Del. Dana Stein

Maddy summaryHB 222 prohibits the sale, transfer, or use of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) for fuel gas piping systems unless it meets specific safety standards: either the LC1027 standard from the International Fuel and Gas Code or proven resistance to 36 coulombs of electrical arcing. It directly affects builders, contractors, and suppliers working on new construction or major renovations (over 50% of building square footage) of natural gas or propane piping systems in Maryland. The bill mandates compliance for these systems and imposes civil penalties up to $1,000 for violations. It takes effect October 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1155 defines "ecological restoration" in Maryland law as activities aimed at recovering, re-establishing, or enhancing degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems. The definition specifically includes improving physical/chemical/biological processes, restoring natural functions, and protecting ecosystem resilience. The bill requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to update existing environmental regulations to incorporate or align with this new definition by October 1, 2025. This affects the department’s regulatory framework and any projects governed by those regulations, but does not create new requirements for landowners or developers. The bill solely clarifies terminology and mandates regulatory consistency.

Maddy summaryHB 1162 prohibits sellers of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration equipment from knowingly selling to unlicensed purchasers, except for specific exemptions (like homeowners doing their own work or licensed utility employees). Sellers with $100,000+ annual revenue must collect the purchaser’s license number at sale or provide a written notice explaining licensing requirements. They must also submit an annual report to the Board listing all purchasers’ names and license numbers. This law directly affects equipment sellers and unlicensed buyers, while exempting certain groups covered under existing exemptions in Section 9A-103. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 698 requires certain Maryland counties to report annually on development impact fees, surcharges, and excise taxes collected from new construction. Specifically, charter counties with such fees, code counties with local laws imposing them, and commission counties that have both authorization and enacted them must submit reports by July 1 each year to the Governor and General Assembly. The reports must detail total amounts collected, how funds are distributed to specific districts (like legislative or commissioner districts), and how much is used for capital projects such as transportation improvements, school construction, or other related infrastructure. Counties must make these reports publicly available on their websites or through other accessible means.

Maddy summaryHB 513 limits rooster ownership in Maryland to no more than 5 roosters per acre or 25 total on a single property, starting January 1, 2027, unless authorized by the Department of Agriculture. It directly affects property owners keeping roosters, excluding commercial poultry farms, schools, animal shelters, and 4-H members who provide written authorization with specific details (like breed and location). Violations may result in misdemeanor fines up to $1,000, with enforcement handled by the Department of Agriculture in cooperation with local animal control. The bill aims to address concerns linked to cockfighting and Avian Flu spread, as noted in its preamble.

Maddy summaryHB 1466 requires counties and municipalities in Maryland to adopt local rules allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - small secondary homes like backyard cottages or converted garages - on properties zoned for single-family homes by a specified deadline. It sets standards for approving ADU permits, calculating development fees, requiring parking spaces (both on- and off-street), and limiting utility fees or connection requirements for ADUs. The bill also prohibits property sale documents from restricting ADU development and allows homeowners associations to treat ADUs as separate lots for voting and fee purposes. This law directly affects single-family homeowners, local governments, and property associations by expanding housing options through updated zoning rules.

Maddy summaryHB 979 modifies Maryland's Self-Service Storage Act to strengthen notice requirements before storage facilities sell renters' stored items to cover unpaid fees. It requires operators to provide detailed written notices (via hand delivery, verified mail, or email with prior consent) at least 10 days before a sale, including specific charges due, a 14-day payment window, and sale details. Renters who haven't paid fees for over 60 days are directly affected, as operators must now follow these strict notification steps before selling their property. The bill also mandates 3 days of public advertising for sales through local newspapers, email, or online platforms. These changes aim to ensure renters receive clear, timely information before their belongings are sold.

Maddy summaryHB 1424, the "Protect Our Federal Workers Act," expands state financial assistance to Maryland residents affected by federal government disruptions beyond just shutdowns. It renames the "Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund" to the "Federal Government Employee Assistance Loan Fund" and broadens eligibility to include current federal employees not paid during shutdowns *and* Maryland residents recently terminated due to federal office closures, relocations, or mass layoffs. The bill allows funds from the state’s Catastrophic Event Account to cover costs for these individuals, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor. This changes existing law to provide loans for both ongoing shutdowns and post-layoff financial hardship from federal facility changes.

Maddy summaryHB 344 changes the board composition of the Maryland Environmental Service by replacing the State Treasurer with the Secretary of Planning or their designee. This affects the Service's governance structure, directly altering who serves on its Board of Directors. The bill also modifies term rules, stating that standard 4-year term provisions no longer apply to the Secretary of Planning or the Executive Director. These changes are made through amendments to Maryland's Natural Resources Code (Section 3-103). The bill focuses solely on administrative adjustments to board membership, with no new environmental policies.

Maddy summaryHB 502 establishes the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy within Maryland's Department of Disabilities and creates the "Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative." The bill directly affects state government agencies and employees with disabilities by requiring them to improve hiring, retention, and career advancement opportunities for people with disabilities. Key provisions include collecting employment data from state agencies, providing training on disability-inclusive hiring practices, and reporting annual progress to the Governor and General Assembly starting December 1, 2026. The initiative aims to reduce barriers in state employment through outreach, assistive technology access, and evaluating agency policies. The Office will begin operations on July 1, 2026, with mandatory reporting on outcomes and recommendations for improvement.