Del. Marlon Amprey

Maddy summaryHB 1279 modifies Maryland's Catalytic Revitalization Project Tax Credit program to expand eligibility and adjust credit calculations. It updates definitions to include properties formerly owned by the federal government or state, or those formerly used as schools/hospitals, and clarifies income thresholds for "workforce housing" (e.g., 60-150% area median income in designated areas). The bill changes how tax credits are claimed: for workforce housing projects, 50% of the credit applies to workforce units in the first year, with 33% of non-workforce costs spread over three subsequent years. This directly affects developers and property owners rehabilitating qualifying properties seeking state tax credits. The changes aim to simplify claiming while expanding opportunities for projects in targeted communities.

Maddy summaryHB 996 updates Maryland's corporate law to streamline business filings and governance. It requires the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to notify filers when a business charter is rejected and allows corrected documents to be accepted retroactively if resubmitted within 30 days. The bill also permits board decisions without meetings via written consent (with specific filing rules) and clarifies that partnership agreements are governed by their own terms for amendments. It removes outdated provisions, including penalties for foreign corporation officers and certain court suit requirements. These changes primarily affect businesses filing charters, amending partnerships, or managing board operations in Maryland.

Maddy summaryHB 895 prohibits large food retailers (defined as those with at least 15,000 square feet selling tax-exempt food) from using dynamic pricing (real-time price changes based on demand or AI) or consumer surveillance data to set prices for individual shoppers. It also bans retailers from using data about protected characteristics (like race or gender) to deny discounts or services to specific customers. The bill further protects union rights by preventing retailers from weakening employee benefits under existing collective bargaining agreements without negotiation. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, subject to enforcement and penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1346 establishes new fees for documents processed by Maryland's State Department of Assessments and Taxation. It sets specific fees for business filings, including $100 for articles of incorporation, amendments, or mergers, $300 for annual reports (except family farms, which are $100), and $25 for address changes. The bill requires the Department to process certain documents within defined timeframes but does not specify exact deadlines. This directly affects businesses and entities filing corporate, LLC, partnership, or foreign entity documents with the Department. The bill amends Maryland's Corporations and Associations law to standardize these fees and processing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1232 allows developers to avoid Baltimore City property taxes for new or renovated commercial or multifamily projects in the Downtown RISE District (specifically wards 4, 21, and 22 precincts) by entering a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the city. To qualify, the project must include at least one facility like a hotel, office building, or retail space, and the city must first confirm the project’s financial necessity through an economic analysis. Developers must apply for the agreement by June 30, 2036, with building permits secured and financing conditions met. The city must annually report job creation, estimated tax impacts, and other economic benefits to city council and the state legislature. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 20 creates a new "related event promoter's permit" in Baltimore City for events where alcohol is sold or provided through coordinated promotions between license holders and third parties (like concerts, tournaments, or happy hours). It requires promoters and participating license holders (such as caterers) to apply for this permit 30 days in advance, pay a $50 application fee, and a $500-$1,000 permit fee based on venue capacity. Operating without the permit carries fines of $1,000-$3,000 or license suspension for promoters and caterers. The bill directly affects event organizers, caterers, and the Board of License Commissioners, establishing clear rules for alcohol sales at temporary public events.

Maddy summaryHB 637 ("The Vax Act") requires Maryland's Secretary of Health to issue science-based recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive services using guidance from major medical organizations like the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics. It expands pharmacists' authority to administer flu, COVID-19, and emergency vaccines to patients aged 3 and older (previously limited to 18+ for some vaccines) after completing specific training. The bill also mandates that health insurance plans cover these recommended services without cost-sharing for patients. This directly affects pharmacists, health insurers, and Maryland residents seeking preventive care, particularly children and adults needing routine vaccinations.

Maddy summaryHB 918 authorizes Baltimore City to create and enforce local laws that are stricter than state rules for regulating the sale and distribution of cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices. It allows the Baltimore City Council and Mayor to implement these stricter local rules, while still requiring compliance with state licensing and tax laws under Title 12 of Maryland’s Tax-General Article. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and directly affects Baltimore City’s ability to tailor tobacco and e-cigarette regulations to local needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1105 sets a 3-year statute of limitations for prosecuting or enforcing local consumer protection codes in Maryland. It requires that legal actions for fines, penalties, or equitable relief must be filed within 3 years after local authorities knew or reasonably should have known about a violation. This applies directly to municipalities with their own consumer protection codes and affects businesses or entities violating those local rules. The bill modifies Maryland's judicial code to establish this timeframe for enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryHB 993 prohibits Maryland counties and municipalities from banning short-term rentals solely because the operator (e.g., a tenant or subtenant) rents the property, not because they own it. It allows local governments to restrict operators who are lessees or sublessees to operating only one short-term rental property within their jurisdiction. The bill defines "short-term rental" as housing offered for less than 31 consecutive days (excluding hotels, motels, or student housing) and clarifies that property owners can still set their own rules about rentals. This directly affects local governments' ability to regulate rentals by tenants and operators who lease the property. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.