Del. Mark Fisher

Maddy summaryHB 373 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. This law directly affects the Maryland Department of Health, which must comply with CDC data requests unless legal conflicts exist. The key provision mandates routine data submission for public health tracking, with an exception only if state or federal law prohibits it. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, and does not alter abortion access or medical procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1357 requires the Maryland Department of Health to annually collect and report detailed cost data for four key reproductive health services: birth (including complications and neonatal care), postpartum care (including mental health), pregnancy care (routine visits and testing), and abortion (procedures, complications, and medication). This data collection applies to hospitals, healthcare providers, and other entities offering these services, with strict privacy safeguards to protect patient information. The department must publish a public report each December starting in 2025, including regional cost comparisons, trend analysis, and recommendations for cost efficiency. The bill aims to improve transparency in healthcare spending and inform policy decisions without changing existing abortion access or services.

Maddy summaryHB 353, the "Maryland’s Constitutional Carry Act of 2025," repeals Maryland’s requirement for residents to obtain a permit to carry handguns in public. It directly affects all Maryland residents who wish to carry handguns without a permit, replacing permit mandates with a new standard allowing carrying "as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger" (subject to court review). Key provisions include removing all permit-related sections from Maryland law (Public Safety Article §5-301-5-314) and amending Criminal Law sections to eliminate age restrictions for carrying in vehicles on public roads (previously barred for under-21s). The bill maintains existing prohibitions, such as bans on carrying on school property, with intent to harm, or with a loaded handgun.

Maddy summaryHB 989 removes a $40,000 annual sales limit on food processed under on-farm home processing licenses. The bill prohibits the Maryland Department of Health from restricting revenue from food sold by farm owners using home kitchens on their property. It requires the Department to update regulations (COMAR 10.15.04.15) by October 1, 2025, to eliminate the revenue cap. This directly affects Maryland farm owners who process and sell food from their homes.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 requires Maryland's Department of Health (for Medicaid) and Department of Human Services (for SNAP) to share data with federal and state agencies to verify eligibility for public benefits. Key mechanisms include monthly death record checks, quarterly employment/income reviews using tax and unemployment data, and banning self-attestation for income or residency. It proposes a 6-month benefit lockout for Medicaid recipients aged 19-65 who fail to report eligibility changes (excluding disabled or pregnant individuals). The bill also mandates annual retail inspections for SNAP stores and quarterly public reports on fraud investigations and compliance findings.

Maddy summaryHB 356 changes prescription drug benefit eligibility for Maryland state retirees. It discontinues state prescription drug coverage for retirees (and their Medicare-eligible spouses/children) who began state service on or after July 1, 2011, effective January 1, 2019. The bill repeals three existing retiree drug assistance programs (the Prescription Drug Coverage, Catastrophic, and Life-Sustaining Assistance Programs) and removes requirements for related notices and reports. Retirees who started state service before July 1, 2011, retain access to state prescription drug benefits. The law focuses on updating eligibility rules rather than creating new benefit structures.

Maddy summaryHB 1307 requires Maryland law enforcement agencies, agents, and local detention facilities to notify federal immigration authorities when they hold individuals with outstanding criminal warrants and to retain custody for up to 48 hours to facilitate transfer. It mandates cooperation with federal authorities to determine if such individuals are priorities for removal under federal enforcement guidelines. The bill prohibits state, local, or county entities from adopting policies that limit this cooperation. It directly affects law enforcement agencies and detention facilities in Maryland, altering how they handle individuals with active criminal warrants in coordination with federal immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 1160 exempts most business equipment from Calvert County's personal property tax, directly affecting businesses that purchase new equipment. It specifically exempts operating equipment for most businesses but continues taxing railroad property, telecom infrastructure (like cell towers), and electronic bingo machines. The bill also requires Calvert County to enter a payment-in-lieu agreement with qualified data centers for the exemption to apply, and the law only takes effect if the county submits this agreement to the state by June 30, 2030. If not submitted by that date, the bill becomes null and void.

Maddy summaryHB 588 requires law enforcement to notify school superintendents, principals, or school security officers within 24 hours when a student (ages 5-22) is arrested for specific "reportable offenses" like violent crimes or certain drug violations committed off school grounds. The bill applies to all Maryland public and nonpublic schools, directly affecting school administrators who receive these notifications. It mandates confidentiality for the arrest information (not to be added to student records) and requires the State’s Attorney to share case dispositions with schools. Schools must also provide educational programming details when sharing student information with other schools due to prior arrests. The law aims to inform schools about student arrests while protecting privacy.

Maddy summaryHB 683 makes it a misdemeanor for parents, guardians, or custodians to intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently act (or fail to act) in a way that causes a child to commit a crime or break the law. If convicted, they face up to 30 days in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both, and must participate in court proceedings and treatment programs for the child. The law also requires courts to order parents/guardians to pay court costs and restitution related to the child’s offense, while prohibiting fines for parents under certain circumstances. This directly affects parents, guardians, and custodians of children who commit crimes, shifting accountability to adult caregivers for their role in the child’s actions.