Del. Mary Lehman

Maddy summaryHB 552 requires all Maryland higher education institutions to provide free fentanyl test strips (defined as "drug detection products") to students. These products must be available at no cost in campus health centers, libraries, and bathrooms. Institutions must also annually report to the Commission on naloxone use incidents and the quantity of test strips distributed. The bill directly affects colleges and universities across Maryland, aiming to improve access to overdose prevention tools for students. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 640 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to consider how proposed overhead transmission line projects affect properties already protected by conservation easements during certificate approval reviews. It mandates applicants to evaluate alternative routes that avoid these easements or minimize impacts on them, and to document route choices. This directly affects landowners with conservation easements near planned transmission lines and utilities seeking project approvals. The bill updates existing review criteria (Section 7-207(f)) to include this new requirement, effective October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 381, the "Healing Our Scars Act," requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) and certain health insurers, HMOs, and managed care organizations to cover aesthetic services and restorative care for victims of domestic violence starting January 1, 2026. The bill applies specifically to services treating physical injuries caused by domestic violence, as defined in Maryland law (including injuries from current or former spouses or cohabitants), and mandates coverage only when a licensed physician determines the care is medically necessary. It amends existing health and insurance laws to include this requirement, applying to all relevant health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed in Maryland on or after January 1, 2026. The law aims to address physical injuries sustained in domestic violence cases by expanding access to necessary medical and cosmetic recovery services.

Maddy summaryHB 340 authorizes Maryland's Attorney General to sue fossil fuel companies (specifically publicly traded entities deriving ≥50% revenue from coal/oil/gas with >$1 billion market cap) for climate-related harms caused by deceptive or unlawful actions. It creates a Climate Change Restitution Fund to pay for programs addressing climate impacts like flooding, heat islands, drought, and disease spread, funded by settlements/judgments from such lawsuits. The fund is nonlapsing and managed by the Department of Budget and Management, with interest earnings credited back to it. An Advisory Council advises on fund distribution to the Governor, Attorney General, and legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 417 establishes the Commission on Universal Health Care to study the feasibility of creating a state-run health care program covering all Maryland residents through a single-payer system. The commission, composed of appointed members from government, labor unions, healthcare organizations, and community groups, will examine how to provide comprehensive, equitable coverage - including preventive, mental, reproductive, and hospital care - regardless of income, immigration status, or health needs. It will analyze cost containment strategies, health equity gaps, and models from other states, but does not create the program itself. The commission must report its findings and recommendations to the Maryland General Assembly by 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 461 exempts the sale of cut flowers from Maryland's sales and use tax, effective July 1, 2025. This directly affects flower sellers (such as florists and growers) who will no longer charge tax on cut flowers sold to customers. The bill amends tax law to explicitly state that "the sales and use tax does not apply to the sale of cut flowers," while maintaining that uncut or living flowers, sod, and nursery products remain taxable. The exemption applies only to cut flowers, not other floral products like living plants or arrangements.

Maddy summaryHB 341 allows Baltimore City or Maryland counties/municipalities to grant property tax credits to property owners who convert retail service stations (like gas stations) to other retail, residential, or mixed uses. The credit specifically helps cover costs for removing underground storage tanks and cleaning contamination. Local governments can set credit terms, and the state will reimburse them 50% of the lost property tax revenue from the credit. This bill directly affects property owners and local governments managing such conversions, focusing on practical cleanup costs rather than new development.

Maddy summaryHB 451 requires owners of private construction projects and contractors to include specific payment terms in contracts. It mandates that owners pay contractors within 60 days of receiving a valid invoice after work completion, and if payment is withheld, they must provide written notice explaining the reason within 60 days. Unpaid amounts accrue 9% annual interest starting on the 60th day. Subcontractors must also be paid within 60 days of invoice or 7 days after the contractor receives payment from the owner. This law directly affects contractors, subcontractors, and property owners involved in Maryland construction projects.

Maddy summaryHB 247 modifies Maryland's driver's license requirements for unaccompanied homeless youths under 19 who hold a learner's permit. It reduces the waiting period before they can take driver skills examinations from 9 months to 3 months, while maintaining other requirements like completing a 30-hour driver education course and 60 hours of supervised driving (including 10 nighttime hours). The bill specifically applies to youths determined homeless by a Maryland school liaison, Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program, or McKinney-Vento program. This change aims to provide greater access to driver's licenses for a vulnerable population without altering the core training and supervision standards.

Maddy summaryHB 215 authorizes Maryland's State Board of Elections to use ranked-choice voting in the 2028 statewide primary election for selecting a political party's candidate for President of the United States. If implemented, the State Board must develop and fund a voter education campaign about ranked-choice voting and submit a report on its use by January 1, 2029. The bill also requires the State Board to adopt regulations for reviewing and certifying election-supporting technology, such as electronic pollbooks and risk-limiting audit tools. These changes will affect how presidential nomination contests are conducted and how election technology is managed in Maryland.