Del. Aaron Kaufman

Maddy summaryThis law, known as Gabriel's Law, requires Maryland law enforcement and emergency medical services to immediately respond to wellness check requests from healthcare providers or others with credible information about a life-threatening safety concern. When a life-threatening condition is reported, fire, rescue, or emergency medical teams must conduct the check at the same time as police officers. The bill applies to individuals within the agency's jurisdiction and mandates that requests be forwarded without delay to the appropriate agency if the person is located elsewhere. These provisions take effect on October 1, 2024, and aim to streamline the process for ensuring the well-being of individuals in crisis.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill updates the state's laws regarding criminal organizations by clarifying definitions and adjusting legal procedures for civil actions and asset forfeiture. It specifically defines a criminal organization as any group, formal or informal, that engages in a pattern of organized crime activity with a command structure and primary objectives involving serious underlying crimes such as violence, fraud, drug offenses, and child pornography. The legislation establishes a five-year statute of limitations for civil lawsuits seeking damages from participation in these groups, counting from the date the criminal activity ends. Additionally, it provides specific procedures for seizing property connected to these organizations and expands the list of underlying crimes to include various federal and interstate offenses.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill redefines consent in sexual crime laws to mean a clear and voluntary agreement, explicitly stating that past relationships, clothing choices, or submission due to fear do not constitute consent. It removes the requirement for force or threats to prove a crime, instead making the lack of consent a standalone element that can be shown through words or actions. The law also clarifies that consent can be withdrawn at any time and cannot be documented in writing. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Maryland Judiciary report annual statistics on sexual crime charges and convictions, broken down by county and demographic factors, until 2029.

Maddy summaryThe Growing Apprenticeships and the Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act expands Maryland's apprenticeship program to include a broader range of public safety agencies, such as correctional facilities, in addition to traditional law enforcement departments. This bill increases the maximum grant amount for agencies participating in the program from $2,000 to $5,000 per apprentice and adjusts eligibility requirements to ensure apprentices live in areas with at least 10% poverty. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission develop mental health wellness policies for law enforcement and correctional facilities while establishing a workgroup to study ways to increase employment in these sectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new funding programs within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation to support technology-based startups and university-led innovation projects. The first program offers $50,000 grants to startups located in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area, while the second pilot program provides incentives for technology businesses founded by students or faculty at local universities. To qualify for the university program, participating schools must contribute up to $50,000 annually, and projects must focus on creating new businesses, commercializing products, or fostering inclusive entrepreneurial development. The legislation also removes a previous requirement for funding a telework assistance grant program and sets aside $1.5 million for the university pilot program for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill allows for the reimbursement of sexual assault forensic exams performed remotely using peer-to-peer telehealth, where a forensic nurse assists a patient who is physically present with a healthcare provider. It mandates that the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of launching a pilot program for these remote examinations. The legislation defines specific telehealth requirements, such as the use of interactive audio and video, and clarifies that providers cannot include victim details or photos in reimbursement requests. Additionally, the bill grants immunity from civil liability to physicians and healthcare providers who conduct these exams without obtaining parental consent for children.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes requirements for Maryland county school boards to ensure blind and visually impaired students receive textbooks in specialized formats like braille, audio, or digital text. It mandates that textbook publishers provide electronic files to a state center for conversion into these accessible formats and requires the state to cover costs when specialized versions are unavailable. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that students with some remaining vision cannot be denied braille instruction solely based on their vision level, while also setting new standards for teachers of these students.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Prison Education Delivery Reform Commission in Maryland to study how education impacts the criminal justice system and to develop strategies for reducing recidivism. The commission will be composed of state officials, experts, community representatives, and individuals with prior experience in the correctional system, who will meet to gather public input and research best practices across all levels of education. Over a two-year period, the group is tasked with creating a data-driven policy framework that evaluates current workforce programs and identifies ways to improve employment outcomes for incarcerated individuals. The commission must submit an interim report by June 2025 and a final report by January 2026, after which the legislation will automatically expire.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maryland's mental health laws to improve how individuals in crisis are evaluated and treated. It requires peace officers to transport people needing emergency evaluation to a nearby facility rather than strictly the nearest one, and it allows psychiatric nurse practitioners to conduct these evaluations alongside physicians. The legislation also mandates that every county establish an assisted outpatient treatment program, which can legally require individuals with severe mental illness to follow a treatment plan if they refuse voluntary care. Additionally, the bill ensures that public defenders provide legal representation during these proceedings and permits electronic submission of necessary petitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Purple Alert Program in Maryland to help locate missing adults who have cognitive impairments, intellectual disabilities, or brain injuries, provided they do not already qualify for the Silver Alert system. The Maryland State Police will create guidelines for issuing these alerts, train local law enforcement, and coordinate with broadcasters, volunteer groups, and highway signs to spread information quickly. Additionally, the program includes a provision allowing high school students to assist in searches under specific educational guidelines. Caregivers or those reporting a missing person must immediately notify local police and the State Police if the individual is found, ensuring the alert is deactivated promptly.