Del. Karen Toles

Maddy summaryHB 884 requires Maryland to appropriate at least $5 million annually to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) starting in fiscal year 2028, continuing until a total of $321,181,312 is funded. This addresses a historical funding disparity between UMES (Maryland's 1890 land-grant university for historically Black students) and the University of Maryland, College Park (the 1862 land-grant institution), which received less state funding per student from 1987-2020. Funds must supplement - never replace - existing state budget allocations and can be used for infrastructure, faculty investment, scholarships, or other institutional needs identified by UMES. The bill mandates annual appropriations that cannot decrease year-over-year, aiming to fully remediate the identified funding gap.

Maddy summaryHB 19 establishes Maryland's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to help State employees repay student loans. It directly affects State workers in the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial branches who earned a degree from a Maryland-accredited school and have completed 10 years of continuous State service. The program will forgive 100% of an eligible employee's remaining student loan debt, with priority given to those who graduated from the University System of Maryland or institutions with high Pell Grant enrollment. The Office of Student Financial Assistance will administer the program and report annually to the legislature on its implementation.

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 1528 would allow Maryland public schools to permit homeschool students to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities (like sports or clubs) under specific conditions. It requires homeschool students to follow Maryland’s COMAR guidelines for home instruction and gives public school students priority over homeschoolers if spaces are limited. The bill does not require schools to offer participation but establishes clear rules for when it may occur. This directly affects homeschool families seeking access to public school activities and public school administrators managing program enrollment.

Maddy summaryHB 1409 requires Maryland's Department of Health to conduct studies measuring problem and pathological gambling rates for both in-person and mobile gambling, with the mobile gambling study due by July 2031. The bill redirects 1% of proceeds from fantasy sports competitions and 1% of sports wagering revenue to the Problem Gambling Fund, altering prior distribution rules that directed most funds to education. These funds will support treatment and prevention services for problem gamblers, including inpatient care, outpatient services, and educational programs. The legislation amends Maryland law to mandate these studies and fund allocations, directly affecting the Department of Health and the Problem Gambling Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 825 (Tahjai's Law) requires Maryland's Governor to annually proclaim May as "Brain Health and Chronic Headache Awareness Month," aligning with national brain tumor awareness efforts. It establishes a permanent Maryland Brain Health Grant Fund to provide financial support to nonprofits, healthcare providers, and community programs for brain health awareness, screening, prevention, and services like treatment for brain tumors, chronic headaches, and traumatic brain injury. The Maryland Department of Health must develop guidelines for incorporating brain health evaluations into routine physical exams and recommend insurance coverage parity for necessary diagnostic tools. Additionally, the Department must submit annual reports on brain tumor prevalence, emergency visits related to brain conditions, access to diagnostic imaging, and barriers to care.

Maddy summaryHB 1309 establishes a Commission to study racial disparities in Maryland’s criminal justice system, directly affecting African American, Hispanic, and other non-White individuals who experience disproportionate treatment. The Commission, composed of legislative leaders, public defenders, prosecutors, court officials, and community advocates, will examine disparities in policing, arrests, sentencing, and data collection. It will specifically assess cumulative impacts of disparate practices, mandatory minimums (including firearm offenses), and propose reforms like race-neutral risk assessments and expanded judicial discretion. The Commission must make recommendations by 2028, focusing on systemic changes to improve transparency and reduce racial inequities without implementing new laws itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maryland's Governor to annually proclaim May as Water Safety Month. It directs the Governor to urge educational and civic organizations to host events focused on drowning prevention and safe water practices. The law modifies Maryland's code to establish this annual designation, taking effect October 1, 2026. It directly affects the Governor's office and organizations coordinating public safety awareness.

Maddy summaryHB 1446 allows school district-employed driver trainers to administer the knowledge test for commercial driver's license school bus endorsements, instead of requiring state examiners. This directly affects school bus driver applicants and trainers working for county school boards. The bill defines "School Vehicle Driver Trainer" as individuals providing classroom instruction, highway driving training, and safety standards education. It amends Maryland law to expand the pool of authorized testers to include qualified school district staff.