Rep. Sandy Rosenberg

Maddy summaryHB 1361 modifies Maryland’s criminal law regarding controlled substances and criminal organizations. It specifies that conspiring to violate controlled substance laws (including cannabis distribution) carries the same penalty as the underlying crime, and expands venue rules for prosecutions. Specifically, cases involving controlled substances or criminal organizations can now be tried in any county where acts occurred, operations were based, proceeds were held, or the defendant resides. This primarily affects prosecutors, defendants, and conspirators in drug-related and organized crime cases by clarifying where trials can be held. The bill does not change substance prohibitions but adjusts penalties and jurisdiction for related offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1576 increases the sales and use tax on electronic smoking devices and vaping liquid in Maryland, directing specific tax revenue to the Maryland Pediatric Cancer Fund. For electronic smoking devices, 10% of the tax revenue will fund the pediatric cancer program, while 30% of tax revenue from small vaping liquid containers (5ml or less) will go to the same fund. The bill establishes clear rules for using these funds - limiting administrative costs to 5% of the total and requiring all remaining funds to support pediatric cancer research grants. It also mandates annual reports to the legislature on how the fund is managed and spent, ensuring transparency. This policy directly affects retailers selling these products and the pediatric cancer research community.

Maddy summaryHB 495 provides legal immunity from immigration arrests for individuals attending court hearings as parties, witnesses, or as family/household members of such individuals. It prohibits immigration arrests during travel to, at, or from court unless authorized by a judicial warrant. Violations of this provision are punishable as misdemeanors (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine) or felonies (up to 4 years in jail or $5,000 fine), and affected individuals can seek legal remedies including injunctions and attorney fees. The law directly affects people participating in court proceedings and their close relatives living in the same household, aiming to prevent immigration enforcement from disrupting court access.

Maddy summaryHB 1405 restricts campaign finance activities for candidates running for specific state offices (including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, and General Assembly members) and their representatives during regular legislative sessions. The bill prohibits them from receiving new contributions, holding fundraisers, soliciting donations, or using un-deposited funds during sessions, with exceptions for activities related to their own federal/local election campaigns, gubernatorial fundraising during election years, and pre-session electronic contributions. Violations would result in civil penalties directed to the state's Fair Campaign Financing Fund. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1407 requires Maryland's State Administrator of Elections to send voters additional notices about absentee ballot deadlines if federal court action overrides state rules for federal elections. Specifically, it mandates clear notices explaining both federal law requirements (for federal contests) and state/local rules (for state/local contests) when federal judicial action preempts Maryland's existing regulations. The notices must encourage voters to mail ballots at least a week before election day or use official drop boxes by election day, delivered through mail, social media, and mass media. The law expires automatically on November 30, 2026, after a 6-month initial term. It directly affects voters participating in federal elections when federal court rulings change ballot deadline rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1055 requires Maryland’s Department of Health to add Gaucher disease to the state’s mandatory newborn screening program, effective October 1, 2026. This bill directly affects all newborns in Maryland by expanding the list of conditions screened during routine newborn testing, unless parents or guardians object. The key mechanism is amending Maryland’s Health Code (Section 13-111) to explicitly mandate screening for Gaucher disease, which is currently not included in the standard panel. The bill does not alter existing screening protocols or costs but ensures Gaucher disease is screened for alongside other core conditions listed in federal recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maryland's Department of Health to conduct at least two unannounced annual inspections of each certified recovery residence to verify compliance with health and safety standards. Facilities found noncompliant must correct deficiencies within one month of receiving notice; failure to do so may result in certification revocation. The law amends existing health code (§ 19-2502.1) to establish this inspection schedule and remediation process. It directly affects certified recovery residences operating in Maryland under the state's credentialing system.

Maddy summaryHB 959 establishes Gwynns Falls State Park as a partnership between Maryland's Department of Natural Resources and Baltimore City. The bill prohibits entrance fees, specifies the park's boundaries, and requires the Department to hire an independent consultant to create a master plan for the park. It mandates that $4 million in fiscal year 2028 be allocated specifically for renovating a joint partnership office and visitor center in the park. This bill directly affects Baltimore City residents and park visitors by creating a fee-free, locally managed park with defined operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 819 establishes a commission to examine Maryland's expungement laws, which allow individuals to clear criminal records from public records. The commission includes 12 members - such as two people with criminal records currently ineligible for expungement, state officials, public defenders, and experts in employment and reentry - to review current processes, compare them with other states, and develop a new system that would streamline eligibility and expand access. It must submit a report to the Maryland General Assembly by December 31, 2027, outlining findings and recommendations. The bill expires on June 30, 2028, requiring the commission to complete its work within two years.

Maddy summaryHB 740 requires every public school in Maryland to hire a full-time, state-licensed therapist who provides mental health services during school hours. This directly affects all public schools and their students, mandating access to licensed mental health support as part of school-based services. The bill specifies therapists must be certified by the State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists and replaces existing language in the education code. It takes effect July 1, 2026.