Del. Karen Simpson

Maddy summaryHB 803 prohibits distributing computer-generated images that appear to show real people with exposed intimate parts (like genitals or buttocks) or engaged in sexual activity, if done to harm, harass, or without the person’s consent - especially when privacy was expected. It specifically covers AI-generated content that looks indistinguishable from actual people, but excludes drawings, cartoons, sculptures, or paintings. Violators face misdemeanor charges with penalties of up to 2 years in jail or a $5,000 fine. The bill amends Maryland’s criminal code (§ 3-809) to address new risks from deepfake technology.

Maddy summaryHB 1081, titled the "Unmask Hate Act," prohibits intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening another person while hiding or concealing their face with a mask or other device to conceal identity. It directly affects individuals who use face coverings to intimidate others, making such acts a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail or $1,000 in fines for repeat offenses. The bill includes exceptions for mask-wearing during religious observances, occupational safety, holidays, weather protection, or medical reasons like limiting illness spread. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1050 requires petitioners seeking domestic violence protective orders in Maryland to provide specific, detailed information about the respondent's firearms when filing their petition. This directly affects domestic violence victims and their legal representatives who must now include details like firearm make/model, location, access points (e.g., car, home), and the respondent’s habits regarding firearms. Key provisions mandate petitioners disclose the respondent’s firearm possession status, location of weapons, whether firearms are kept in a vehicle (including license plate), and related habits like hunting or shooting range visits. The bill amends existing family law statutes to integrate these requirements into the petition process, without changing when firearms must be surrendered. It aims to improve court awareness of firearm risks during domestic violence cases.

Maddy summaryHB 607 establishes the PAREA Grant Program to provide financial assistance to minorities residing in historically redlined neighborhoods and underrepresented communities for training to become real estate appraisers. The program aims to close appraisal gaps in these areas, diversify the appraisal profession, and support individuals pursuing real estate appraisal careers. Administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the grants directly target residents in communities historically excluded from the appraisal field. This policy creates a concrete pathway for career development in a specific profession while addressing documented disparities in real estate services.

Maddy summaryHB 499 (Expungement Reform Act of 2025) changes Maryland’s expungement process to make it easier for people with certain misdemeanor convictions to clear their records. It reduces waiting periods after completing a sentence (removing the previous 3-year limit for some offenses), expands eligibility to include more misdemeanor convictions, and requires courts to confirm restitution payments are made or unpayable before expungement. The bill also prohibits the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system from referencing expunged records. These changes directly affect individuals with eligible misdemeanor convictions who have completed their sentences.

Maddy summaryHB 1107 limits when incarcerated minors in Maryland can be placed in restrictive housing (like solitary confinement). It prohibits using restrictive housing for discipline, punishment, staff convenience, or retaliation, and requires facilities to prove an immediate safety risk exists with no other options. The bill mandates mental health screenings within one hour of placement, restricts time in restrictive housing to a maximum of six hours, and requires facilities to develop plans for moving minors back to general population or providing alternative programming. It also allows minors to request placement in restrictive housing and revoke that request at any time, with immediate return to general population if withdrawn. This directly affects minors in juvenile correctional facilities and the Department of Juvenile Services.

Maddy summaryHB 985 allows Maryland counties to establish a second administrative charging committee for reviewing police misconduct complaints, if the county governing body determines one committee is insufficient to serve all countywide and local law enforcement agencies. This bill amends existing law by adding a new provision (Section 3-104(a)(1)(II)) that permits counties to authorize a second committee under specific circumstances. The key mechanism requires county officials to formally decide that a single committee cannot adequately handle the volume of cases, without changing the committee composition or disciplinary standards. The bill directly affects county governments and law enforcement agencies by providing administrative flexibility in handling misconduct investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 687, the Community-Oriented Policing Act, prohibits Maryland law enforcement agencies from setting or using arrest, citation, or warrant quotas for officer evaluations, promotions, or discipline. The bill specifically bans agencies from requiring officers to meet specific activity targets (like a set number of arrests) or using those numbers as the primary factor in personnel decisions. It also clarifies that agencies may still use quantitative data for management purposes, as long as it doesn’t dictate officer evaluations. The law amends Maryland’s Public Safety Code and takes effect October 1, 2025. It directly affects all local and state law enforcement agencies and their officers in Maryland.

Maddy summaryHB 1431 restricts federal immigration enforcement agencies from accessing Maryland state and local government databases without a valid warrant. It requires state/local law enforcement agencies, DMV, and other government units to deny federal requests for personal information, photos, or facial recognition data unless accompanied by a federal or Maryland court warrant. The bill also mandates annual reporting to the legislature on all such federal requests received, including how many were denied or granted with warrants. This directly affects Maryland state agencies, local governments, and federal immigration officers seeking access to these databases.

Maddy summaryHB 464 requires Maryland local school systems to provide parents of children with disabilities with written information about secondary transition services during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Specifically, it mandates this information be given at least once yearly and beginning when a student turns 14 years old. The bill also requires that materials be provided in the parent's native language if English is not their primary language. This applies directly to parents of students with IEPs in Maryland public schools, ensuring they receive clear, accessible planning resources for their child's post-secondary goals. The law amends existing Maryland education code sections to formalize these requirements.