Del. Ken Kerr

Maddy summaryHB 442 allows statements made by children under 13 to qualified forensic interviewers to be used as evidence in court for specific cases involving child abuse, sexual offenses, or neglect. It applies when the child is a victim or witness in cases under Maryland law (e.g., abuse under §3-601, sexual offenses under §3-303, or neglect under §3-602.1). For admissibility, the statement must be made to a trained forensic interviewer (not law enforcement, working at a child advocacy center), and the court must provide notice to the defendant and follow specific procedures, including requiring corroborating evidence if the child does not testify. This bill directly affects child victims/witnesses in criminal or juvenile court cases and changes how their out-of-court statements can be presented in court.

Maddy summaryHB 492 authorizes Frederick County's Human Resources Director to request state and national criminal history checks for both current and prospective county employees and volunteers. The bill requires submitting two sets of approved fingerprints, paying Maryland and FBI fees, and mandates that the Central Repository forwards results only to the applicant and HR. It strictly prohibits redisseminating the confidential results and limits their use solely to personnel decisions for county employment. This bill directly affects all Frederick County employees and volunteers who undergo background checks under this new procedure.

Maddy summaryHB 514 revises Maryland’s chiropractic licensing rules to update the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ structure and oversight. It changes board membership (requiring 5 licensed chiropractors and 2 consumer members), adds authority for unannounced office inspections when complaints allege violations of CDC infection control guidelines, and mandates health provider exams for licensees or applicants under specific circumstances. The bill directly affects chiropractors seeking licensure or renewal, chiropractic offices, and the Board itself. Key changes include streamlined board appointments, enhanced compliance inspections, and new requirements for health assessments to ensure public safety.

Maddy summaryHB 573 updates Maryland's requirements for expanded function dental assistants (EFDA). It requires the State Board of Dental Examiners to approve specific types of training programs (like accredited college courses or programs from the Dental Assisting National Board) for EFDA certification, and mandates that initial certification courses offer online options when appropriate. The bill also sets clear rules for reinstating expired EFDA certifications, requiring completion of continuing education (which must include online options), timely renewal applications, and payment of fees. These changes directly affect dental assistants seeking or renewing their EFDA certification in Maryland.

Maddy summaryHB 502 establishes the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy within Maryland's Department of Disabilities and creates the "Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative." The bill directly affects state government agencies and employees with disabilities by requiring them to improve hiring, retention, and career advancement opportunities for people with disabilities. Key provisions include collecting employment data from state agencies, providing training on disability-inclusive hiring practices, and reporting annual progress to the Governor and General Assembly starting December 1, 2026. The initiative aims to reduce barriers in state employment through outreach, assistive technology access, and evaluating agency policies. The Office will begin operations on July 1, 2026, with mandatory reporting on outcomes and recommendations for improvement.

Maddy summaryHB 1027 creates a workgroup to study implementing a statewide 3-1-1 nonemergency telephone system in Maryland. The workgroup, composed of 12 members including state agency representatives, county officials, and industry stakeholders, will review existing 3-1-1 services, best practices from other states, and potential solutions for a statewide system. It will develop recommendations on oversight, feasibility, and a virtual portal, reporting findings to the Governor and legislature by November 1, 2025. This bill does not establish the 3-1-1 system itself but directs a study to inform future policy. The workgroup expires June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 723 streamlines licensing for dental professionals already certified in other states. It requires Maryland's State Board of Dental Examiners to issue licenses within a specific timeframe to: (1) dentists and dental hygienists licensed in another state who meet exam or practice history requirements, and (2) dental radiation technologists certified elsewhere under certain conditions. The bill modifies existing licensing rules to reduce delays, eliminating redundant exams for qualified applicants while maintaining standards like passing Maryland's jurisprudence exam. This directly affects out-of-state licensed dental professionals seeking to practice in Maryland without full re-licensing.

Maddy summaryHB 421 amends Maryland's 9-1-1 Trust Fund rules to allow using fund money for costs related to the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline that overlap with 9-1-1 operations (like shared software interfaces and joint training). Previously, the fund could not cover *any* costs associated with the 9-8-8 hotline, but this bill removes that blanket prohibition. The change specifically permits funding for "costs related to the operation of the 9-8-8 hotline that may be shared with 9-1-1 activities," while still prohibiting funds from covering costs that *solely* support the hotline. This affects how the 9-1-1 Trust Fund is allocated and used by state and local agencies managing emergency communications systems.

Maddy summaryHB 345 would allow social workers licensed in Maryland to practice in other states that join the Social Work Licensure Compact without needing separate licenses. The bill establishes a Compact Commission to manage mutual recognition of licenses, reduce duplicate requirements, and ensure accountability for social workers practicing across state lines. This directly affects licensed social workers, military families (who benefit from easier mobility), and clients seeking services in multiple states. The key mechanism is creating a standardized system for license portability while requiring social workers to follow the laws of the state where the client is located during service.

Maddy summaryHB 1468 transfers Maryland's Cyber Maryland Program from the Maryland Technology Development Corporation to the Maryland Department of Labor, restructuring its governance and operations. The bill requires the Program to award competitive grants for IT/OT workforces starting in fiscal year 2026, alters how the Cyber Maryland Fund can be used (including rolling over unused balances), and updates the Program's purpose to focus on creating a cybersecurity talent pipeline to reduce workforce vacancies by July 2026. It also mandates the Program to coordinate with cybersecurity industry groups, develop a statewide workforce plan, and ensure diversity in outcomes. These changes directly affect Maryland employers seeking cybersecurity talent and state workforce development programs.