces the allowable percentage of Program Open Space funds used for the Authority’s operating expenses (from 10% to 7%) while allowing up to 50% of these funds to cover bond debt service. These changes directly affect local jurisdictions, heritage area management entities, and the Authority itself by altering how they access and utilize state funding for heritage preservation and programming.
