Del. Aaron Kaufman

Maddy summaryHB 434 protects free speech by making it easier to dismiss "SLAPP suits" (strategic lawsuits meant to silence critics). It defines a SLAPP suit as one brought in bad faith against someone who spoke publicly about government actions or public issues (like criticizing a policy or reporting to officials), with the plaintiff now required to prove the lawsuit has "substantial justification." If a defendant successfully moves to dismiss a SLAPP suit, they can recover court costs and attorney fees. This directly affects citizens, journalists, and activists who speak publicly on government matters, ensuring their free speech rights aren’t chilled by costly, meritless lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 435 modifies Maryland's jury service disqualification rules by expanding the circumstances under which individuals with criminal convictions cannot serve. It specifically disqualifies people convicted of crimes involving perjury, witness/jury intimidation, or certain offenses under Title 8 of the Criminal Law Article, as well as those currently serving sentences exceeding one year for such crimes. The bill removes an existing exception allowing pardoned individuals to serve, meaning pardons no longer restore jury eligibility for these offenses. This change directly affects Maryland residents with these specific criminal convictions who would now be barred from jury service, effective October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 660 simplifies probate for estates when an original will is lost or destroyed by allowing interested people to file a petition directly with the Register of Wills (instead of the orphans' court). It authorizes the Register to accept a certified copy of the will for administrative probate if heirs and legatees sign a consent form, eliminating the need for a court order. This bill directly affects executors, heirs, and the Register of Wills office in Maryland, streamlining the process for estates where the original will is unavailable. The law applies only to estates of people who died on or after October 1, 2025, and amends Maryland Code sections 5-802 and 5-804.

Maddy summaryHB 613 requires Maryland courts to remove identifying information (like names, addresses, or phone numbers) from court documents in sexual assault cases, unless a judge finds "good cause" to disclose it. It specifically protects victims of sexual assault (defined as alleged victims of certain crimes under Maryland's Criminal Law Article) by mandating redaction of their personal details from all filings, including existing case documents, upon written request. The law also requires the Supreme Court of Maryland to establish rules for implementing this redaction process. This applies to both new court filings and existing cases in criminal or juvenile delinquency proceedings involving sexual assault. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 456 extends the time victims have to file civil lawsuits for nonsexual child abuse or neglect. It allows claims to be filed up to 20 years after the victim turns 18, or 3 years after the abuser is convicted of a related crime (like child neglect or physical injury). The bill also caps noneconomic damages at $1.5 million per claimant against a single defendant for cases that would have been barred before October 2025. This affects victims seeking compensation and defendants (including government entities) facing liability. The law specifically excludes sexual abuse cases from these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 635 requires police officers to document the specific reason for every traffic stop (e.g., speeding, broken taillight) on the citation or police report. It limits enforcement of certain vehicle law violations (like expired registration) to "secondary" actions only - officers must first stop a driver for a primary violation (e.g., speeding) before citing a secondary issue. If an officer fails to document the reason or violates the secondary enforcement rule, evidence from the stop may be excluded in court, and the officer could face administrative discipline. This bill directly affects police procedures during traffic stops and the admissibility of evidence in legal cases.

Maddy summaryHB 474 requires Maryland's Commission on Health Equity, working with the Department of Health, to create a health equity advisory committee. This committee will identify the top 10 health disparities affecting vulnerable groups (including racial minorities, unhoused individuals, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities), review annual hospital reports, and make recommendations. The bill also mandates that all licensed hospitals in Maryland submit annual health equity reports analyzing disparities in care access and outcomes for these groups, with hospital systems required to submit both disaggregated and aggregated reports. These reports must be published on hospital websites, directly affecting hospitals and aiming to address systemic health inequities.

Maddy summaryHB 417 establishes the Commission on Universal Health Care to study the feasibility of creating a state-run health care program covering all Maryland residents through a single-payer system. The commission, composed of appointed members from government, labor unions, healthcare organizations, and community groups, will examine how to provide comprehensive, equitable coverage - including preventive, mental, reproductive, and hospital care - regardless of income, immigration status, or health needs. It will analyze cost containment strategies, health equity gaps, and models from other states, but does not create the program itself. The commission must report its findings and recommendations to the Maryland General Assembly by 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 401 requires Maryland state correctional facilities to pay for telephone services used by incarcerated individuals directly to providers, eliminating fees charged to inmates or their call recipients. The bill mandates a ratio of one phone for every ten inmates and prohibits facilities from using phone access to replace in-person visitation time. It also establishes a Costs of Telephone Communications Advisory Committee - including formerly incarcerated individuals, advocates, and correctional staff - to oversee implementation. This policy change directly affects all incarcerated people in Maryland state facilities by removing financial barriers to communication with family and support networks. The bill amends existing law to shift telephone service costs from inmates to state facilities, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 152 establishes specific qualifications for professionals appointed as child custody evaluators in Maryland courts. It requires evaluators to hold certain licenses (such as psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, or marriage and family therapists) with defined experience levels, plus specialized training in areas like domestic violence, child abuse, and family dynamics. The bill directly affects courts appointing evaluators and the professionals seeking to serve in this role, ensuring they meet standardized competency requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and aims to improve consistency and expertise in custody evaluations.