Rep. Ben Barnes

Primary HB 532

In committee · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Local Government - Municipal Annexation - Petition and Referendum

Maddy summaryHB 532 amends Maryland's annexation laws to allow redevelopment authorities in charter counties to initiate annexation petitions and vote in referendums under specific conditions. These authorities must be statutorily created, own state-funded redevelopment property, and have a competitive solicitation contract with a for-profit entity. The bill also changes petition requirements: if fewer than 20 residents in an annexation area qualify to sign, property owners (including joint owners) may sign instead. This directly affects redevelopment projects and property owners in municipal annexation processes across Maryland.

In committee Jan 27, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 479

In committee · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Maryland Higher Education Commission - Academic Program Approval - Revisions

Maddy summaryHB 479 requires private nonprofit colleges and universities in Maryland to submit a letter of intent to the Maryland Higher Education Commission every six months, detailing new graduate-level programs they plan to propose for approval. It repeals an existing restriction that previously limited which institutions could develop certain graduate programs, expanding the scope to include more private institutions. The bill revises specific sections of Maryland law governing academic program approval processes, ensuring private nonprofit institutions follow the same submission timeline as public universities for new graduate programs. This change, effective January 1, 2025, aims to standardize program approval procedures across all higher education institutions in the state.

EducationSupports EducationRepeals restriction on private institutions developing graduate programs, expanding access to higher education offerings and enabling more academic program approvals.95% confidence

In committee Jan 20, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 1439

Signed into law · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Emergency Services - Funding

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.

Signed into law May 16, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 496

Signed into law · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Criminal Law - Sexual Crimes - Definition of Consent and Repeal of Force

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.

Signed into law May 16, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 457

Signed into law · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Environment - Synthetic Turf - Disclosure and Study

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 1206

Signed into law · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission - Establishment

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 601

Signed into law · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Street Racing and Exhibition Driving – Prohibited Acts, Enforcement, and Penalties

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 688

Signed into law · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Maryland Historical Trust - Historical and Cultural Museum Assistance Program - Funding

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 624

Signed into law · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Next Generation Scholars of Maryland Program - Program Administrator - Alterations

Signed into law Apr 25, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 1281

Signed into law · Maryland House · Lead sponsor

Economic Development - Tourism Zones - Designation and Benefits

Signed into law Apr 25, 2024 0 co-sponsors