Del. David Fraser-Hidalgo

Maddy summaryHB 827 establishes a new "distributed generation certificate of public convenience and necessity" required for constructing small-scale solar projects (like rooftop or ground-mounted systems under 20 MW). It directly affects solar developers, local governments, and utility regulators by requiring this permit before construction begins and prohibiting counties from using zoning laws to block ground-mounted solar installations. The bill also creates a Small Solar Siting Workgroup to develop statewide model policies and best practices for solar facility siting. These changes aim to streamline solar development while supporting Maryland's renewable energy goals, without altering existing permitting for larger power plants.

Maddy summaryHB 1254 establishes a state program to provide funding to Maryland public and nonpublic schools participating in the federal child nutrition program's community eligibility provision. The program covers the difference between federal paid and free meal reimbursement rates, helping schools avoid financial shortfalls when serving more students at no cost. The State Department of Education will distribute funds based on poverty concentration and geographic diversity in school districts. The state will appropriate $10 million annually starting in fiscal year 2027 to support this program.

Maddy summaryHB 1079 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to study the state's electric transmission and distribution systems by January 2026. The study must identify current and future system weaknesses, evaluate alternatives to building new transmission lines (including grid-enhancing technologies like dynamic line rating and microgrids), and assess economic, environmental, and social impacts. It also mandates including public input and recommending investments for modernization focused on reliability, cybersecurity, physical security, and energy conservation through technologies like two-way meters and demand response. This study will inform future grid improvements without mandating new infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 595, the Maryland Energy Independence Act, requires the Public Service Commission to set specific renewable energy targets for electricity generated within Maryland. It mandates that 50% of all electricity sold in the state must come from in-state renewable sources by 2030, rising to 70% by 2035 and 80% by 2040. These targets directly affect electricity providers and the Public Service Commission, which must establish and enforce the goals. The bill amends Maryland law to prioritize locally generated renewable energy, replacing prior standards with these new, time-bound requirements. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1332 exempts property owned by Glenstone Foundation, Inc. from Maryland property taxes if used exclusively for specific purposes. The bill allows tax exemption for property storing art/equipment (Section 7-251(1)(I)), supporting environmental conservation through gardens/wildlife habitats (Section 7-251(1)(II)), or providing housing for essential museum staff like caretakers or security personnel (Section 7-251(1)(III)). This exemption applies to all taxable years beginning after June 30, 2025, and directly affects Glenstone Foundation’s qualifying properties. The bill creates a targeted tax exemption for one organization’s operational needs without altering broader tax policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1431 restricts federal immigration enforcement agencies from accessing Maryland state and local government databases without a valid warrant. It requires state/local law enforcement agencies, DMV, and other government units to deny federal requests for personal information, photos, or facial recognition data unless accompanied by a federal or Maryland court warrant. The bill also mandates annual reporting to the legislature on all such federal requests received, including how many were denied or granted with warrants. This directly affects Maryland state agencies, local governments, and federal immigration officers seeking access to these databases.

Maddy summaryHB 1006, the "Protecting Sensitive Locations Act," requires Maryland's Attorney General to create guidelines limiting immigration enforcement at specific sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, places of worship, childcare centers, and domestic violence shelters. State agencies operating at these locations must either adopt policies aligned with the guidelines or submit written justification and existing policies if they choose not to comply. The bill directly affects all Maryland state agencies managing facilities listed in the law, such as public schools, community health centers, and emergency shelters. Its key mechanism is mandating agency adherence to the guidelines or transparent documentation of non-compliance. The law aims to reduce immigration enforcement disruptions at places where vulnerable populations seek essential services.

Maddy summaryHB 686 amends Maryland law to improve the process for certifying victims of qualifying crimes who apply for U Nonimmigrant Status (a federal visa for crime victims). It creates a rebuttable presumption that victims or their representatives (like parents, guardians, or next friends) are helpful to law enforcement if they haven’t refused to provide information, shortens the certification timeline to 30 days (7 days if the victim faces immigration removal), and requires certifying entities to develop language access protocols for non-English speakers. The bill directly affects victims of certain crimes and their families seeking this visa, ensuring certifications are more timely and accessible. These changes aim to streamline the state’s role in supporting federal visa applications without altering the visa program itself.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 requires Maryland public school principals to investigate every student fight or physical struggle. It prohibits school staff from disciplining students who, after an investigation, more likely than not used reasonable force to protect themselves or escape an attack. If a student was wrongly disciplined for such an incident, the school must remove all related records from their disciplinary file. This bill directly affects students involved in school fights, school administrators, and the accuracy of student disciplinary records.

Maddy summaryHB 1225 (Affordable Grid Act) requires Maryland's electric companies to develop and submit 3-year distribution plans to the Public Service Commission for approval by December 2025. These plans must track progress on specific state targets, including solar energy expansion, electric vehicle adoption, energy storage, and greenhouse gas reductions, using mandated metrics. Electric companies must also provide annual progress reports and public comment opportunities as part of the planning process. The bill directly affects utility providers (like BGE or Potomac Electric Power Company) and shapes how electricity infrastructure is planned and monitored across Maryland.