Maddy summaryHB 46 establishes a 5-year pilot program to reduce problem gambling among college students by creating "no gambling zones" on campuses. Bowie State University and Morgan State University must participate, requiring online sports wagering operators to implement geofencing technology that blocks access within designated campus zones and displays responsible gambling information. The program, running from July 2026 to 2031, mandates the State Lottery Commission to collaborate with universities and a gambling research center to develop signage, identify effective technologies, and analyze data on geofencing's viability. It aims to test whether technology can mitigate gambling harms on campuses while collecting data to inform future enforcement of online sports wagering laws.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1250 regulates how chatbots are designed, operated, and made available to users in Maryland. It requires developers and operators to obtain clear user permission before collecting data, display specific safety warnings (especially for minors), and follow strict privacy rules for handling personal information. The bill also treats chatbots as "products" for liability purposes, meaning users can pursue legal claims if chatbots cause harm, and mandates that state agencies develop educational materials about behavioral health services. These rules apply to all chatbots used in Maryland, including those operated by government entities.
Maddy summaryHB 1309 establishes a Commission to study racial disparities in Maryland’s criminal justice system, directly affecting African American, Hispanic, and other non-White individuals who experience disproportionate treatment. The Commission, composed of legislative leaders, public defenders, prosecutors, court officials, and community advocates, will examine disparities in policing, arrests, sentencing, and data collection. It will specifically assess cumulative impacts of disparate practices, mandatory minimums (including firearm offenses), and propose reforms like race-neutral risk assessments and expanded judicial discretion. The Commission must make recommendations by 2028, focusing on systemic changes to improve transparency and reduce racial inequities without implementing new laws itself.
Maddy summaryHB 1454 allows campaign finance entities (like candidate committees) to use campaign funds for security expenses when a verified threat arises from a candidate's or official's role or associations. It requires campaigns to document threats, track security spending, and return purchased items or reimburse the campaign within one year after a threat ends. The bill sets a $10,000 lifetime spending limit per protected individual (including candidates, officials, family members, and staff) and prohibits using funds for firearms or security payments to certain family members. Campaigns must include threat details in financial reports, and security expenses must relate to documented threats verified by law enforcement.
Maddy summaryHB 1041 prohibits Maryland's Department of Health from issuing or renewing certificates for youth camps if any structures used to house campers are located in a flood hazard area. This affects all youth camps (as defined by Maryland law) that operate in areas at risk of flooding, including day camps, residential camps, and travel camps. The bill amends health regulations to require the Department to deny certifications for camps meeting this criterion, rather than accepting alternative accreditation. It takes effect October 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 1561 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to mandate investor-owned electric utilities to develop resource adequacy plans if the state faces insufficient power supply capacity or experiences severe price spikes in the PJM electricity market. The bill directs utilities to prioritize renewable energy investments in these plans and allows them to recover reasonable costs (including stranded investments) through regulated surcharges. It modifies how utilities can recover expenses for building power generation facilities and transmission infrastructure, ensuring cost recovery aligns with federal rate base approvals. This directly affects Maryland's major electric utilities (like Potomac Electric Power Company) and their ratepayers through potential cost adjustments.
Maddy summaryHB 704 establishes Maryland's Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program within the State Department of Education. It provides state funding to cover the difference between federal reimbursement rates for free and paid school meals, directly supporting Maryland schools with high poverty rates (25%+ students qualifying for free meals) that participate in the federal child nutrition program. The state will appropriate $10 million annually starting in fiscal year 2028 to complement federal funds, with funds distributed based on school poverty concentration and geographic diversity. Schools must report on program outcomes, meal debt resolution, and reasons for opting out of federal eligibility, with annual reports published online.
Maddy summaryHB 935 requires Maryland to establish a dedicated prerelease facility for female incarcerated individuals, directly affecting women eligible for prerelease programs at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women. The bill mandates a separate facility meeting specific criteria: at least 3 acres, not within 1 mile of other prisons, and designed to house 1.25 times the 2024 prerelease-eligible population. It requires the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to provide comprehensive rehabilitative services (including gender-responsive programming) and report progress to legislative committees by a specified deadline. The facility must operate by June 1, 2023, with the Department of General Services directing procurement for its construction.
Maddy summaryHB 506 establishes the Transformational Project Financing Program under Maryland's Economic Development Corporation. It allows local governments (political subdivisions) to apply for designation of specific areas as "State-supported development districts" to fund major development projects. The key mechanism redirects property tax revenue from increased property values ("tax increment") within these districts into a dedicated fund, rather than the general municipal budget, for approved projects. Priority areas include sustainable communities, transit-oriented developments, and designated enterprise zones. This program modifies existing law to create a structured process for economic development financing through tax increment funding.
Maddy summaryHB 162 requires Maryland’s Department of Aging to provide resources, training, grants, and support to the Maryland Access Point network to establish dementia-friendly communities. It directly affects individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers by mandating community-based efforts to reduce stigma, improve physical accessibility (like clear signage), and promote social inclusion. Key provisions include requiring the Access Point network to create public educational materials about dementia support and ensuring communities implement specific actions - such as making environments safer, enabling participation in community life, and training local businesses and responders. The bill updates Maryland’s Aging and Disability Resource Center Program to prioritize dementia-friendly initiatives, effective October 2026.