Del. Kent Roberson

Maddy summaryHB 1383 requires Maryland's State Board of Education to establish minimum technical standards for the state's online special education systems, specifically the Maryland Online Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Maryland Online Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). It directs the State Department of Education to study and report on security, real-time monitoring capabilities, document processing, and compliance with privacy laws by October 2025. The State Board must then report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 2025 on the study results and proposed regulations. This bill directly affects public schools, educators, and families using these online systems by mandating functional improvements to ensure reliable, accessible special education services. The policy change focuses on concrete technical requirements rather than program content.

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 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.

Maddy summaryHB 781, the "Accessible and Expedited Voting Act of Maryland," requires the State Board of Elections to create guidelines for local election boards to accommodate elderly voters (65+) and voters with disabilities at all early voting centers and polling places. Key provisions include establishing dedicated expedited voting lines, clear signage, priority seating, and specific plans for high-traffic locations. Local boards must implement these guidelines, collect real-time feedback from affected voters during elections, and make immediate process adjustments. The law takes effect for the 2026 statewide primary election, with annual reports to the legislature on implementation effectiveness and voter feedback.

Maddy summaryHB 769 delays residential foreclosure filings by requiring a 90-day waiting period after a payment default and mandating a 45-day notice of intent to foreclose before filing. It requires lenders to provide written loan details (including payment history and current balance) in foreclosure filings and allows homeowners to raise a defense if lenders delay filing excessively. The bill specifically affects Maryland homeowners with owner-occupied residential properties (up to four units) and lenders seeking to foreclose on mortgages that are significantly overdue. These changes amend Maryland's foreclosure law to add procedural safeguards before foreclosure actions can proceed.

Maddy summaryHB 1325 establishes a 5-year pilot program (2026-2030) to create regional pools of substitute child care providers for Maryland child care facilities. The program, administered by a state-selected nonprofit, will recruit and support qualified providers to fill temporary staffing gaps in licensed centers, family homes, or large family child care homes. Key mechanisms include organizing pools across rural, suburban, and urban regions; helping providers meet background checks, training, and credential requirements; and developing a digital matching platform to connect providers with facilities. The program requires annual $350,000 grants to the nonprofit and $375,000 in annual state budget appropriations, with final reporting due to the legislature in 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 1341 requires health insurance carriers in Maryland to establish a 24-hour call center staffed by trained personnel for members appealing denied coverage. It mandates that carriers send detailed written notices within 5 business days for any adverse decision, including specific reasons for denial, clear references to coverage criteria, and contact information for the Health Advocacy Unit. The notice must prominently display "THIS IS AN INSURANCE DENIAL" in bold, include a QR code linking to a guidance video, and provide the call center phone number. Additionally, carriers must conduct an annual survey on member experiences with their internal grievance process. These requirements directly affect health insurance carriers and aim to improve clarity and accessibility for members navigating coverage appeals.

Maddy summaryHB 493 designates November 14 each year as "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day" in Maryland public schools to commemorate Ruby Bridges' 1960 integration of an all-white New Orleans elementary school. It requires each county board of education to create annual educational programs for this day, including symbolic walks, civil rights history lessons, and discussions on racial equality. The State Department of Education must also develop model educational resources, like lesson plans and discussion guides, to support schools in implementing these programs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects all Maryland public schools and their students.

Maddy summaryHB 1306 requires Maryland’s Department of Health to establish three specialized clinics for sickle cell disease treatment in Montgomery County, Harford County, and an Eastern Shore county by 2027. These clinics must operate under a hub-and-spoke model, providing comprehensive care including pain management, mental health services, genetic counseling, and telehealth access to specialists, while addressing social barriers like transportation and housing. The bill also creates a scholarship program for medical residents specializing in hematology with a sickle cell focus, requiring them to practice in Maryland after training. Funding of $6 million for fiscal year 2027 must cover clinic operations, staffing, social support services, and prioritizes hiring specialists and addressing health disparities. The Department must annually report on clinic outcomes, patient access, and efforts to reduce health disparities.