Rep. Scott Phillips

Maddy summaryHB 823 requires developers of generative AI systems (like those creating text, images, or video) to publish detailed documentation about their training data before releasing or significantly updating these systems. Specifically, developers must post on their website by January 1, 2026, and after each major update, including data sources, how the data supports the AI's purpose, and dataset size (static or estimated for dynamic data). The law applies to public-facing AI systems released after January 1, 2022, but excludes specialized uses like hospital medical tools, aircraft safety systems, federal national security applications, and privacy protection tools. This mandate aims to increase transparency about the data powering AI systems that generate content for public use.

Maddy summaryHB 642, the "Ballot Petition Modernization Act," updates Maryland's election laws to allow electronic signatures on ballot petitions and strengthen voter data security. It requires the State Board of Elections to create rules for securely storing voter lists and verifying electronic signatures, replacing outdated paper-based requirements. The bill directly affects petition signers (who can now use digital signatures), circulators (who must verify signatures), and election officials (who must implement new security protocols). Key changes include adding electronic signature procedures, clarifying signature validation rules, and prohibiting commercial use of voter lists.

Maddy summaryHB 703 allows evidence of autism spectrum disorder, developmental disability, or intellectual disability diagnoses to be used in criminal cases when relevant to the defendant's mental state at the time of the alleged offense. It requires judges to consider such diagnoses during pretrial release decisions for defendants with these conditions. The bill updates Maryland's evidence rules (under Article 10-926) and pretrial procedures (under Article 5-216) to incorporate these specific diagnoses. It references existing definitions of "developmental disability" and "intellectual disability" from health law, without altering those definitions. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 625 establishes a new "Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Deed" system for real property in Maryland. It allows property owners to designate beneficiaries who automatically inherit the property upon the owner's death, bypassing court probate. Key provisions include creating standardized forms for creating and revoking TOD deeds, requiring recording in county land records (but exempting them from property transfer taxes), and making the law apply retroactively to deeds created before the bill's effective date. The bill directly affects Maryland residents who own real estate and wish to simplify property transfers to heirs without court involvement.

Maddy summaryHB 606 requires real estate professionals - such as developers, builders, brokers, and agents - to report the final sale price of new homes sold in Maryland into a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or similar public database within 30 days of the sale. This applies specifically to new home sales and directly affects those selling new properties. The key provision mandates that final sale prices, not initial listings, be entered into existing MLS systems used by real estate professionals. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, aiming to increase transparency in new home pricing data without creating new reporting systems.

Maddy summaryHB 613 requires Maryland courts to remove identifying information (like names, addresses, or phone numbers) from court documents in sexual assault cases, unless a judge finds "good cause" to disclose it. It specifically protects victims of sexual assault (defined as alleged victims of certain crimes under Maryland's Criminal Law Article) by mandating redaction of their personal details from all filings, including existing case documents, upon written request. The law also requires the Supreme Court of Maryland to establish rules for implementing this redaction process. This applies to both new court filings and existing cases in criminal or juvenile delinquency proceedings involving sexual assault. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 522 authorizes Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services to provide up to one year of funding for rehabilitation services to designated rehabilitation institutions. This bill directly affects institutions operating under the Department's oversight, including state juvenile diagnostic, training, detention, and rehabilitation facilities. The key provision amends existing law to explicitly allow the Department to fund these services, focusing on supporting rehabilitation programs rather than creating new mandates or altering service delivery structures. The funding mechanism is limited to a one-year period per institution.

Maddy summaryHB 635 requires police officers to document the specific reason for every traffic stop (e.g., speeding, broken taillight) on the citation or police report. It limits enforcement of certain vehicle law violations (like expired registration) to "secondary" actions only - officers must first stop a driver for a primary violation (e.g., speeding) before citing a secondary issue. If an officer fails to document the reason or violates the secondary enforcement rule, evidence from the stop may be excluded in court, and the officer could face administrative discipline. This bill directly affects police procedures during traffic stops and the admissibility of evidence in legal cases.

Maddy summaryHB 552 requires all Maryland higher education institutions to provide free fentanyl test strips (defined as "drug detection products") to students. These products must be available at no cost in campus health centers, libraries, and bathrooms. Institutions must also annually report to the Commission on naloxone use incidents and the quantity of test strips distributed. The bill directly affects colleges and universities across Maryland, aiming to improve access to overdose prevention tools for students. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 640 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to consider how proposed overhead transmission line projects affect properties already protected by conservation easements during certificate approval reviews. It mandates applicants to evaluate alternative routes that avoid these easements or minimize impacts on them, and to document route choices. This directly affects landowners with conservation easements near planned transmission lines and utilities seeking project approvals. The bill updates existing review criteria (Section 7-207(f)) to include this new requirement, effective October 1, 2025.