Del. Andrew Pruski

Maddy summaryHB 600, the "Educational Equality for Service Members Act," updates Maryland's education laws to ensure eligibility for educator certification applies equally to all uniformed services (including National Guard, reserves, and other service branches), not just the traditional armed forces. It revises definitions throughout education statutes to replace "military" with "uniformed services" and clarifies that "veteran" includes those discharged within one year for certification purposes. The bill maintains the existing requirement for active service members, eligible veterans, and their spouses to hold a valid out-of-state license and meet basic qualifications to qualify for expedited certification. This change directly affects service members and veterans seeking teaching careers in Maryland by aligning certification pathways with current service definitions.

Maddy summaryHB 691, the Tax Relief and State Personnel Equality for Service Members Act, redefines "uniformed services" to include the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), extending veteran benefits to their members who meet federal veteran criteria. The bill amends Maryland's tax, pension, and personnel laws to apply the same rules to all uniformed services - not just the armed forces - ensuring equal access to state benefits like tax relief and retirement programs. It specifically updates definitions in the Maryland Code to include these service members in state programs previously limited to military veterans. This directly affects service members in non-military uniformed services and state agencies administering veteran benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 1018 requires banks and credit unions to include a specific provision in conventional home mortgage loans (not government-insured loans) that allows one borrower to take over the other’s share of the mortgage during an absolute divorce. It mandates that lenders provide written disclosure of this provision to loan applicants before they complete their application. The bill applies only to conventional mortgages not already required by law to be assumable in divorce cases. This change aims to simplify property division for divorcing couples by standardizing the assumption process in loan terms.

Maddy summaryHB 107 requires businesses offering automatic renewals (like subscriptions) to clearly disclose renewal terms - including the price after the initial period - before consumers agree. It mandates that cancellation methods be simple, free, and match how the consumer initially signed up (e.g., a prominent online button or email form), and prohibits automatic credit card charges without clear notice. The bill directly affects businesses selling subscriptions or services with automatic renewal terms to Maryland consumers. Violations are classified as unfair trade practices under Maryland law.

Maddy summaryHB 598 creates a property tax credit for supermarkets in Anne Arundel County that complete eligible construction (new stores or major renovations) in designated "food desert retail incentive areas." It defines a "supermarket" as a grocery store meeting specific size and product requirements (e.g., major departments, over 50% food sales). The county or municipal corporation must designate these food desert areas by law, and the tax credit cannot exceed the personal property tax owed. The credit applies to taxable years starting June 1, 2025, and local governments may set additional limits or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 208 prohibits sellers from advertising digital goods (like apps, music, e-books, or video content) using terms that imply permanent ownership unless specific disclosures are made at the point of sale. Sellers must obtain a buyer’s written acknowledgment confirming they are purchasing a license (not ownership), listing all restrictions and noting the seller can revoke access. Additionally, if a rental option is offered alongside a sale, sellers must provide clear statements explaining the licensing terms and a digital method to access those details. The bill directly affects businesses selling digital goods in Maryland, requiring them to adjust advertising and checkout processes to comply with these transparency rules. It amends Maryland’s Commercial Law to clarify that digital goods are licensed, not owned, when sold.

Maddy summaryHB 1424, the "Protect Our Federal Workers Act," expands state financial assistance to Maryland residents affected by federal government disruptions beyond just shutdowns. It renames the "Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund" to the "Federal Government Employee Assistance Loan Fund" and broadens eligibility to include current federal employees not paid during shutdowns *and* Maryland residents recently terminated due to federal office closures, relocations, or mass layoffs. The bill allows funds from the state’s Catastrophic Event Account to cover costs for these individuals, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor. This changes existing law to provide loans for both ongoing shutdowns and post-layoff financial hardship from federal facility changes.

Maddy summaryHB 402 increases the scholarship amount for student members of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education from $8,000 to $15,000 per year. The bill directly affects students who serve a full term on the county board and complete their service. It amends Maryland's Education Article by updating Section 3-2A-07(b) to reflect the new scholarship amount, replacing the previous $8,000 figure. The change takes effect June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill establishes a minimum annual fee of $2.30 per ton for generators of coal combustion by-products, while exempting those that beneficially reuse the material or use it for coal mine reclamation. It creates a new Statewide Coal Combustion By-Products Coordinating Committee composed of state officials, technical experts, community representatives, and local government members to monitor sites and share information. The Department of the Environment must adopt regulations by a specified date to align with federal guidelines and must reduce fees in future years if collected revenue exceeds program operating costs.

Maddy summaryHB 153 lowers the minimum age for voter registration in Maryland from 16 to 15 years and 9 months. It requires election officials to send registered minors (ages 15-17) a notification card containing information about when they will become eligible to vote (at age 18). Additionally, it mandates that election directors send eligible minors who become 18 a notice about upcoming primary elections, available voting methods, and early voting locations. The bill directly affects minors registering to vote and election officials responsible for voter communications. It amends Maryland’s Election Law sections 3-102 and 3-301, effective October 1, 2025.