Del. Vaughn Stewart

Maddy summaryHB 444 prohibits Maryland state and local governments, including county sheriffs and agencies, from entering into new agreements with federal authorities to enforce civil immigration law. It requires existing agreements to be terminated by July 1, 2026, or immediately upon the law’s effective date (June 1, 2026). The bill specifically targets contracts, memorandums, or agreements that allow local entities to assist in federal immigration enforcement under federal laws like 8 U.S.C. § 1103 or § 1357. This directly affects local law enforcement agencies and government bodies that previously collaborated with federal immigration authorities. The law aims to prevent state/local resources from being used for immigration enforcement under federal programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1229 establishes a constitutional right for Maryland workers to receive at least the state minimum wage without counting tips toward that amount. It bans employers from using tip credits for tipped employees (effective on a specified date) and requires food service facilities to prominently disclose any service fees to customers before ordering. The bill repeals exemptions that allowed lower wages for certain workers (like those in security roles) and updates consumer protections around service fees under Maryland law. These changes directly affect food service workers and restaurant customers, ensuring fairer wage treatment and transparent fee practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1405 restricts campaign finance activities for candidates running for specific state offices (including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, and General Assembly members) and their representatives during regular legislative sessions. The bill prohibits them from receiving new contributions, holding fundraisers, soliciting donations, or using un-deposited funds during sessions, with exceptions for activities related to their own federal/local election campaigns, gubernatorial fundraising during election years, and pre-session electronic contributions. Violations would result in civil penalties directed to the state's Fair Campaign Financing Fund. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1552 establishes a new "Class L" license for alcohol sales, directly affecting existing beverage manufacturers (like breweries or wineries) who already hold a manufacturer’s license. The license allows these businesses to sell their own beer, wine, and liquor, or products from other manufacturers, for on-premises consumption at their facility, including providing free samples. It sets an annual fee of $250 and requires sales hours to match those of the underlying manufacturer’s license. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

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 778 requires Maryland counties to evaluate vacant or underused commercial and industrial land for potential housing development and update their comprehensive plans to include policies promoting "middle housing" (such as duplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings). This applies to counties with comprehensive plans enacted or amended after January 1, 2027, and prohibits local governments from imposing unreasonable restrictions on middle housing projects. The bill mandates that housing elements of these plans assess opportunities for middle housing on suitable commercial or industrial sites. It aims to increase housing options by changing land-use rules without requiring specific housing types or income levels.

Maddy summaryHB 576 authorizes the Maryland State Archives to establish fees for record services through regulations, directly affecting the public, state agencies, and courts that access or request records. Key provisions include allowing the Archives to set fees as a percentage (capped at 2% of existing fees) or flat subscription rates for record preservation, requiring 7% of collected fees to fund an Archives Endowment Account, and setting a $3 fee for public copies of property plats. The bill also clarifies that courts may obtain land record copies for free with judicial approval while maintaining fee structures for other services like vital records and certified copies. These changes update existing fee authority in Maryland law without altering record access requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 568 expands Maryland's public campaign financing program to include candidates for State Senate and House of Delegates, who were previously ineligible. The bill establishes specific qualifications (like residency and contribution limits) that candidates must meet to receive public funds from the Fair Campaign Financing Fund. It sets limits on the total public contributions these candidates can receive during elections and requires the State Board of Elections to distribute funds in a specified manner. The fund is financed through voluntary contributions, tax checkoffs, and campaign finance penalties, making it available to qualifying legislative candidates alongside existing gubernatorial candidates. This change directly affects candidates running for state legislative office by providing a new public financing option.

Maddy summaryHB 584 proposes a constitutional amendment to strengthen voting rights and election integrity in Maryland. It guarantees equal voting access for all eligible voters (protecting against discrimination based on race, disability, or language status), bans foreign governments and foreign-influenced corporations from spending in Maryland elections, and requires full disclosure of major political donors. The bill also mandates the creation of a Maryland Voting Rights Act by 2028 and establishes a voluntary public financing program for General Assembly candidates starting in 2030. These changes directly affect all Maryland voters, candidates for state office, and political spenders by reshaping election rules and funding transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 871 requires Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to implement an enhanced automatic voter registration system for eligible applicants during specific transactions, such as driver's license applications or renewals. The system automatically registers eligible residents to vote unless they explicitly decline, after which the MVA must provide a clear "enhanced notice" explaining registration eligibility, qualifications, and opt-out options. Voter registration data from applicants who don’t decline must be transmitted electronically to the State Board of Elections within 5 days. This applies primarily to MVA interactions but could expand to other agencies like social services or health exchanges with their consent. The bill aims to streamline voter registration while ensuring applicants understand their rights and choices.