Rep. Mark Fisher

Maddy summaryHB 500 removes two requirements that previously limited the sales tax exemption for precious metal bullion and coins. Specifically, it eliminates the $1,000 minimum sale price and the requirement that sales must occur at the Baltimore Convention Center. The bill expands the exemption to cover all qualifying precious metal bullion (refined metal where value depends on metal content) and historically used coins, while still excluding jewelry and art. This change directly affects buyers and sellers of these items by making the exemption available for more transactions without location or price restrictions. The exemption will apply to all qualifying sales starting July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 613 requires property owners in Calvert and St. Mary's Counties to use natural erosion control methods (like marsh creation, native plants, and oyster reefs) instead of hard structures (such as seawalls) for shoreline stabilization. It exempts these counties from general state requirements for nonstructural measures and creates a new waiver process where owners must demonstrate to the Department of Natural Resources that natural methods are not feasible due to factors like extreme erosion or narrow shorelines. The bill defines "living shorelines" as projects using natural materials and ecological principles to absorb wave energy and restore habitats, while still allowing structural measures in specific high-energy areas. This directly affects property owners along navigable waters in those two counties, changing how they must address shoreline erosion.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to expel Delegate Christopher Eric Bouchat from the Maryland House of Delegates due to his failure to attend committee meetings or vote on legislation since February 2026. The resolution cites his absence from required legislative duties and his stated priority of personal business over public service as grounds for removal under state constitutional rules. If passed, the measure would trigger a vacancy in District 5, allowing the Governor to appoint a replacement to represent Carroll and Frederick Counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Maryland Aviation Administration to join the federal Transportation Security Administration's Screening Partnership Program, enabling airports to contract private companies for passenger screening instead of relying solely on federal agents. The legislation authorizes this partnership only with the approval of the Governor and the Secretary of Transportation, ensuring oversight before any agreements are made. By adding a new section to state law, the bill formally establishes the legal framework for this security arrangement while repealing and reenacting existing definitions without changes. As an emergency measure passed with a supermajority, it takes effect immediately upon enactment to address public safety needs.

Maddy summaryHB 714 requires the Maryland Department of Health to share abortion-related data with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when requested, unless sharing would violate federal or state law. The bill directly affects Maryland's health department, mandating data submission under specific conditions. Key provisions include an exception allowing the department to withhold data if legal conflicts arise, and it takes effect October 1, 2026. This law updates Maryland's health reporting requirements to align with federal data collection needs.

Maddy summaryHB 785 establishes the process for Maryland to appoint a delegation of seven commissioners and an advisory committee to represent the state at an Article V constitutional convention if called by the required number of states. Commissioners must meet specific qualifications, including being a U.S. citizen and Maryland resident for at least five years, aged 25 or older, and registered voters, with restrictions on federal lobbying, employment, or criminal history. The bill requires the Maryland General Assembly to appoint the delegation via a joint resolution and outlines procedures for commissioners to take an oath, be recalled, or fill vacancies through the advisory committee. This framework ensures Maryland’s representation at such a convention adheres to defined standards and accountability measures.

Maddy summaryHB 1208 authorizes Calvert County Commissioners to use revenue from payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements (effective October 1, 2026) to fund specific volunteer emergency services. It directs funds to designated organizations like volunteer fire companies, rescue squads, the Calvert Advanced Life Support Unit, and rescue dive teams, provided they submit annual budgets and maintain nonprofit status. The bill specifies that funds must cover equipment, facilities, and training for responders, and prohibits restricting response areas. It also requires recipient organizations to provide bonds ensuring funds are spent as intended.

Maddy summaryHB 974 removes several existing regulatory requirements for electricity and gas suppliers in Maryland. It repeals rules about licensing energy salespersons, residential supplier terms, and reporting obligations, while modifying how electric cooperatives and standard offer service operate. The bill also changes the name and purpose of the "Education and Protection Fund" to better support customer education about energy choices. These changes aim to reduce regulatory barriers for suppliers, potentially increasing competition in the retail energy market for residential customers. The bill directly affects electricity/gas suppliers, energy salespersons, and residential customers seeking alternative energy providers.

Maddy summaryHB 129 requires nonprofits receiving at least 50% of their annual funding from specific public sources - including state/local grants, capital budgets, or local impact grants - to report funding amounts and usage to Maryland's Comptroller. This applies to IRS 501(c) exempt organizations operating in Maryland that meet the funding threshold. Nonprofits must submit these reports annually, and the Comptroller will summarize the data for the General Assembly by January 31 each year. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, aiming to standardize reporting on public funding for transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 1332 prohibits Calvert County Commissioners from entering into new nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements with any other person. The bill adds Section 2-202 to Calvert County's local laws, making any such agreement void and unenforceable. Existing agreements remain valid, as the law applies only prospectively from its effective date of October 1, 2026. This bill directly affects Calvert County Commissioners' ability to sign new confidentiality terms with external parties.