Del. Kym Taylor

Maddy summaryHB 338 prohibits the disposal of yard waste collected on state buildings or highways in single-use plastic containers. Instead, it requires that such waste be collected in reusable containers or compostable paper bags. The bill mandates all yard waste from these locations must be disposed of at an organics recycling facility, a natural wood waste recycling facility, or a state facility producing mulch or soil amendments. This applies to state employees and contractors handling yard waste collection on state property.

Maddy summaryHB 1350 amends Maryland law to allow out-of-state or federal/military/tribal court convictions of certain sexual offenses to count as prior convictions for sentencing enhancements. Specifically, it expands the definition of "prior conviction" under Section 3-308(d)(2)(ii) to include crimes that would qualify as fourth-degree sexual offenses in Maryland (such as those under sections 3-303, 3-304, or 3-307-3-310). This affects repeat sex offenders who have prior convictions from other jurisdictions, enabling prosecutors to seek increased penalties (up to 3 years in prison) for subsequent offenses. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies to cases where the prior offense would have been a Maryland violation had it occurred here.

Maddy summaryHB 5 updates Maryland's criminal law to explicitly include artificial intelligence-generated images in the definition of "computer-generated image" under child pornography statutes. This means AI-created images that appear indistinguishable from real child abuse material - such as those adapted to look like actual minors - will now be covered under existing laws prohibiting possession or viewing of such content. The bill directly affects individuals who create, possess, or access these AI-generated images, applying the same penalties (up to 5 years in jail or $2,500 fine for misdemeanors) as real child pornography. It maintains exceptions for artistic works like drawings or cartoons and parental photos of children in non-exploitative contexts. The law aims to close a legal gap as AI technology advances, ensuring existing protections apply to digitally generated content.

Maddy summaryHB 1208 prohibits businesses in Maryland from manufacturing, selling, delivering, holding, or offering for sale food containing four specific ingredients: brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye No. 3. It also requires a conspicuous warning label on food products containing Red Dye No. 3 starting October 1, 2025. The full ban on all four ingredients takes effect October 1, 2028. This bill directly affects food manufacturers, retailers, and distributors operating within Maryland.

Maddy summaryHB 1151 allows sellers of residential property to request a second appraisal if an initial appraisal values the property below its current market value. The bill requires lenders to provide a written copy of this additional appraisal to the seller at no cost. It directly affects residential property sellers who disagree with an initial appraisal, giving them a formal process to seek a revised valuation. The key provision ensures sellers receive a free, written copy of the second appraisal, addressing concerns about appraisal discrepancies during sales transactions. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 339 requires landlords of non-historic residential rental apartments in Maryland to provide air-conditioning starting June 1, 2025 for new units and October 1, 2025 for units with qualifying HVAC system upgrades. Landlords must maintain temperatures within specific ranges during June-September: 90% of ASHRAE Standard 55 thresholds normally, and 80% thresholds if daily highs exceed 92.3°F. The law applies only to apartment buildings (excluding National Register historic properties) and distinguishes between landlord-controlled and tenant-controlled AC systems. It does not affect buildings with permits issued before the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1420 requires each county and Baltimore City Register of Wills to develop a method for people without government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) to prove their identity as heirs or beneficiaries when claiming inheritance. This directly affects individuals who lack standard identification but need to access estate assets through probate. The bill mandates that Registers work with the Maryland Registers of Wills Association to create these verification methods. The law takes effect October 1, 2025. (Note: The bill title mentions "noncitizens," but the actual text focuses on identity verification regardless of citizenship status.)

Maddy summaryHB 1147 requires the Maryland Parole Commission to improve transparency and equity in parole decisions. It mandates annual reports that break down parole outcomes by race, requires the Commission to provide incarcerated individuals with key documents in advance (not just on request), and prohibits permanent parole denials. The bill also requires the Commission to publicly share hearing transcripts (after redaction), state reasons for denials, and document all decisions on the record. These changes directly affect incarcerated individuals in Maryland seeking parole and the Commission's operational procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1352 prohibits Maryland institutions of higher education from denying students access to facilities or services due to sickle cell disease diagnosis and requires them to provide reasonable accommodations. The bill mandates the Maryland Department of Health to develop an education campaign for campuses about sickle cell disease challenges, create uniform procedures with the Maryland Higher Education Commission for supporting affected students, and compile training materials for faculty and staff. Institutions must also establish clear reporting procedures for violations and publicly share accommodation policies. These requirements take effect October 1, 2025, directly impacting all Maryland colleges and universities and students with sickle cell disease.

Maddy summaryHB 935 requires Maryland high school football games to have either a licensed athletic trainer or an ambulance staffed with emergency medical personnel present on-site during games. This amendment to existing school emergency plan requirements (Section 7-451 of the Education Article) directly affects all public high schools hosting football games in Maryland. The bill adds this specific medical presence requirement to the existing venue-specific emergency action plans, which already cover AED access, heat acclimatization protocols, and cardiac response plans. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change other established emergency plan provisions for athletic facilities.