Del. Marvin Holmes

Maddy summaryHB 646 requires Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to prioritize a medical provider’s report or referral - not its own assessment - as the main factor in deciding whether to issue, refuse, or cancel a driver’s license for individuals who self-report certain medical conditions. The MVA may still request additional testing for those reporting conditions, and must create an expedited process for issuing learner’s permits to people whose medical conditions have improved but who need to complete driver education or testing. This bill directly affects drivers and applicants who self-report qualifying medical conditions, such as those impacting vision, cognition, or physical ability. It shifts decision-making authority to medical professionals while maintaining MVA flexibility for safety reviews.

Maddy summaryHB 316 updates Maryland's definition of "medical record" to require healthcare providers to record certain patient information through official channels (written, electronic, or audio/video means) instead of entering it directly into the patient's personal record. It explicitly adds electronic messages (like texts or emails) that identify a patient to the protected definition of medical records. This affects healthcare providers who must now document specific communications in designated formats, ensuring digital patient interactions receive the same confidentiality protections as traditional medical records. The change takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 310 limits the use of restrictive housing (locked cell confinement for 22+ hours daily) for incarcerated individuals in Maryland state facilities who have a developmental or intellectual disability. It requires a licensed clinical professional to assess new inmates for these disabilities during intake and to recommend against placing them in restrictive housing for more than 15 consecutive days within any 30-day period. This 15-day limit does not apply if the individual commits a "prohibited act," such as causing serious injury, making threats, or possessing weapons. The bill directly affects incarcerated people with these disabilities and mandates correctional facilities to follow this assessment and limitation process.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 requires new or renewed environmental permits for facilities in Maryland neighborhoods identified as "at-risk" (based on high pollution levels or proximity to pollution sources like power plants or landfills) to include a "burden report" detailing existing environmental health issues. The state Department of the Environment must deny permits if approval would worsen pollution stressors in these areas, using Maryland’s Environmental Justice Tool to define "at-risk" census tracts. It applies specifically to air quality permits for construction and water discharge permits for facilities like power plants, waste sites, or mining operations. The bill mandates public participation in permit reviews for these facilities and requires the Department to document its assessment for judicial review.

Maddy summaryHB 212 creates a new process for new Maryland residents driving vehicles registered in another state. It requires these residents to either properly register their vehicle with Maryland within 60 days of moving or provide proof the vehicle isn't required to be registered in Maryland (like proof of ownership in another state). If they fail to comply within 60 days, a $7 daily civil fine begins until resolved, and after 120 days, local prosecutors may pursue civil action to immobilize the vehicle. The bill directly affects new Maryland residents who drive out-of-state registered vehicles, replacing automatic penalties with a warning and compliance period.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a bill with enforceable policy changes. Maryland's General Assembly formally joins other states (like California and Oregon) and local jurisdictions in endorsing the "Back from the Brink" initiative. It urges Maryland's congressional delegation to cosponsor a federal resolution supporting the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and asks the U.S. President and Senate to endorse that treaty. The resolution expresses concern about nuclear risks but does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1491 establishes the Interjurisdictional Safe Pathways Commission to coordinate and secure funding for safe routes for Maryland public school students traveling to and from school. The commission, made up of state education and transportation officials, school system representatives, local government members, students (including those with IEPs), parents, and infrastructure experts, will identify gaps in existing pathways, evaluate funding options, and develop strategic plans. It must submit annual reports to the governor and legislative committees by December 1st, detailing current conditions, funding opportunities, and recommendations for infrastructure improvements. This bill directly affects public school students, their families, school systems, and local governments responsible for transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1299 requires appraisers to notify buyers, sellers, or their designated point of contact if an appraisal value may be below the contract price or refinance estimate. Interested parties (like lenders or real estate agents) can then submit verified sales data or pending sale documentation within 48 hours for the appraiser to consider. The final appraisal report must include an addendum detailing the notification, submitted data, and whether the additional information changed the valuation. This applies to residential property transactions in Maryland and aims to standardize communication during the appraisal process.

Maddy summaryHB 444 prohibits Maryland state and local governments, including county sheriffs and agencies, from entering into new agreements with federal authorities to enforce civil immigration law. It requires existing agreements to be terminated by July 1, 2026, or immediately upon the law’s effective date (June 1, 2026). The bill specifically targets contracts, memorandums, or agreements that allow local entities to assist in federal immigration enforcement under federal laws like 8 U.S.C. § 1103 or § 1357. This directly affects local law enforcement agencies and government bodies that previously collaborated with federal immigration authorities. The law aims to prevent state/local resources from being used for immigration enforcement under federal programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1571 expands legal aid access for mobile home park residents facing eviction by including them in Maryland's Access to Counsel in Evictions Program. It directly affects low-income mobile home residents (earning ≤50% of median income) and mobile home park owners. Key provisions require park owners to establish pet policies by a set date, ensure safe water access, prohibit fee-based penalties for nonpayment, and provide a 14-day period to cure rent arrears. The bill also prohibits denying park privileges due to nonpayment or resident characteristics, and clarifies eviction procedures for subtenants.