Del. Vaughn Stewart

Maddy summaryHB 1322 requires all operators of gasoline-powered vessels on Maryland waters to have carbon monoxide warning labels clearly visible near the transom and helm of the vessel. This law directly affects boat operators and owners who operate gasoline-powered vessels, amending Maryland's State Boat Act to mandate these labels. The key provision specifies the exact locations where labels must be affixed to warn of carbon monoxide risks. The law takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 375 (Jay's Law) modifies Maryland's transportation code to allow bicyclists, riders of play vehicles, and unicyclists to ride on sidewalks or sidewalk areas unless prohibited by local ordinance. It requires these riders to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and users of electric personal assistive mobility devices when on sidewalks or in crosswalks. The bill directly affects cyclists, pedestrians, and local governments (which retain authority to ban sidewalk riding). Key provisions amend sections 21-1103 and 21-1202 of Maryland's Annotated Code, taking effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1465 creates income-based installment payment plans for drivers who owe $250 or more in unpaid tolls and civil penalties. It requires the Maryland Transportation Authority to establish this program, allowing eligible individuals to pay gradually based on their income instead of paying the full amount upfront. The bill amends existing law to replace the previous 30-day payment deadline with this new payment option, which can prevent license suspension for non-payment. Drivers must qualify by meeting income requirements and applying through the new program.

Maddy summaryHB 930 establishes Maryland's Public Health Abortion Grant Program to improve access to abortion care by redirecting excess funds from health insurance coverage. It requires insurance carriers in Maryland to transfer 90% of unused funds from their abortion coverage accounts (after covering patient costs) into a new special fund. This fund will support abortion clinical services, particularly where federal funding is restricted, benefiting individuals seeking abortion care in Maryland. The program mandates annual reporting by insurers and transfers existing excess funds starting in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 861 requires transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) to provide drivers and passengers with an itemized digital receipt immediately after each ride. The receipt must show the passenger’s total payment, the driver’s earnings from that payment, and any additional fees charged. Additionally, companies must report annual data to Maryland’s Public Service Commission by February 1st, including the number of drivers working full-time, part-time, or over 40 hours weekly, median driver pay, and demographic information about drivers (including those deactivated). This bill directly affects ride-hailing companies, their drivers, and passengers in Maryland, aiming to increase transparency in fare breakdowns and workforce data.

Maddy summaryHB 1076 requires Maryland landlords to provide tenants with written notice at least 48 hours before entering rental properties for repairs, inspections, showings, safety checks, or government-mandated work. The notice must include the entry date/time and purpose, and can be delivered via mail, door notice, or electronic methods (email/text/portal) with proof of delivery. Tenants can sue landlords for violations, seeking court injunctions or damages for unauthorized entries, while landlords remain liable for agents' breaches. This law directly affects all residential landlords and tenants in Maryland, taking effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 857 allows licensed Maryland deer hunters who wound a deer during legal hunting hours to pursue and kill it after hours, provided they use only the same hunting method authorized for their season (e.g., archery or firearms). The bill amends Maryland’s natural resources law (Section 10-428 of the Annotated Code) to create this exception to standard hunting hour restrictions. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources must adopt regulations to implement the new rule, which takes effect July 1, 2025. This directly affects licensed deer hunters who wound deer during legal hours but cannot complete the harvest before closing.

Maddy summaryHB 1193 (Maryland Housing Data Transparency Act) requires large Maryland local governments (those with at least 150,000 residents or issuing 50+ annual residential permits) to submit monthly reports to the state Department of Planning starting January 2027. These reports must include specific details for each housing development permit, such as permit numbers, approval dates, housing type (e.g., apartments, single-family), unit counts, construction costs, and processing times. The state Department of Planning must then publish this data on a public, searchable website by July 2027, organized by housing type and county. The bill aims to increase transparency around housing development by making permit data accessible to the public and policymakers.

Maddy summaryHB 497 prohibits youth transportation companies from using physical restraints (like handcuffs or blindfolds) or visual impairments when moving children to residential child care programs, except in emergencies with no less restrictive alternatives. It also bans pickups between 9 PM and 6 AM. The law directly affects companies transporting children to facilities such as wilderness programs, therapeutic boarding schools, or behavioral modification programs (excluding hospitals, foster homes, or secure facilities). Violations allow the Attorney General to seek injunctions or up to $1,000 in damages per offense.

Maddy summaryHB 541 establishes a Nonprofit Organizations Navigator within Maryland's Department of Commerce to directly assist nonprofits in accessing state grant programs. The navigator provides technical help with grant applications, resolves bureaucratic delays, shares federal/state grant opportunities, and represents nonprofits on the Maryland Efficient Grant Application Council. This bill amends the council's structure to include the navigator as a nonvoting member and updates membership rules for the council.