Del. Greg Wims

Maddy summaryHB 77 establishes a commission to study the history of African American sailors who served in the Union Navy during the Civil War in Maryland. The commission, composed of appointed state officials and representatives from historical organizations, will examine muster rolls, service locations, and honors received by these sailors. By December 1, 2025, the commission must recommend funding, design, and location for a memorial dedicated to them, with the bill expiring June 30, 2026. This is a procedural bill focused on historical study and memorial planning, not direct policy implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 1458 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee that tipped workers in Maryland earn at least the state minimum wage regardless of tips received. It directly affects service industry workers (like servers and bartenders) currently paid below minimum wage under "tip credit" systems. The amendment would bar the state from denying this right unless justified by a compelling interest using the least restrictive means. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, it would require employers to pay the full minimum wage without counting tips toward that amount. This changes current practice where employers can pay a lower base wage if tips make up the difference.

Maddy summaryHB 661 grants collective bargaining rights to specific faculty at Maryland's public higher education institutions, including full-time, part-time, and adjunct employees with academic responsibilities (such as teachers, researchers, and department heads) at the University System of Maryland, Morgan State University, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. It establishes separate bargaining units for faculty at each institution but allows these units to voluntarily combine into a single bargaining unit. The bill excludes officers, supervisors, confidential employees, and student employees from coverage. This legislation amends Maryland’s labor laws to formally define "faculty" and create a framework for collective bargaining negotiations over wages, hours, and working conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 837 establishes a 10-member task force to study forced infant separation from incarcerated parents in Maryland. The task force, including appointed members like formerly incarcerated individuals and nonprofit advocates, will examine data on pregnant/postpartum inmates, prison facility planning, separation impacts, and best practices from other states. It must report findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 31, 2026, focusing on reducing separation and improving family bonds. The bill expires June 30, 2027, without requiring further legislative action. This is a procedural study bill, not a direct policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 883 clarifies Maryland's criminal law around vehicle and vessel operation by defining "criminal negligence" as failing to perceive a substantial risk a reasonable person would see. It prohibits driving or operating a vehicle/vessel in this manner, with penalties of up to 6 months in jail or $5,000 fine for the basic offense, or up to 1 year for causing life-threatening injury through criminal negligence. The bill explicitly excludes ordinary negligence (covered under Transportation Article §21-901.1) from this criminal standard. It directly affects drivers and vessel operators whose actions create a grossly unreasonable risk of harm. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 636 increases the maximum deductible amount a unit owner must pay for insurance when damage originates from their unit - from $10,000 to $20,000. It directly affects unit owners whose units caused damage and condominium associations (councils of unit owners), requiring associations to notify owners annually about their deductible responsibility. If the deductible exceeds $20,000, the excess becomes a common expense paid by all owners. The bill applies to all condominium insurance policies issued on or after October 1, 2025, and amends Maryland’s Real Property code to clarify insurance cost responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1070 requires the Maryland Department of Health to study the feasibility of installing and maintaining landline telephone systems in assisted living facilities, psychiatric facilities, and nursing homes. The study must examine current phone access, costs (equipment, installation, maintenance), benefits for residents (social interaction, emergency access), potential barriers (infrastructure, regulations), and funding options. It also mandates consulting facility staff, advocacy groups, and residents/families. The Department must submit findings and recommendations to legislative committees by September 30, 2026. This bill does not mandate phone installation but directs a comprehensive assessment of the issue.

Maddy summaryHB 499 (Expungement Reform Act of 2025) changes Maryland’s expungement process to make it easier for people with certain misdemeanor convictions to clear their records. It reduces waiting periods after completing a sentence (removing the previous 3-year limit for some offenses), expands eligibility to include more misdemeanor convictions, and requires courts to confirm restitution payments are made or unpayable before expungement. The bill also prohibits the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system from referencing expunged records. These changes directly affect individuals with eligible misdemeanor convictions who have completed their sentences.

Maddy summaryHB 985 allows Maryland counties to establish a second administrative charging committee for reviewing police misconduct complaints, if the county governing body determines one committee is insufficient to serve all countywide and local law enforcement agencies. This bill amends existing law by adding a new provision (Section 3-104(a)(1)(II)) that permits counties to authorize a second committee under specific circumstances. The key mechanism requires county officials to formally decide that a single committee cannot adequately handle the volume of cases, without changing the committee composition or disciplinary standards. The bill directly affects county governments and law enforcement agencies by providing administrative flexibility in handling misconduct investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 1431 restricts federal immigration enforcement agencies from accessing Maryland state and local government databases without a valid warrant. It requires state/local law enforcement agencies, DMV, and other government units to deny federal requests for personal information, photos, or facial recognition data unless accompanied by a federal or Maryland court warrant. The bill also mandates annual reporting to the legislature on all such federal requests received, including how many were denied or granted with warrants. This directly affects Maryland state agencies, local governments, and federal immigration officers seeking access to these databases.