Del. Susan McComas

Maddy summaryThis bill requires online platforms, video games, messaging apps, and streaming services to implement privacy-focused default settings and allow parents to manage their minor children's accounts. It defines "covered platforms" as internet-based services that facilitate user interaction, while excluding common carriers, email providers, and professional networking sites. The law specifically targets minors under 17 and gives the Attorney General authority to enforce compliance, though platforms can correct violations before facing penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the long-tailed salamander as Maryland's official state amphibian. It directly affects the state by formally recognizing this specific species under state law. The legislation adds a new section to the Annotated Code of Maryland that explicitly names the long-tailed salamander as the state amphibian. The bill also renumbers existing state code sections to accommodate this new designation. The changes take effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maryland's Higher Education Commission to create a framework for transformative economic efficiency, which focuses on measurable improvements in economic performance, resource use, and health risk prevention through education and research. The Commission must develop independent consensus-based standards collaboratively with universities, research institutions, and subject matter experts, using independent research and verification methods. These standards must be posted on the Commission's website and updated regularly to encourage continuous improvement in higher education practices. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to institutions of higher education and community-based research institutions in Maryland.

Maddy summaryHB 459 modifies Maryland's education enforcement procedures by changing how the State Board of Education reviews county school board decisions. It establishes that appeals of county board actions must be judged based on whether the decision was an "abuse of discretion" (e.g., unreasonable, without guiding rules, or illogical) or illegal. The bill also limits the State Superintendent’s temporary halts to county actions to a maximum of 90 days. These changes directly affect county school boards, the State Board of Education, and the State Superintendent when enforcing education rules under Maryland law.

Maddy summaryHB 449, the Juvenile Justice Restoration Act, requires law enforcement officers to consult with an attorney before questioning a child (under 18) in custody. It mandates that officers first notify the child’s parent/guardian and ensure the child speaks with an attorney - either one retained by the parent or provided by the Office of the Public Defender - before any interrogation. Exceptions only apply if an officer believes immediate public safety is threatened (with limited questions) or if a parent consents to skip the attorney consultation. The bill also requires detailed records of notifications and attorney contact, and creates a strong presumption that any statement obtained without compliance is inadmissible in court. The Office of the Public Defender must develop policies to guide attorneys on these new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1538, the Maryland Generational Housing Act of 2026, requires Maryland counties and municipalities to adopt local laws by October 1, 2026, permitting at least one internal accessory dwelling unit (ADU, like a converted basement) and one external ADU (like a backyard cottage) on single-family residential properties. The bill directly affects homeowners, local governments, and utility providers by prohibiting localities from imposing off-street parking requirements on ADUs, banning utility fees for shared meters/services, and exempting ADUs from property taxes. Key provisions include removing ADUs from density calculations for zoning purposes and ensuring they meet basic safety standards without requiring additional parking. This law aims to increase housing options for multi-generational households while streamlining development for existing single-family lots.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maryland's Department of Human Services to develop a process for identifying and reducing administrative errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department must systematically analyze SNAP processing mistakes, create strategies to improve eligibility determination, and monitor progress toward reducing errors. It also mandates that Maryland work to achieve SNAP error rates matching the best-performing state, as measured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The law directly affects the Department of Human Services and local county offices administering SNAP benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 1486 changes how Maryland calculates workers' compensation for employees injured while working multiple jobs. It requires combining wages from all concurrent employers at the time of injury to determine the average weekly wage for compensation claims. This replaces current rules and also directs the Subsequent Injury Fund to reimburse employers for certain permanent disability payments. The bill directly affects injured workers with multiple jobs and their employers in wage calculation scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 1404 authorizes investor-owned electric companies and electricity suppliers in Maryland to construct, operate, and recover costs for their own natural gas energy generation facilities and related transmission infrastructure. The bill explicitly permits natural gas energy systems to be built, operated, and permitted in the state while requiring compliance with certificate or commission approval processes. It also directs the Public Service Commission to delay certain orders until specific conditions are met and encourages the PJM Interconnection to expedite interconnection for new thermal generation. The legislation expresses legislative support for developing additional nuclear energy in Maryland. These provisions directly affect energy providers and shape how new power infrastructure can be developed and financed within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1301 modifies Maryland's historic preservation law to give local jurisdictions the option of allowing people who disagree with a historic preservation commission's decision to appeal directly to their local board of appeals or circuit court (in addition to the existing appeal route). This bill directly affects property owners, developers, or residents challenging preservation rulings. The key provision (added via Section 8-308(B)) authorizes local governments to create this new appeal pathway, though it does not require them to do so. Local jurisdictions would decide whether to implement this option for appeals. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.