Del. Adrian Boafo

Maddy summaryHB 534 creates the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists licensed in Maryland to practice in other participating states without reapplying for separate licenses. The bill establishes a Commission to oversee the compact, requiring all participating states to accept the same national licensing exam (ADEX) and share disciplinary records to ensure public safety. It specifically benefits military personnel and their spouses by eliminating fees and expediting licensure during relocations. The compact also eliminates duplicate paperwork and costs for licensees moving between states, streamlining access to dental care across participating jurisdictions.

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 454 establishes a Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Task Force to study how Maryland can use blockchain technology and digital assets (like cryptocurrency) in government and businesses. The task force, made up of state officials, industry representatives, and academics, will analyze risks (such as privacy concerns), benefits, economic impacts (including state revenue and energy use), and make regulatory recommendations. It must submit its findings and suggestions to Maryland’s Governor and legislature by October 1, 2026. The task force will expire automatically on December 31, 2026, with no further action needed.

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 145 establishes a no-interest loan program administered by the Maryland Energy Administration to help 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations install renewable energy systems. The program provides financial assistance for planning, purchasing, and installing qualifying systems that generate on-site electricity or thermal energy while supporting Maryland’s environmental goals. It creates a dedicated Green and Renewable Energy for Nonprofit Organizations Loan Fund, funded by redirecting a portion of the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. This program directly affects eligible nonprofits seeking to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions through renewable installations.

Maddy summaryHB 531 repeals the requirement for individuals on parole in Maryland to pay a monthly supervision fee of $50 and removes the authorization for them to cover the costs of drug and alcohol testing. This change directly affects people supervised by the Division of Parole and Probation, eliminating these specific financial obligations that were previously enforced as conditions of their release. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2024, and does not alter other existing court costs, fines, or the authority of the parole commission to revoke supervision for non-compliance with other rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Task Force to study how Maryland can improve support for people returning to society after incarceration. The group includes government officials, legal representatives, and individuals with personal experience in the criminal justice system, such as former inmates and family members of those currently in prison. The Task Force will evaluate current reentry services, identify missing resources, and create a plan to form a new Division of Returning Citizens within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. This proposed division would coordinate existing programs and expand access to housing, employment, socialization, and health services for individuals after their release.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Qualified Resident Enrollment Program to help individuals in Maryland who currently lack health insurance access enroll in qualified plans. It defines "qualified residents" as people living in the state who are not incarcerated, regardless of their immigration status, and who do not qualify for existing federal or state assistance programs like Medicaid or Medicare. The program allows the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to manage enrollment, potentially with help from a third-party contractor, and requires a specific federal waiver approval before it can begin. Additionally, the legislation creates a dedicated fund to finance the program's operations and administration, ensuring it has the necessary resources to function.

Maddy summaryThe Maryland Maternal Health Act of 2024 requires hospitals and freestanding birthing centers to complete specific risk assessment and referral forms for high-risk pregnancies, with compliance tied to their ability to receive state medical reimbursement. Facilities must submit these forms to local health departments and provide postpartum parents with information on managing complications, including mental health and substance misuse, followed by a phone call within 24 to 48 hours of discharge. Additionally, the state will create a report card to evaluate maternity care quality and conduct studies on severe maternal morbidity incidents to improve surveillance and reporting.

Maddy summaryThis law, known as Gabriel's Law, requires Maryland law enforcement and emergency medical services to immediately respond to wellness check requests from healthcare providers or others with credible information about a life-threatening safety concern. When a life-threatening condition is reported, fire, rescue, or emergency medical teams must conduct the check at the same time as police officers. The bill applies to individuals within the agency's jurisdiction and mandates that requests be forwarded without delay to the appropriate agency if the person is located elsewhere. These provisions take effect on October 1, 2024, and aim to streamline the process for ensuring the well-being of individuals in crisis.