Del. Greg Wims

Maddy summaryHB 1199 creates a new 3-year limited license for internationally trained physicians to practice medicine in Maryland, effective October 1, 2027. It directly affects foreign-trained doctors who meet strict criteria, including holding a WHO-recognized medical degree, completing 2+ years of equivalent postgraduate training, practicing for 5+ years in their home country, passing U.S. medical exams (USMLE Steps 1-3), and residing in Maryland for at least one year. The license cannot be renewed but may lead to full licensure through conditions set by the State Board of Physicians. This provision does not change existing full licensure pathways but adds a temporary option for eligible international physicians.

Maddy summaryHB 525 prohibits using AI-generated deepfakes (synthetic media) to influence voters in Maryland elections. The bill defines "fraud" to include deepfakes - AI-created videos, audio, or images that falsely depict candidates or alter their appearance/speech - to prevent deceptive influence. It bans anyone from intentionally using such deepfakes to sway voting decisions, whether through force, threats, or other means. Violations are misdemeanor offenses punishable by fines up to $5,000 or up to 5 years in prison. This directly affects individuals or groups distributing deepfakes during elections in Maryland.

Maddy summaryHB 201 requires Maryland local election boards to mail the state-approved absentee ballot application to every eligible voter at least 60 days before each statewide primary election. This applies to all voters who do not already have permanent absentee ballot status under existing law. The bill mandates this proactive mailing to simplify the absentee voting process for voters ahead of primaries. It does not affect voters with permanent absentee status, who continue to receive ballots automatically. The law amends Maryland’s Election Law to standardize this notification requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1303 amends Maryland law to establish new minimum qualifications for child care teachers in centers serving preschool or school-age children (ages 3+). It requires the State Board of Education to set experiential standards, including options like holding a high school diploma, completing approved coursework, or having two years of related work experience. The bill also creates a probationary period for new hires, requiring completion of 90 hours of pre-service training within six months or 45 hours initially with full completion within six months, plus holding a relevant degree. Centers must terminate or reassign teachers who fail to complete training within six months or earn a high school equivalency certificate within two years. This directly affects Maryland child care centers and new child care teachers seeking initial employment.

Maddy summaryHB 1127 requires all Maryland county school districts to develop age-appropriate water safety and swimming instructional content for public school students, integrating it into health and physical education by July 2026. It also mandates each county board to create a plan by December 2025 outlining strategies to increase student access to swimming pools and facilities through community partnerships, cost-effective transportation, and resource coordination. The plan must identify public/private partners and recommend policy changes if needed. Implementation of the curriculum begins in the 2026-2027 school year, while the access plan requirement expires June 30, 2026. This bill directly affects all public school students in Maryland counties and their local school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year pilot program creating regional financial counseling centers across Maryland. The centers will provide free, one-on-one assistance to residents on saving money, reducing debt, accessing banking services, and improving credit scores. All services must be offered in English and Spanish, with additional languages as required. Administered by the Comptroller’s office, the program runs from October 2025 through September 2028, with funding secured via state budget appropriations for fiscal years 2027-2028.

Maddy summaryHB 1151 allows sellers of residential property to request a second appraisal if an initial appraisal values the property below its current market value. The bill requires lenders to provide a written copy of this additional appraisal to the seller at no cost. It directly affects residential property sellers who disagree with an initial appraisal, giving them a formal process to seek a revised valuation. The key provision ensures sellers receive a free, written copy of the second appraisal, addressing concerns about appraisal discrepancies during sales transactions. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1420 requires each county and Baltimore City Register of Wills to develop a method for people without government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) to prove their identity as heirs or beneficiaries when claiming inheritance. This directly affects individuals who lack standard identification but need to access estate assets through probate. The bill mandates that Registers work with the Maryland Registers of Wills Association to create these verification methods. The law takes effect October 1, 2025. (Note: The bill title mentions "noncitizens," but the actual text focuses on identity verification regardless of citizenship status.)

Maddy summaryHB 1352 prohibits Maryland institutions of higher education from denying students access to facilities or services due to sickle cell disease diagnosis and requires them to provide reasonable accommodations. The bill mandates the Maryland Department of Health to develop an education campaign for campuses about sickle cell disease challenges, create uniform procedures with the Maryland Higher Education Commission for supporting affected students, and compile training materials for faculty and staff. Institutions must also establish clear reporting procedures for violations and publicly share accommodation policies. These requirements take effect October 1, 2025, directly impacting all Maryland colleges and universities and students with sickle cell disease.

Maddy summaryHB 986 requires every Maryland county school district to create a new teacher retention program for educators with fewer than two full years of experience. The program must include cohort-based support groups, assign each new teacher a mentor (including retired teachers), survey teachers on challenges, and provide principals with resources to support new teachers. Counties must prioritize support for new teachers from diverse backgrounds and those in schools with high teacher turnover rates, and must compensate mentors and program overseers through additional pay or leave. This bill directly affects new teachers, school principals, and county school districts across Maryland.