Rep. Dana Stein

Maddy summaryHB 817 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to create permitting regulations for certified carbon removal technologies and practices by January 1, 2028. It mandates all state agencies to use existing funding to support carbon removal projects using technologies certified by internationally recognized third parties. The bill directly affects state agencies (which must allocate funds) and carbon removal technology providers (which must meet certification standards to qualify for permits). It aims to streamline regulatory processes by replacing outdated solid waste rules with new, technology-specific requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1022 prohibits the sale of specific products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals (such as cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, feminine hygiene items, and fabric treatments) in Maryland starting on set dates, phasing them out over time. It requires manufacturers to register products with PFAS and establishes testing to ensure compliance. The bill also creates the Maryland PFAS Chemicals Protection and Remediation Fund, funded by penalties and interest earnings, to support environmental cleanup projects. This law directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and consumers using these products within Maryland.

Maddy summaryHB 1508 requires the State Highway Administration to immediately notify state legislators representing the district where proposed highway work will occur. The notice must include the applicant's name, work location, expected start date, and a brief description of the work. This applies to all permit applications for highway projects, such as digging, placing structures, or planting trees. The bill updates Maryland law to ensure legislators receive timely information about highway work in their districts.

Maddy summaryHB 34 requires Maryland municipalities to install approved grating systems on all open drainage inlets (with 12-inch or larger openings) that collect stormwater. These systems must prevent large debris entry while allowing water flow and be secured to prevent removal by floodwater or tools. The law applies to both new inlets (during construction) and existing inlets, mandating full installation by June 1, 2027. It directly affects all Maryland municipalities by requiring infrastructure upgrades to improve stormwater management and safety.

Maddy summaryHB 382 (Maryland Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act) requires broadband providers serving 10,000+ Maryland customers to establish low-cost internet programs by December 1, 2026. These programs must offer minimum speeds of 100/20 Mbps (for households of two or fewer) or 200/20 Mbps (for larger households), at least 1.2 terabytes of data, and low latency for eligible low-income consumers. Eligibility includes households meeting federal poverty guidelines (350% of federal poverty level), qualifying for SNAP/food assistance, Medicaid, or low-income energy programs. Providers may raise prices by no more than 2% annually with 30 days’ notice, and cannot require automatic payment plans for program enrollment.

Maddy summaryHB 639, the Aviation Health and Safety Act, requires the Maryland Aviation Administration to create a form for passengers traveling involuntarily or in restraint (detained individuals). The form collects medical history (allergies, conditions, medications), legal details (attorney contact, case status), and minor/guardianship information. Flight crews must distribute and collect the forms, while fixed-base operators (FBOs) must verify forms are on board before providing services like fueling. The bill also prohibits refueling an aircraft while a restrained person is aboard and mandates specific services for restrained individuals when they disembark for refueling. These requirements apply to all aircraft carrying detained individuals within Maryland's jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryHB 212 creates a new process for new Maryland residents driving vehicles registered in another state. It requires these residents to either properly register their vehicle with Maryland within 60 days of moving or provide proof the vehicle isn't required to be registered in Maryland (like proof of ownership in another state). If they fail to comply within 60 days, a $7 daily civil fine begins until resolved, and after 120 days, local prosecutors may pursue civil action to immobilize the vehicle. The bill directly affects new Maryland residents who drive out-of-state registered vehicles, replacing automatic penalties with a warning and compliance period.

Maddy summaryHB 1492 establishes the right to strike for specific public school and library employees in Maryland, including certificated and noncertificated staff like substitute teachers, nurses, and JROTC instructors in certain counties. The bill prohibits public school and library employers from taking disciplinary action against employees who participate in or support strikes. It repeals the Public Employee Relations Board’s authority to deny or revoke a union’s certification as an exclusive bargaining representative under certain circumstances. These changes apply to defined groups of employees under Maryland’s Education Article, ensuring their collective bargaining rights are protected from employer retaliation.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a bill with enforceable policy changes. Maryland's General Assembly formally joins other states (like California and Oregon) and local jurisdictions in endorsing the "Back from the Brink" initiative. It urges Maryland's congressional delegation to cosponsor a federal resolution supporting the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and asks the U.S. President and Senate to endorse that treaty. The resolution expresses concern about nuclear risks but does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryHB 992 establishes a new electronic device producer responsibility program in Maryland, requiring manufacturers of covered devices (including computers, TVs, tablets, game consoles, and accessories like earbuds) to register, pay annual fees into a dedicated recycling fund, and include recycling information on products. The program mandates that manufacturers facilitate collection and recycling/refurbishment of covered devices through producer responsibility organizations, which must submit and get approval for plans from the Department of the Environment. It repeals older takeback program rules and creates an advisory council to guide implementation, while prohibiting manufacturers from selling devices without meeting these requirements. The law directly affects electronics manufacturers selling in Maryland, shifting responsibility for end-of-life device management to producers.