Del. Jen Terrasa

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Maryland Transportation Authority to waive unpaid video tolls and associated penalties without recalling the debt from the state's Central Collection Unit. It applies when tolls exceed $300, were assessed within 30 days, or if mitigating circumstances exist. If waived, the Authority must notify the Central Collection Unit to adjust collection fees accordingly. It directly affects drivers who owe video tolls (e.g., from cameras instead of E-ZPass) and streamlines collections for recent or high-value unpaid charges.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 establishes the Maryland Commission on Women’s Health Advancement to study the feasibility of creating a state women’s hospital in Southern Maryland and a statewide clinical network focused on women’s health across all life stages. The commission, composed of 20 members including legislators, health experts, patient advocates, and representatives addressing racial and socioeconomic health disparities, must analyze healthcare gaps, financial viability, and alternative approaches like hub networks. It is required to submit an initial action plan by January 1, 2027, and annual progress reports through 2032 to the governor and legislature. The bill does not mandate building the hospital but directs the commission to evaluate options for improving access to women’s healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHB 1378 prohibits Maryland corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other legally formed entities from spending money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, committees, or ballot initiatives. It defines "election activity" and "ballot issue activity" broadly to include direct spending on political campaigns or ballot measures, but excludes bona fide news reporting by independent media. The bill requires the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to create enforcement rules, including penalties like forfeiture of corporate charter privileges and requiring entities to return funds spent on prohibited activities. This law directly affects all domestic and foreign business entities operating under Maryland law, clarifying that their charters do not grant inherent political rights.

Maddy summaryHB 1405 restricts campaign finance activities for candidates running for specific state offices (including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, and General Assembly members) and their representatives during regular legislative sessions. The bill prohibits them from receiving new contributions, holding fundraisers, soliciting donations, or using un-deposited funds during sessions, with exceptions for activities related to their own federal/local election campaigns, gubernatorial fundraising during election years, and pre-session electronic contributions. Violations would result in civil penalties directed to the state's Fair Campaign Financing Fund. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1465 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to update stormwater management rules, prioritizing practices that maintain predevelopment runoff characteristics and protect water quality. It directly affects local governments (counties/municipalities) that adopt stormwater ordinances, developers who must implement environmental site design, and the Department itself. Key provisions mandate that stormwater plans prevent soil erosion, reduce pollution in runoff, maintain stream channel integrity, restore water quality, and use the latest precipitation data. The bill also restricts using stream/floodplain restoration projects to meet certain mitigation or permit requirements and requires the Department to review rules every 5 years. These changes aim to improve watershed health while ensuring development minimizes impacts on Maryland's waterways.

Maddy summaryHB 1316 directs the Hilltop Institute at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to study the feasibility of implementing a single-payer universal health care system in Maryland. The study will evaluate coverage scope (including essential benefits under federal law and Maryland programs), cost projections, and potential impacts on health equity and access, while examining how to integrate existing programs like Medicaid and Medicare. An Advisory Commission, composed of state officials, labor representatives, and community stakeholders, will assist the Institute in developing final recommendations. This bill is purely a study mandate with no immediate policy changes; it aims to inform future legislative decisions about universal health care.

Maddy summaryHB 1133 requires drug manufacturers and patient advocacy groups receiving drug manufacturer funding to register with Maryland's Department of Health before running disease awareness campaigns. It mandates that campaign materials disclose if the campaign relates to a drug or device the manufacturer is developing, manufacturing, or marketing. The law directly affects drug companies and patient advocacy organizations that receive manufacturer funding for campaigns focused on specific medical conditions. Campaigns promoting marketed drugs must include a clear statement identifying the specific drug or device being promoted. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1065 establishes a grant program for Maryland manufacturers of cement, concrete, or construction materials that use coal ash waste (like fly ash or bottom ash) as feedstock. It requires the Department of the Environment to award grants to eligible manufacturers meeting specific criteria, including using Maryland-sourced coal by-products, creating jobs in communities affected by coal waste, and demonstrating measurable greenhouse gas reductions compared to conventional materials. The bill also mandates that all state government agencies give procurement preference to bids that incorporate these coal by-products. This directly affects cement/concrete manufacturers, state purchasing decisions, and communities near coal waste generation sites. The policy change focuses on repurposing existing coal waste for construction materials through financial incentives and procurement rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1237 establishes a new "Residential Pollinator Protection and Neighbor Notification Registry" managed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. It requires pesticide businesses with residential subscription contracts to inspect properties before each application, communicate findings and recommend non-chemical options, and provide written safety information to customers. The bill also mandates posting visible signs for 48 hours after pesticide applications and creates the registry for residents who want advance notice of pesticides applied to nearby properties. Residents can register to receive notifications if their property is adjacent to a registered location, and the form asks about pesticide sensitivities, pets, or pollinator habitats. This directly affects residential customers, pesticide licensees, and the Department of Agriculture.

Maddy summaryHB 1289 establishes a 12-member Task Force to study approval voting and ranked-choice voting in Maryland. The Task Force, including election officials, local government representatives, and experts in election systems, will review how these voting methods are used elsewhere, assess administrative impacts, examine effects on voter participation, and identify necessary legal or regulatory changes. It must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by December 1, 2027, before the task force automatically expires on June 30, 2028. The bill does not implement voting changes but creates a study group to inform future decisions. This task force directly involves state and local election administrators and officials.