Rep. Kent Roberson

Maddy summaryHB 1321 modifies Maryland's Child Care Scholarship Program to protect certain low-income families from enrollment freezes. It prohibits enrollment freezes from applying to families receiving Temporary Cash Assistance, TANF, children on Social Security Income, or homeless children - ensuring these groups maintain access. If a freeze occurs, the State Department of Education must create a waitlist prioritizing these protected individuals. The bill also limits copay increases for specific participants and requires the Department to identify applicants eligible for free prekindergarten.

Maddy summaryHB 849 prevents certain groups from being cut off from Maryland's Child Care Scholarship Program if a freeze on new enrollments is implemented. It specifically protects families receiving Temporary Cash Assistance, TANF, or Social Security Income; siblings of currently enrolled children; individuals who recently lost jobs (within 30 days); and government workers furloughed due to a shutdown lasting over 7 days. The bill adds these exceptions to the existing rules that would otherwise allow the program to freeze enrollment. This change ensures these vulnerable groups maintain access to child care assistance during enrollment freezes.

Maddy summaryHB 810 establishes a two-year pilot program within Maryland's State Department of Assessments and Taxation to explore using blockchain technology for real property ownership records. The program, limited to up to three counties, will create a blockchain registry allowing property owners to opt in and receive digital titles that law enforcement and courts can verify in real time to resolve disputes like squatting. It requires the Department to coordinate with courts, police, and the Attorney General to develop secure systems, test smart contracts for title transfers, and educate users. The pilot must begin by January 1, 2027, and conclude with a final report by December 31, 2028, before the program automatically expires on July 1, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 919 establishes the Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) Grant Program through the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The program provides grants directly to minorities residing in historically redlined neighborhoods and underrepresented communities who aim to become real estate appraisers. Its key mechanisms include closing appraisal gaps in these communities, diversifying the appraisal field, and supporting individuals pursuing PAREA certification. The Maryland Higher Education Commission will administer the grants starting July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 852 expands Maryland's existing scholarship program to include correctional officers. It amends the Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program (now titled "Maryland Police Officers, Probation Agents, AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS Scholarship Program") to allow current or future correctional officers to qualify. Eligible recipients must be Maryland residents or graduates of Maryland high schools, enrolled at an eligible institution (public university or community college), and agree to work as correctional officers for at least 5 years within 8 years of graduation. The bill does not create a new program but updates the eligibility criteria of an existing scholarship.

Maddy summaryHB 1611 repeals a fixed $100,000 federal adjusted gross income limit for disabled veterans seeking a property tax credit on their primary residence. Instead, it allows counties and municipalities to set their own income eligibility criteria for the credit, based on a veteran's federal adjusted gross income. The bill directly affects disabled veterans (with service-connected disabilities of 50%+) and their surviving spouses who own their homes. Key provisions shift authority from the state to local governments to determine income thresholds, while maintaining existing credit rates (25% or 50% of property tax) based on disability rating. The change takes effect June 1, 2026, for tax years beginning after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 1118 requires health insurance carriers in Maryland to provide a standing referral to a mental health care provider for pregnant individuals and for one year after childbirth, without needing a written treatment plan. It mandates that insurers cover screening for perinatal mental health conditions (like postpartum depression) during prenatal visits and other specified times. The bill also directs the Maryland Department of Health to establish a perinatal mental health screening program and requires health care professionals renewing licenses to complete continuing education on perinatal mental health conditions. These changes aim to improve access to mental health support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Maddy summaryHB 359 amends Maryland's property tax credit for urban agricultural property, clarifying eligibility and adding procedural requirements for jurisdictions granting the credit. It defines "urban agricultural property" as land between 1/8 and 5 acres in priority areas (not assessed as agricultural) used for activities like crop production, beekeeping, environmental mitigation, community programs, or agritourism. The bill requires jurisdictions to evaluate the credit's effectiveness after 3 years and, if terminating it, must provide the public with at least one year's notice and an opportunity to comment or appeal. This directly affects Baltimore City, counties, and municipalities that administer the tax credit for qualifying urban farms and agricultural operations.

Maddy summaryHB 430 requires family child care providers who are members of the National Guard or military reserves to designate a substitute provider when they are away for required training or active duty. This applies specifically to providers operating registered family child care homes, which care for up to eight children in a home setting. The law limits substitute care to no more than 45 working days per year. The bill amends Maryland's child care licensing laws (adding Section 9.5-305.1) to establish this requirement, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 575 requires Maryland public schools to treat student absences as excused when students participate in specified civic activities during the General Assembly's regular session. It directly affects public school students by allowing absences for testifying at legislative hearings or engaging in activities like meeting with legislators, advocating for policies, or other department-approved civic work. The bill mandates that school systems adopt policies authorizing at least 15 hours or 2 school days per year for these activities, ensuring such absences do not count toward chronic absenteeism. This policy change takes effect July 1, 2026.