Rep. Scott Phillips

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new funding programs within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation to support technology-based startups and university-led innovation projects. The first program offers $50,000 grants to startups located in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area, while the second pilot program provides incentives for technology businesses founded by students or faculty at local universities. To qualify for the university program, participating schools must contribute up to $50,000 annually, and projects must focus on creating new businesses, commercializing products, or fostering inclusive entrepreneurial development. The legislation also removes a previous requirement for funding a telework assistance grant program and sets aside $1.5 million for the university pilot program for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Prison Education Delivery Reform Commission in Maryland to study how education impacts the criminal justice system and to develop strategies for reducing recidivism. The commission will be composed of state officials, experts, community representatives, and individuals with prior experience in the correctional system, who will meet to gather public input and research best practices across all levels of education. Over a two-year period, the group is tasked with creating a data-driven policy framework that evaluates current workforce programs and identifies ways to improve employment outcomes for incarcerated individuals. The commission must submit an interim report by June 2025 and a final report by January 2026, after which the legislation will automatically expire.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maryland's mental health laws to improve how individuals in crisis are evaluated and treated. It requires peace officers to transport people needing emergency evaluation to a nearby facility rather than strictly the nearest one, and it allows psychiatric nurse practitioners to conduct these evaluations alongside physicians. The legislation also mandates that every county establish an assisted outpatient treatment program, which can legally require individuals with severe mental illness to follow a treatment plan if they refuse voluntary care. Additionally, the bill ensures that public defenders provide legal representation during these proceedings and permits electronic submission of necessary petitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Maryland Deaths in Custody Oversight Board within the Governor's Office to investigate and analyze deaths of incarcerated individuals. The board will consist of members including formerly incarcerated citizens, family members of inmates, community justice reform representatives, and medical professionals. It requires correctional facilities to provide specific documents and information to the board for every death, including incident reports, complaints, and medical records. The board will conduct administrative and clinical reviews to assess facility conditions, staff responses, and medical care quality, then publish findings and recommendations online within 30 days of a death. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of State Police post certain investigation information on its website and report to the Governor and General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention within the Maryland Department of Health to address gun violence and misuse through a public health approach. The center will be led by an executive director who coordinates efforts with federal, state, and local agencies while actively seeking input from communities disproportionately affected by firearm violence and public health experts. Key responsibilities include developing state plans for violence reduction, issuing guidance on evidence-based strategies, facilitating data sharing, and conducting public awareness campaigns. Funding for the center will be included in the state budget starting in fiscal year 2026, and the law takes effect on October 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Jaycee Webster Victims' Rights Act, requires Maryland commitment units to inform victims, their representatives, and witnesses when a defendant or child respondent is released from confinement. When sending these notifications, the facility must include the name and phone number of a specific victim services employee from the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center to assist those affected. The law also mandates that commitment units notify these individuals about other significant events, such as escapes, transfers, or the death of the person in custody. Additionally, the legislation protects the privacy of witnesses and victims by prohibiting commitment units from sharing their contact information with the defendants.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law updates regulations on automatic license plate readers by clarifying that data stored via cloud computing counts as historical data. It establishes that such data belongs to the law enforcement agency that collected it and strictly prohibits selling or sharing it with other agencies or entities. The bill also extends legal penalties to vendors contracted by law enforcement agencies if they mishandle this information and requires new security procedures, including regular audits and breach reporting. Additionally, the legislation allows specific data to be uploaded to the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center for statewide analysis.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law updates criminal procedure rules to allow the use of forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis for identifying deceased or missing children under 18. The bill specifically permits law enforcement to use these genetic searches when a child's whereabouts are unknown, even if standard legal restrictions on such techniques would otherwise apply. By adding a new section to the state code, the legislation clarifies that existing limitations on DNA analysis do not block efforts to locate or identify these vulnerable individuals. The changes take effect on October 1, 2024, providing a legal framework for using genealogy databases in cases involving missing or deceased minors.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law, known as the Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024, allows the state and private individuals to sue firearm companies for creating public nuisances if they knowingly sell or market products that cause harm to the public. The bill requires these industry members to implement strict controls to prevent sales to prohibited persons, such as convicted felons or straw purchasers, and to stop the theft or loss of firearms. Violations of these rules can lead to civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages, court orders to stop specific practices, and legal fees, without requiring proof that the company intended to break the law. Additionally, the act directs the Attorney General to study whether the state can legally require gun manufacturers to pay for the costs of crime prevention and victim compensation.

Maddy summaryMaryland's HB 338 establishes strict rules for how law enforcement agencies can use facial recognition technology in criminal investigations. The bill prohibits using this technology to identify individuals in public spaces or for real-time tracking, except when investigating specific serious crimes like violence, human trafficking, or stalking. Additionally, results from facial recognition software cannot be the only evidence used to identify a suspect or establish probable cause; they must be supported by other independent proof. The law also prevents officers from telling witnesses that a suspect was identified via this technology before a formal lineup and bans comparing images against databases other than official driver's license or mugshot records. Finally, the state law overrides any local rules that might have been in place regarding the use of facial recognition.