Rep. Debra Davis

Maddy summaryHB 414 changes Maryland's jury service rules by removing a disqualification for people currently on parole or probation for crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Previously, individuals serving such sentences (including parole) were barred from jury duty, but this bill eliminates that specific barrier. The bill maintains disqualifications for crimes involving perjury, witness intimidation, jury intimidation, or certain offenses under Maryland's Criminal Law (Title 8). It also preserves requirements that jurors must understand English to complete qualification forms. This change would allow more people with past convictions to serve on juries, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 360 (Clean Slate Act of 2026) automates the removal of certain criminal records from public view. It requires Maryland’s Department of Public Safety and the Judiciary to expunge eligible cases by July 1, 2028, and then monthly thereafter, for people with qualifying outcomes (like dismissed charges or certain misdemeanors) that meet waiting periods (3 years for most cases, 7 years for others). The law excludes cases involving domestic violence, second-degree assault, or new convictions during the waiting period. It directly affects individuals with eligible records who no longer need to petition courts for expungement.

Maddy summaryHB 1380 requires Maryland hospitals providing obstetrical services and freestanding birthing centers to meet minimum perinatal care standards as a condition of licensure. The bill mandates the Maryland Department of Health to adopt regulations establishing these standards, which must meet or exceed existing Maryland Perinatal System Standards. Hospitals and birthing centers must comply with these standards to maintain their operating licenses. The law amends specific sections of Maryland's Health Code (19-319 and 19-3B-03) to implement this requirement, effective October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1222 (Maryland Values Act) requires Maryland correctional facilities to detain and transfer individuals who are not lawfully present in the U.S. and have been convicted of a violent crime to federal immigration authorities within 48 hours when requested. It prohibits law enforcement officers from detaining people or prolonging arrests based on immigration status during routine stops or investigations, and bans transferring individuals to federal immigration authorities except for the defined "covered individuals" (those with violent crime convictions and unlawful presence). The bill also terminates existing immigration enforcement agreements between Maryland entities and federal authorities by a specified deadline. This directly affects state/local correctional facilities, law enforcement officers, and individuals with certain immigration statuses and violent crime convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 970 prohibits Maryland health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and health maintenance organizations from requiring patients to try less expensive diabetes medications before covering insulin. It directly affects people with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes who rely on insulin or similar insulin analogs for treatment. The bill bans "step therapy" or "fail-first" protocols - where insurers force patients to attempt alternative drugs first - regardless of how insurers label these policies. This change takes effect for all new or renewed health insurance policies on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 666 requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) and most health insurance plans to cover calcium score testing for individuals with specific heart disease risk factors. It directly affects people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of early heart disease - requiring coverage if they have at least three of these risk factors. The law mandates coverage starting January 1, 2026, for Medicaid and all health insurance policies issued or renewed after that date. This change applies to insurers, nonprofit health plans, health maintenance organizations, and managed care organizations operating in Maryland. The bill does not alter coverage for other medical services but specifically adds calcium scoring to required benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 334 establishes a statewide program requiring the Maryland Department of Health to provide universal newborn nurse home visiting services to all families with newborns (up to 12 weeks old) residing in Maryland. The program must be evidence-based, offered by licensed nurses, and delivered in homes or virtually, focusing on infant health, maternal well-being, family support, and child development. Crucially, the bill mandates that health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and health maintenance organizations cover and reimburse these services under existing policies. The program is voluntary for families, with no penalties for declining participation, and requires data collection on outcomes across key domains like reducing child maltreatment and improving school readiness.

Maddy summaryHB 1144 would bar individuals alleged to have committed assault or caused bodily injury to transit staff or passengers from using Maryland's state public transit services or stations for set periods. First offenses trigger a 30-day exclusion, second offenses 180 days, and third offenses or weapon use result in a lifetime ban. State officials can adjust these exclusion periods, and violators face trespassing charges under existing law. The bill applies specifically to incidents occurring on transit vehicles or at transit stations, taking effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 425 exempts licensed auctioneers acting on behalf of sellers (without taking title to the vessel) from being classified as "dealers" under Maryland's State Boat Act. This change specifically affects auctioneers who sell boats for owners or secured parties, such as lienholders, where title passes directly to the buyer. The bill amends the State Boat Act by adding a clear exclusion to the definition of "dealer" in Section 8-701(c)(3), ensuring auctioneers aren't subject to dealer licensing requirements when operating under these conditions. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1322 requires all operators of gasoline-powered vessels on Maryland waters to have carbon monoxide warning labels clearly visible near the transom and helm of the vessel. This law directly affects boat operators and owners who operate gasoline-powered vessels, amending Maryland's State Boat Act to mandate these labels. The key provision specifies the exact locations where labels must be affixed to warn of carbon monoxide risks. The law takes effect on October 1, 2025.