Rep. Steve Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 444 prohibits Maryland state and local governments, including county sheriffs and agencies, from entering into new agreements with federal authorities to enforce civil immigration law. It requires existing agreements to be terminated by July 1, 2026, or immediately upon the law’s effective date (June 1, 2026). The bill specifically targets contracts, memorandums, or agreements that allow local entities to assist in federal immigration enforcement under federal laws like 8 U.S.C. § 1103 or § 1357. This directly affects local law enforcement agencies and government bodies that previously collaborated with federal immigration authorities. The law aims to prevent state/local resources from being used for immigration enforcement under federal programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1603 establishes new regulations for vision benefit plans and discount plans in Maryland. It requires insurers and vision benefit managers to disclose specific information (like legal name, addresses, and regulatory oversight) on their websites and in communications. The bill also sets rules for contracts with eye care providers (optometrists and ophthalmologists), prohibits certain restrictive contract terms, and mandates fair reimbursement procedures. These changes directly affect insurers, vision benefit managers, and eye care providers participating in vision benefit programs. The bill repeals an existing section and adds new sections (15-2201-15-2213) to Maryland’s Insurance Article.

Maddy summaryHB 1141 increases Maryland's minimum population requirement for municipal incorporation from 300 to 600 residents. It requires organizing committees (groups seeking incorporation) to prepare a report analyzing the financial impact on residents and services, which counties must post online within 60 days. The bill mandates county commissioners or councils to formally approve referendum requests if petitions meet the 25% signature threshold of registered voters in the proposed area. It also specifies that votes on incorporation must occur in the next general election under certain conditions. This directly affects unincorporated communities seeking to form new municipalities.

Maddy summaryHB 504 repeals provisions requiring two physician members on Maryland's State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists. The bill removes the requirement for physician members who must hold specific certifications (e.g., American Board of Otolaryngology) and be actively practicing in the state. This changes the board's composition from 15 to 13 members by eliminating the physician slots, directly affecting future appointments for physicians seeking board roles. The bill does not alter the board's regulatory duties over licensed professionals in these fields.

Maddy summaryHB 1295 establishes new rules for fully autonomous vehicles (Level 4/5 systems) operating on Maryland highways without human drivers. It requires these vehicles to achieve a "minimal risk condition" (like safely stopping) if their automated system fails, and mandates compliance with Maryland's vehicle laws unless exempted by regulations. The bill also explicitly states that data collected by these vehicles (e.g., location, sensor data) falls under the state's Online Data Privacy Act, requiring protection similar to other personal information. This directly affects manufacturers, operators, and passengers of fully autonomous vehicles operating in Maryland.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Maryland Transportation Authority to waive unpaid video tolls and associated penalties without recalling the debt from the state's Central Collection Unit. It applies when tolls exceed $300, were assessed within 30 days, or if mitigating circumstances exist. If waived, the Authority must notify the Central Collection Unit to adjust collection fees accordingly. It directly affects drivers who owe video tolls (e.g., from cameras instead of E-ZPass) and streamlines collections for recent or high-value unpaid charges.

Maddy summaryHB 1414 requires Maryland nursing homes to spend at least 75% of their nursing and residential care revenue on direct care staff wages and benefits, including nurses, dietary workers, and therapists. It also mandates that nursing homes submit detailed annual cost reports by September 1 (starting in 2027) to the Maryland Department of Health, including proof of wage payments and other required data. Failure to comply could lead to enforcement actions such as corrective plans or suspension from the Maryland Medicaid program. The bill directly affects all nursing homes operating in Maryland and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 942 prohibits knowingly and willfully interfering with a custody order by enticing or withholding a minor from their lawful custodian, a court-appointed guardian, or someone legally caring for the child (like a foster parent). It directly affects individuals who disrupt established custody arrangements, such as parents or relatives. The bill imposes tiered penalties: a written warning for a first offense (with specific details required), escalating civil fines up to $500 for second and third offenses, and misdemeanor charges with jail terms up to one year for fourth or subsequent violations. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 576 authorizes the Maryland State Archives to establish fees for record services through regulations, directly affecting the public, state agencies, and courts that access or request records. Key provisions include allowing the Archives to set fees as a percentage (capped at 2% of existing fees) or flat subscription rates for record preservation, requiring 7% of collected fees to fund an Archives Endowment Account, and setting a $3 fee for public copies of property plats. The bill also clarifies that courts may obtain land record copies for free with judicial approval while maintaining fee structures for other services like vital records and certified copies. These changes update existing fee authority in Maryland law without altering record access requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 758 amends Maryland law to update how funds for problem gambling services can be used. It adds new authorized purposes, including reimbursing peer support services for individuals receiving treatment and creating programs specifically targeting gambling issues related to sports wagering, fantasy competitions, and online betting. The bill also allows unspent funds in the Problem Gambling Fund to be used for drug and addiction treatment services after core gambling programs are funded. These changes directly affect problem gamblers, treatment providers, and the Maryland Department of Health, which manages the fund. The policy alters existing fund usage rules without creating new funding sources.