Del. Sean Stinnett

Maddy summaryHB 74 updates Maryland law to clarify which digital publications can legally publish court orders, property notices, and other official legal notices. The bill requires digital newspapers to maintain a public archive of all published legal notices and employ at least one staff member focused on local news. It defines "newspaper in general circulation" to include digital publications meeting specific criteria (e.g., regular local content, weekly publication, postal service eligibility), replacing older print-only standards. This affects counties and municipalities that mandate legal notices in publications, with special provisions for Prince George’s and Dorchester counties. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1147 requires the Maryland Parole Commission to improve transparency and equity in parole decisions. It mandates annual reports that break down parole outcomes by race, requires the Commission to provide incarcerated individuals with key documents in advance (not just on request), and prohibits permanent parole denials. The bill also requires the Commission to publicly share hearing transcripts (after redaction), state reasons for denials, and document all decisions on the record. These changes directly affect incarcerated individuals in Maryland seeking parole and the Commission's operational procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 164 makes it a misdemeanor to fraudulently claim or possess residential property you don’t legally own or possess, targeting individuals who intend to defraud property owners. It establishes penalties of up to 90 days in jail or $500 for a first offense, increasing to 1 year or $2,500 for repeat violations within 2 years. Property owners can submit a sworn affidavit to a sheriff, who must then remove occupants found to be fraudulently occupying the property unless the occupant proves lawful possession. The bill explicitly states it does not affect existing civil wrongful detainer lawsuits under Maryland law. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 110 changes Maryland law to require the Child Support Enforcement Administration to provide written notice and make reasonable attempts to contact parents with overdue child support payments *before* suspending their driver's license. The bill adds a process where parents can request an investigation into claims of inaccurate debt, employment impact, or disability before suspension, and allows for work-restricted licenses during this review. It specifically requires written notice of the proposed suspension, including the right to challenge it, and mandates the Administration to consider these requests before notifying the Motor Vehicle Administration. This bill directly affects parents who owe child support and have not paid for 60+ days (non-commercial licenses) or 120+ days (commercial licenses), altering the suspension process to include more safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 210, the "Porch Piracy Act of 2025," prohibits the theft of mail or packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service or commercial carriers. It defines "mail or package" as tangible items left for delivery and makes knowingly taking such items without the recipient's permission a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. The bill also allows courts to offer diversion programs for third or subsequent violations instead of jail time. This law directly affects individuals who steal mail or packages, aiming to criminalize what is commonly called "porch piracy." The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.