Rep. Malcolm Ruff

Maddy summaryHB 386 prohibits the use of pesticides containing PFAS chemicals (a class of fluorinated chemicals) at specific locations, including schools, healthcare facilities, day cares, residential lawns, and commercial mosquito spraying, beginning June 1, 2026. The Maryland Department of Agriculture must create and maintain a list of all PFAS pesticides by January 1, 2026, and distribute it to certified applicators. The bill also bans new registrations of PFAS pesticides for sale in Maryland starting June 1, 2027, and prohibits all use of these pesticides statewide after June 1, 2028. This directly affects pesticide manufacturers, certified applicators, and entities using pesticides in the specified locations.

Maddy summaryHB 667 establishes November 1 as a permanent state legal holiday and employee holiday in Maryland, replacing the current requirement that the Governor annually proclaim the date. The bill repeals Section 7-420 (which mandated the Governor’s yearly proclamation for Maryland Emancipation Day) and updates two key sections of Maryland law to include November 1 as a fixed holiday for state employees and government operations. This means state offices will close and employees will receive the day off every year on November 1, without needing a new gubernatorial order each year. The change takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1366 requires Maryland health insurance plans to cover cervical Pap tests for all individuals and ovarian cancer surveillance tests (CA-125, ultrasound, or pelvic exams) for those with specific risk factors, such as a family history of ovarian cancer or BRCA gene mutations. It prohibits insurers from charging copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for these tests, except in high-deductible health plans where the plan's standard deductible still applies. The law applies to all health insurers and health maintenance organizations providing coverage in Maryland and takes effect January 1, 2026. This directly affects individuals seeking preventive cancer screenings, particularly those at higher risk for ovarian cancer.

Maddy summaryHB 592 prohibits individuals under a court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment program from possessing regulated firearms, rifles, or shotguns. It directly affects people subject to such court orders under Maryland's Health-General Article. The bill requires courts to report these cases through a secure data portal to the FBI's NICS background check system. This adds a new category to existing firearm prohibitions, aligning court-ordered treatment with background check requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1135 amends Maryland's Clean Water Fund to explicitly authorize using its funds for "urban forest management" activities. This change directly affects the Maryland Department of the Environment, which administers the fund, by expanding the list of permitted uses for existing revenue. The bill adds urban forest management as a specific provision under the fund's authorized activities (previously limited to water quality programs, sewage sludge oversight, and erosion control). It does not create new funding but allows current fund resources to support tree planting, canopy preservation, and related urban forestry efforts. The amendment takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1306 requires Maryland’s Department of Health to establish three specialized clinics for sickle cell disease treatment in Montgomery County, Harford County, and an Eastern Shore county by 2027. These clinics must operate under a hub-and-spoke model, providing comprehensive care including pain management, mental health services, genetic counseling, and telehealth access to specialists, while addressing social barriers like transportation and housing. The bill also creates a scholarship program for medical residents specializing in hematology with a sickle cell focus, requiring them to practice in Maryland after training. Funding of $6 million for fiscal year 2027 must cover clinic operations, staffing, social support services, and prioritizes hiring specialists and addressing health disparities. The Department must annually report on clinic outcomes, patient access, and efforts to reduce health disparities.

Maddy summaryHB 609 modifies Maryland's legislative scholarship programs to exempt students planning to complete the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria program from standard exam requirements. It specifically allows senatorial and delegate scholarships to cover costs for the Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal Program (administered by the Appraisal Foundation). This change directly affects students pursuing real estate appraisal licensure who would otherwise need to meet typical scholarship exam rules. The bill amends Sections 18-402(4) and 18-405(b)(3) of the Maryland Annotated Code to include this program under eligible scholarship uses.

Maddy summaryHB 419 requires natural gas companies in Maryland to submit detailed plans to the Public Service Commission for infrastructure replacement projects. These plans must include project descriptions, safety analyses, leak reduction potential, cost comparisons with alternatives (like leak repair), and 2-year advance notices to customers about upcoming construction. The bill allows gas companies to recover costs through a capped monthly surcharge - maximum $2 per residential account - with non-residential rates set at least equal but subject to the same cap. It prioritizes projects based on public safety risk and cost-effectiveness, excluding projects that connect to new customers or increase company revenue. The law directly affects gas companies (requiring new filings) and ratepayers (via the surcharge), while ensuring transparency for customers near construction sites.

Maddy summaryHB 1254 establishes a state program to provide funding to Maryland public and nonpublic schools participating in the federal child nutrition program's community eligibility provision. The program covers the difference between federal paid and free meal reimbursement rates, helping schools avoid financial shortfalls when serving more students at no cost. The State Department of Education will distribute funds based on poverty concentration and geographic diversity in school districts. The state will appropriate $10 million annually starting in fiscal year 2027 to support this program.

Maddy summaryHB 1136 requires Maryland licensing agencies to share the criteria they use for approving or renewing licenses for community-based residential facilities (like group homes) upon request. It also mandates that each agency designate a single point of contact to handle complaints or concerns from the public. This bill directly affects families of facility residents, neighbors living near these facilities, and anyone with a legitimate interest in the licensing process. The law aims to increase transparency and accessibility in how these facilities are regulated, without changing facility standards or operations. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.