Del. Jim Hinebaugh

Maddy summaryHB 1008 prohibits Maryland state and local governments from imposing a vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) tax, mileage-based user fees, or tolls based on GPS tracking. It also bans requiring private vehicle owners to install devices that track mileage for tax reporting. The bill specifically repeals provisions allowing VMT taxes and adds new restrictions in tax and transportation laws, effective October 2025. It does not affect existing reciprocal fuel tax agreements under current law. This directly impacts state/local authorities and private vehicle owners by preventing new mileage-based fees or tracking requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 520 establishes a Tri-Position Identification Number (Tri-PIN) system for Maryland's Executive Branch state agencies, allowing positions to be filled either by one full-time employee or through job sharing (two part-time employees sharing duties). It requires state agency leaders to review all new or existing vacancies occurring after October 1, 2025, within 15 months to determine if job sharing is feasible without compromising work quality, budget, or labor compliance. If approved, positions must be advertised as job-sharing opportunities; if not, agencies must document the rationale for filling the role with a single full-time employee. The bill directly affects state agencies and future job applicants by changing how vacancies are processed and advertised.

Maddy summaryHB 483 removes the previous $300 annual cap on tax credits for hunters donating processed antlerless deer meat to qualified charities. It establishes a new credit limit of $75 per deer for expenses related to butchering and processing the meat, replacing the prior annual maximum. The bill affects individual hunters who donate to 501(c)(3) organizations, requiring donations to comply with state hunting laws. It also adds reporting requirements for donation programs to the Comptroller by January 31 each year.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill establishes and funds a specialized program to support trauma centers and emergency medical services by creating a new financial fund. It directly affects hospitals designated as trauma centers and the physicians who treat patients there, particularly those providing care to uninsured or underinsured individuals. The legislation increases the motor vehicle registration surcharge to generate revenue for this fund, which will be used to cover the costs of uncompensated care and maintain on-call staffing requirements. Additionally, the bill raises fines for driving under the influence and mandates that the Governor include specific funding for fire, rescue, and ambulance services in the annual state budget.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law requires health insurance plans and health maintenance organizations to cover hearing aids for adults who are prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist. The coverage applies to non-disposable devices designed to improve hearing in environments commonly experienced by adults and allows insurers to set a maximum benefit of $1,400 per ear every three years. If an adult chooses a hearing aid that costs more than the plan's limit, they can pay the difference without facing financial or contractual penalties for the provider. The law also permits insurance companies to offer benefits that are more generous than these minimum requirements. These provisions take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax incentives to encourage the construction and purchase of new housing in Allegany and Garrett Counties. It allows these counties to offer property tax credits of up to $10,000 for newly built homes that include specific features like sprinkler systems, fire safety equipment, or fixed broadband internet. The state will reimburse the counties for 50% of the lost tax revenue generated by these credits. Additionally, the bill enables developers who build more than 10 middle-income homes in these areas to receive a $7,500 state income tax credit for each home, which homeowners can carry forward if they do not use the full amount in one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the salary of the Garrett County Sheriff is determined, replacing a complex list of historical pay amounts with a new rule that sets the salary at 80% of the State's Attorney's salary. It also removes the requirement for a local commission to study and make recommendations regarding the Sheriff's pay, while keeping the commission's ability to review salaries for other county officials. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2024, and will apply to Sheriffs whose terms begin on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Jaycee Webster Victims' Rights Act, requires Maryland commitment units to inform victims, their representatives, and witnesses when a defendant or child respondent is released from confinement. When sending these notifications, the facility must include the name and phone number of a specific victim services employee from the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center to assist those affected. The law also mandates that commitment units notify these individuals about other significant events, such as escapes, transfers, or the death of the person in custody. Additionally, the legislation protects the privacy of witnesses and victims by prohibiting commitment units from sharing their contact information with the defendants.