Del. Kevin Hornberger

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maryland election laws to require voters presenting their names at the polls to prove their identity before receiving a regular ballot. To do this, voters must show a valid government-issued photo ID or, if they lack one, provide a non-government photo ID along with a document like a utility bill or bank statement that shows their name and address. If a voter cannot provide the required identification, the election judge must refer them to vote using a provisional ballot instead. The legislation also clarifies rules for assistance, allowing voters to bring written materials into the polling place and specifying who may help those with disabilities or language barriers.

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 885 prohibits knowingly causing another person to ingest a drug that induces abortion when the person knows the other is pregnant and acts without consent, through fraud or coercion, or by force. It directly affects individuals who attempt to compel another person to take such medication under these conditions. The law creates a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison for violations. The bill, titled the "Women’s Freedom From Coercion Act," takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 790 exempts first-time homebuyers in Maryland from the state transfer tax when purchasing improved residential property they will occupy as their primary residence. The bill replaces existing tax exemption language to clarify that qualifying buyers (those who have never owned residential property in Maryland as their principal home) and their agents must submit a sworn statement confirming their status and occupancy plans. The exemption applies to the 0.25% transfer tax rate, which remains the seller’s responsibility to pay (though no tax is collected under this exemption). This change directly affects first-time homebuyers purchasing qualifying properties, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 887 requires that for fiscal years 2027 through 2029, $200,000 of the local impact grants distributed to Cecil County from video lottery terminal proceeds must be allocated for prize money at races held at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. This bill directly affects Cecil County and the Fair Hill facility, as it mandates a specific use of a portion of the county's video lottery funds. The change modifies existing state law to direct these funds toward local racing events at Fair Hill, rather than allowing general county use. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 857 modifies Maryland's income tax rules to reduce the tax deduction for military retirement income for retirees under age 55. Currently, those under 55 receive a $12,500 deduction, but this bill would lower it to $20,000 (effectively increasing their taxable income by $7,500 annually). The change applies to military retirement income received during the taxable year, directly affecting Maryland residents who are military retirees under 55. The bill amends Section 10-207(q) of Maryland's tax code and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 761 modifies Maryland's income tax code to increase the tax break for military retirees. It removes the age requirement for the full tax deduction on military retirement income, raising the deduction from $12,500 (under 55) or $20,000 (55+) to $25,000 for 2026-2026 and $40,000 starting in 2027. This directly affects Maryland residents who receive military retirement income from active or reserve service, including death benefits. The bill amends Section 10-207(q) of Maryland’s tax code to apply the higher deduction regardless of the retiree’s age. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 830 requires local election boards to verify both a voter's signature and a witness signature on absentee ballot return envelopes before counting the ballot, with exceptions for active-duty military members overseas and their spouses/dependents living overseas. This directly affects all voters who request absentee ballots in Maryland, ensuring ballots meet specific signature requirements for processing. The bill mandates that election boards compare voter signatures against registration records using technology to be implemented within one year of the law's effective date. It amends existing election law to add these verification steps and clarify when witness signatures are not required.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 799 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to create regulations for generating stations co-located with data centers that operate independently - without connecting to the state's main power grid. It directly affects data center operators and energy generators by exempting these facilities from state renewable energy mandates, distribution fees, and retail electricity regulations. Key provisions include mandating on-site backup power, cybersecurity safeguards, and annual reports on energy sources, environmental impact, and contributions to state energy goals. The bill aims to establish clear rules for off-grid energy systems while ensuring reliability and accountability.