Del. Jen Terrasa

Maddy summaryHB 1360 updates Maryland's lobbying reporting requirements under the Public Ethics Law. It modifies the deadlines for regulated lobbyists to file annual reports - requiring filings by February 15, March 15, May 31, and November 30 each year - to cover specific reporting periods. The bill specifies detailed categories of information lobbyists must disclose, including compensation, office expenses, meals for officials, and other lobbying-related expenditures. These changes directly affect entities registered as lobbyists under Maryland law who influence legislative or executive actions. The bill focuses on clarifying and adjusting reporting timelines and content without altering lobbyist registration thresholds.

Maddy summaryHB 1488 proposes amending the Maryland Constitution to replace gendered terms like "man," "his," and "him" with gender-neutral language such as "person" and "their." It specifically targets multiple articles and sections across the Constitution (including the Declaration of Rights, Executive Department, and Judiciary Department) to update outdated terminology. The bill does not change substantive rights or policies but modernizes the language to be inclusive. This is a procedural constitutional amendment focused solely on terminology, not on altering legal obligations or government functions.

Maddy summaryHB 1296 requires developers of new residential projects with at least five homes located within walking distance of a public school to submit a "Safe School Route Report" as part of their preliminary subdivision or site plan. The report must identify affected schools, assess existing pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure, propose safe routes, and detail gaps or hazards like missing sidewalks. This applies to most new housing developments but excludes projects intended as housing for older persons under federal law. Local governments cannot approve such plans without this report, aiming to improve safety for students walking or biking to school.

Maddy summaryHB 1460 (Landlord and Tenant - Investor-Owned Single-Family Rental Property - Landlord Requirements) limits rent for investor-owned single-family rentals (defined as properties owned by individuals with two or more rental properties in Maryland). It sets a maximum rent at 120% of either the federal fair market rent for the area or the home’s last sale price divided by 12, and prohibits landlords from charging more than documented utility costs or $100/month in mandatory fees. Landlords must disclose the fair market rent, last sale price, and maximum allowable rent to tenants before lease agreements, and the state must maintain a public registry of these landlords. Violations can result in fines up to $10,000, license suspension, or tenant lawsuits seeking triple damages. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 444 prohibits Maryland state and local governments, including county sheriffs and agencies, from entering into new agreements with federal authorities to enforce civil immigration law. It requires existing agreements to be terminated by July 1, 2026, or immediately upon the law’s effective date (June 1, 2026). The bill specifically targets contracts, memorandums, or agreements that allow local entities to assist in federal immigration enforcement under federal laws like 8 U.S.C. § 1103 or § 1357. This directly affects local law enforcement agencies and government bodies that previously collaborated with federal immigration authorities. The law aims to prevent state/local resources from being used for immigration enforcement under federal programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1131 (Pregnancy Outcome Protection Act) prohibits law enforcement and agencies from investigating, prosecuting, or imposing civil liability on individuals who experienced pregnancy loss (including miscarriage, stillbirth, or self-managed abortion), except when independent evidence of unrelated criminal conduct exists or the individual consents. It protects healthcare providers from liability for supporting patients during or after pregnancy loss and restricts disclosure of medical records related to pregnancy loss without evidence of abuse, unrelated criminal conduct, or patient consent. The bill creates a private right to sue for violations and establishes misdemeanor penalties for knowingly violating its provisions. These changes apply to all Maryland residents and healthcare providers within the state’s health system.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 13 as Korean American Day in Maryland. It requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation urging educational and cultural organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. The bill is procedural and commemorative, with no funding or new policy requirements. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not directly impact individuals or create new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1575, the Community Trust Act, prohibits state and local correctional facilities and their employees from detaining individuals or sharing information with federal immigration authorities based on immigration status, except when required by a judicial warrant or for routine booking. It bans asking about citizenship, prolonging detention for immigration reasons, transferring individuals to immigration authorities without a warrant, or coercing people based on immigration status. Exceptions include when immigration status relates to legal protections under state/federal law or international treaties, allowing facilities to notify individuals or offer voluntary disclosure. Correctional facilities must adopt policies with penalties for violations, and affected individuals can seek damages or injunctions if harmed by a breach.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maryland's Governor to annually proclaim May as Water Safety Month. It directs the Governor to urge educational and civic organizations to host events focused on drowning prevention and safe water practices. The law modifies Maryland's code to establish this annual designation, taking effect October 1, 2026. It directly affects the Governor's office and organizations coordinating public safety awareness.

Maddy summaryHB 620 designates April as "Maryland Climate Education Month" each year. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation urging Maryland residents of all ages to participate in climate education activities and take actions supporting the state’s climate goals. The bill does not create new regulations or funding but establishes a symbolic annual observance. It directly affects the Governor (through the proclamation requirement) and Maryland residents (through the call to participate). The key mechanism is the mandatory annual proclamation with specific educational and action-oriented guidance.