Del. Joe Vogel

Maddy summaryHB 37 proposes adding Article 49 to the Maryland Constitution, establishing that every person employed in Maryland has a fundamental right to organize, form unions, and bargain collectively with employers over compensation, hours, and working conditions. The amendment prohibits the state from denying, burdening, or abridging this right unless a compelling state interest justifies it using the least restrictive means possible. This would apply to all workers in Maryland, including both public and private sector employees, and would require voter approval in the November 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution. The bill does not create new laws but would amend the state constitution to enshrine this right.

Maddy summaryHB 86 requires every public college, university, and public school district in Maryland to appoint a Title VI Coordinator. These coordinators must ensure compliance with federal civil rights law (Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act), which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. They will handle discrimination complaints, provide training on the law, and maintain records. The bill applies to all higher education institutions and local school systems and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 590 modifies Maryland's income tax law to include retirement income from 9-1-1 specialists in the $15,000 annual subtraction for public safety employees. It adds "9-1-1 specialist" to the definition of eligible public safety employees under Section 10-207(mm), aligning with the existing definition in Section 9-262(a)(3) of the Tax-Property Article. This change directly affects retired 9-1-1 specialists aged 55 or older who receive retirement income from their public safety service. The policy adjustment takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 632, the Maryland Workplace Fraud Act of 2025, expands workplace fraud protections to cover all private employers - not just those in construction or landscaping. It removes the current industry-specific limitation by repealing Section 3-902 and revising related sections to apply broadly. The bill directly affects workers who may be misclassified (e.g., as independent contractors when they should be employees), ensuring employers properly classify all workers for benefits and labor rights. Key provisions require employers to correctly classify workers under state law, with penalties for violations, effective October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 454 establishes a Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Task Force to study how Maryland can use blockchain technology and digital assets (like cryptocurrency) in government and businesses. The task force, made up of state officials, industry representatives, and academics, will analyze risks (such as privacy concerns), benefits, economic impacts (including state revenue and energy use), and make regulatory recommendations. It must submit its findings and suggestions to Maryland’s Governor and legislature by October 1, 2026. The task force will expire automatically on December 31, 2026, with no further action needed.

Maddy summaryHB 451 requires owners of private construction projects and contractors to include specific payment terms in contracts. It mandates that owners pay contractors within 60 days of receiving a valid invoice after work completion, and if payment is withheld, they must provide written notice explaining the reason within 60 days. Unpaid amounts accrue 9% annual interest starting on the 60th day. Subcontractors must also be paid within 60 days of invoice or 7 days after the contractor receives payment from the owner. This law directly affects contractors, subcontractors, and property owners involved in Maryland construction projects.

Maddy summaryHB 72 establishes the voluntary Maryland Civic Excellence Program for public schools. It requires participating school systems to award a "Seal of Civic Excellence" to students who pass Maryland's government assessment, earn A/B grades in three required social studies courses, and complete 75+ hours of community service (including 30+ focused on civic engagement). Schools may earn a "Center of Civic Excellence" designation if at least 50% of their graduating class earns the student seal. The program begins in the 2026-2027 school year, with schools required to report annually to the state education department.

Maddy summaryHB 141 establishes a temporary Maryland State Task Force on Loneliness and Isolation to study causes and solutions for loneliness across the state. The task force, composed of 25 diverse members including legislators, state health officials, students (with specific demographic representation), librarians, senior center administrators, and experts, will evaluate factors contributing to isolation and recommend community-based strategies like in-person gatherings and municipal committees. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and relevant legislative committees by June 30, 2026, and expires automatically on June 30, 2027. This bill does not create new programs or funding but focuses on gathering input to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryHB 247 modifies Maryland's driver's license requirements for unaccompanied homeless youths under 19 who hold a learner's permit. It reduces the waiting period before they can take driver skills examinations from 9 months to 3 months, while maintaining other requirements like completing a 30-hour driver education course and 60 hours of supervised driving (including 10 nighttime hours). The bill specifically applies to youths determined homeless by a Maryland school liaison, Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program, or McKinney-Vento program. This change aims to provide greater access to driver's licenses for a vulnerable population without altering the core training and supervision standards.

Maddy summaryHB 250 creates a Maryland income tax credit for individuals who purchase qualifying firearm safety devices, such as gun safes, lock boxes, or active safety devices that prevent operation without deactivation. The credit equals the lesser of 100% of the purchase price or $200 per device, but cannot exceed $200 annually per person and is subject to a statewide annual cap of $250,000 in total credits issued. To claim the credit, individuals must obtain a certificate from the Comptroller, which is issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and unused credit can be carried forward to future tax years. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.