Rep. Darrell Odom

Maddy summaryHB 35 authorizes Maryland counties and municipalities to create local rules regulating Tree of Heaven (an invasive species), directly affecting property owners and local governments. The bill allows communities to ban the sale, planting, or growth of Tree of Heaven on private property, and requires property owners to remove it. Local governments may also establish cash reward programs to incentivize removal, and enforce rules through civil fines or requiring damage mitigation. This bill provides concrete tools for local management of the invasive tree without mandating statewide action.

Maddy summaryHB 342 modifies Maryland's forestry licensing requirements by adding new educational accreditation standards. It requires applicants to graduate from a forestry program approved by the Board *and* accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) or an equivalent accrediting body. This directly affects individuals seeking forestry licenses in Maryland, as it replaces previous curriculum approval requirements. The bill maintains the existing 2-year forestry experience requirement but adds this dual accreditation condition for educational institutions. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 480 requires transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) operating in Maryland to create and follow a clear written policy for deactivating drivers. The bill mandates companies must notify drivers of deactivation reasons and provide specific information, and prohibits deactivation unless it follows the published policy. It defines "egregious misconduct" (such as repeated traffic violations or safety threats) as the only valid reason for deactivation, excluding minor violations. This directly affects drivers who could be deactivated and companies required to maintain transparent, consistent procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 429 establishes two grant programs to reduce food waste and promote composting. The On-Farm Organics Diversion Grant Program (under Agriculture) funds farmers, urban farmers, and related entities to implement on-farm composting, food rescue, and waste prevention. The Wasted Food Reduction Grant Program (under Environment) funds projects like food rescue infrastructure, community composting, and education to reduce wasted food statewide. Eligible projects must meet specific standards, such as producing certified compost and prioritizing underserved communities, with grants awarded annually starting July 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 395 repeals a requirement that new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) must obtain a general discharge permit from Maryland's Department of the Environment before beginning construction. This directly affects developers and operators planning new CAFO facilities by removing a pre-construction permitting step. The bill modifies Maryland's Environment Article by deleting Section 9-323(a)(2), which previously mandated this permit for new CAFO construction. The change only applies to the construction phase, not to operating permits or existing CAFOs.

Maddy summaryHB 338 expands the jurisdiction of the Maryland Capitol Police (a unit within the Department of General Services) to cover all state-owned or leased buildings and the surrounding area up to 2,000 feet (previously 1,000 feet). It grants the Capitol Police statewide authority to enforce criminal laws and traffic regulations, with a requirement to notify specific local law enforcement agencies after enforcement actions. This change directly affects the Capitol Police by broadening their operational scope and impacts local police departments that must receive notifications. The bill does not alter the Capitol Police's structure or staffing but clarifies their jurisdictional boundaries under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 578 requires Maryland's Secretary of Natural Resources to review and update regulations for endangered and threatened species by July 1, 2033, and every 10 years thereafter. It clarifies definitions like "foreseeable future" for species assessments and expands "harm" to include significant habitat degradation that affects breeding or feeding. The bill mandates delisting species under specific conditions and specifies required details for petitions to remove species from protected lists. These changes directly affect wildlife managers, landowners, and conservation efforts by strengthening habitat protections and streamlining species listing processes under Maryland law.

Maddy summaryHB 654 modifies funding rules for Maryland's Heritage Areas Authority, directly affecting local jurisdictions and entities managing certified heritage areas. It removes previous 50% limits on grant coverage for project costs (allowing full funding for eligible activities like preservation and marketing) and adjusts how Program Open Space funds are used. Specifically, it increases the allowable percentage for operating expenses from 10% to 7% or $600,000 (whichever is greater), and raises the maximum funding transfer to the Authority's Financing Fund. These changes aim to provide greater flexibility for heritage area management while maintaining oversight of fund usage.

Maddy summaryHB 663 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to report to the state legislature on changes in federal greenhouse gas emissions policies. Starting July 1, 2026, and every six months thereafter, the department must report any legally validated federal policy changes - including court-approved repeals of vehicle or stationary source emissions standards - and detail Maryland's response to those changes. The bill specifically mandates that reports cover policy shifts since January 1, 2024, for the first report, and each subsequent report must address changes from the prior six-month period. This reporting requirement expires on May 31, 2029, after a three-year term. The bill directly affects state environmental agencies and the General Assembly, creating a formal process to track federal regulatory shifts impacting climate policy.

Maddy summaryHB 637 ("The Vax Act") requires Maryland's Secretary of Health to issue science-based recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive services using guidance from major medical organizations like the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics. It expands pharmacists' authority to administer flu, COVID-19, and emergency vaccines to patients aged 3 and older (previously limited to 18+ for some vaccines) after completing specific training. The bill also mandates that health insurance plans cover these recommended services without cost-sharing for patients. This directly affects pharmacists, health insurers, and Maryland residents seeking preventive care, particularly children and adults needing routine vaccinations.