Del. Jamila Woods

Maddy summaryHB 435 modifies Maryland's jury service disqualification rules by expanding the circumstances under which individuals with criminal convictions cannot serve. It specifically disqualifies people convicted of crimes involving perjury, witness/jury intimidation, or certain offenses under Title 8 of the Criminal Law Article, as well as those currently serving sentences exceeding one year for such crimes. The bill removes an existing exception allowing pardoned individuals to serve, meaning pardons no longer restore jury eligibility for these offenses. This change directly affects Maryland residents with these specific criminal convictions who would now be barred from jury service, effective October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 625 establishes a new "Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Deed" system for real property in Maryland. It allows property owners to designate beneficiaries who automatically inherit the property upon the owner's death, bypassing court probate. Key provisions include creating standardized forms for creating and revoking TOD deeds, requiring recording in county land records (but exempting them from property transfer taxes), and making the law apply retroactively to deeds created before the bill's effective date. The bill directly affects Maryland residents who own real estate and wish to simplify property transfers to heirs without court involvement.

Maddy summaryHB 606 requires real estate professionals - such as developers, builders, brokers, and agents - to report the final sale price of new homes sold in Maryland into a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or similar public database within 30 days of the sale. This applies specifically to new home sales and directly affects those selling new properties. The key provision mandates that final sale prices, not initial listings, be entered into existing MLS systems used by real estate professionals. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, aiming to increase transparency in new home pricing data without creating new reporting systems.

Maddy summaryHB 456 extends the time victims have to file civil lawsuits for nonsexual child abuse or neglect. It allows claims to be filed up to 20 years after the victim turns 18, or 3 years after the abuser is convicted of a related crime (like child neglect or physical injury). The bill also caps noneconomic damages at $1.5 million per claimant against a single defendant for cases that would have been barred before October 2025. This affects victims seeking compensation and defendants (including government entities) facing liability. The law specifically excludes sexual abuse cases from these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 522 authorizes Maryland's Department of Juvenile Services to provide up to one year of funding for rehabilitation services to designated rehabilitation institutions. This bill directly affects institutions operating under the Department's oversight, including state juvenile diagnostic, training, detention, and rehabilitation facilities. The key provision amends existing law to explicitly allow the Department to fund these services, focusing on supporting rehabilitation programs rather than creating new mandates or altering service delivery structures. The funding mechanism is limited to a one-year period per institution.

Maddy summaryHB 635 requires police officers to document the specific reason for every traffic stop (e.g., speeding, broken taillight) on the citation or police report. It limits enforcement of certain vehicle law violations (like expired registration) to "secondary" actions only - officers must first stop a driver for a primary violation (e.g., speeding) before citing a secondary issue. If an officer fails to document the reason or violates the secondary enforcement rule, evidence from the stop may be excluded in court, and the officer could face administrative discipline. This bill directly affects police procedures during traffic stops and the admissibility of evidence in legal cases.

Maddy summaryHB 552 requires all Maryland higher education institutions to provide free fentanyl test strips (defined as "drug detection products") to students. These products must be available at no cost in campus health centers, libraries, and bathrooms. Institutions must also annually report to the Commission on naloxone use incidents and the quantity of test strips distributed. The bill directly affects colleges and universities across Maryland, aiming to improve access to overdose prevention tools for students. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 381, the "Healing Our Scars Act," requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) and certain health insurers, HMOs, and managed care organizations to cover aesthetic services and restorative care for victims of domestic violence starting January 1, 2026. The bill applies specifically to services treating physical injuries caused by domestic violence, as defined in Maryland law (including injuries from current or former spouses or cohabitants), and mandates coverage only when a licensed physician determines the care is medically necessary. It amends existing health and insurance laws to include this requirement, applying to all relevant health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed in Maryland on or after January 1, 2026. The law aims to address physical injuries sustained in domestic violence cases by expanding access to necessary medical and cosmetic recovery services.

Maddy summaryHB 417 establishes the Commission on Universal Health Care to study the feasibility of creating a state-run health care program covering all Maryland residents through a single-payer system. The commission, composed of appointed members from government, labor unions, healthcare organizations, and community groups, will examine how to provide comprehensive, equitable coverage - including preventive, mental, reproductive, and hospital care - regardless of income, immigration status, or health needs. It will analyze cost containment strategies, health equity gaps, and models from other states, but does not create the program itself. The commission must report its findings and recommendations to the Maryland General Assembly by 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 383, the "So Every Body Can Move Act," requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance Program) and certain private health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and HMOs to cover orthoses - custom devices treating neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions - starting January 1, 2026. The bill mandates coverage for the devices themselves, components, repairs, and replacements without lifetime limits or higher copays than other medical benefits. It specifies that replacements must be covered if a healthcare provider determines they’re needed due to physiological changes, irreparable damage, or repair costs exceeding 60% of replacement costs. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and insured individuals in Maryland requiring orthotic devices for daily living, work, or physical activity. The law amends Maryland’s Health and Insurance Articles (sections 15-103 and 15-820) to establish these coverage requirements.