Del. Michele Guyton

Maddy summaryHB 669 prohibits political subdivisions (like counties or cities) from issuing use and occupancy permits to developers or contractors completing road work on State highways with over 25,000 average daily vehicles until the work is approved by both the State Highway Administration and the political subdivision. The bill amends Maryland law to require that all third-party road improvements on high-traffic state roads meet the satisfaction of both the State Highway Administration and the local political subdivision before permits are granted. Key mechanisms include requiring performance bonds for projects over $100,000, funded partly by private money, or located outside the applicant’s property. This directly affects developers and contractors performing road work on major state highways, ensuring completed improvements meet safety and quality standards before public use.

Maddy summaryHB 1381 prohibits drivers from stopping, standing, or parking vehicles in bike lanes or bicycle paths in Maryland, directly affecting all drivers using public roads. The bill adds a new provision (Section 21-1003(gg)) to Maryland law, allowing exceptions for emergency vehicles, transit buses, vehicles assisting people with disabilities, disabled vehicles, and delivery vehicles under specific conditions (e.g., 30-minute limit with hazard lights or a local permit). It amends existing transportation code sections to clarify these restrictions and exceptions. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and aims to improve safety for cyclists by keeping bike lanes clear of parked vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 1508 requires the State Highway Administration to immediately notify state legislators representing the district where proposed highway work will occur. The notice must include the applicant's name, work location, expected start date, and a brief description of the work. This applies to all permit applications for highway projects, such as digging, placing structures, or planting trees. The bill updates Maryland law to ensure legislators receive timely information about highway work in their districts.

Maddy summaryHB 883 prohibits AI developers from making or causing AI to make claims that the AI is a behavioral health provider or can deliver behavioral health care services. It requires AI sold to Maryland consumers to include clear notices stating users are interacting with AI (not a human) and to detect suicidal thoughts or self-harm, automatically referring users to crisis services. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1 million per offense, with funds directed to Maryland’s Behavioral Health Workgroup Investment Fund. The law directly affects AI developers and sellers operating in Maryland, focusing on preventing misleading AI interactions in mental health contexts.

Maddy summaryHB 1569 shifts liability for parking citations from vehicle owners to auto repair or storage facilities when a vehicle is in the facility's custody or control under a repair order or service agreement. It prohibits facilities from requiring customers to waive these rights as a condition of service. If a vehicle was under a facility's custody at the time of a parking violation, the registered owner cannot be held liable for fines or fees, and courts must immediately dismiss the citation against them. The bill also allows parking enforcement agencies to reissue citations directly to the facility if evidence confirms the vehicle was in their custody.

Maddy summaryHB 1383 modifies Maryland's juvenile court process for children in foster care by requiring courts to make specific, detailed findings about local child welfare departments' "reasonable efforts" in creating permanency plans. The bill mandates courts to assess whether departments met nine individualized needs - including health, education, safety, housing, and financial preparation - before finalizing plans or conducting review hearings. It also adds specific requirements for youth aged 18+ to prepare for independence, such as securing health insurance, applying for benefits, and establishing housing plans. This bill directly affects juvenile courts, child welfare departments, and children in foster care, particularly those transitioning to adulthood.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 designates October 1 as "Purple Lights Night" in Maryland, requiring the Governor to annually proclaim this day. The bill honors individuals in the state who are victims or survivors of domestic violence and expresses support for eliminating domestic violence. It adds this commemorative day to Maryland law through a procedural change in the Annotated Code (Section 7-417), without creating new programs or funding. The bill is purely ceremonial, focusing on symbolic recognition rather than policy implementation. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1272 requires Maryland child welfare agencies to consider a child’s feelings and preferences when selecting kinship caregivers for out-of-home placements. It expands the definition of "kinship caregiver" to include unrelated individuals identified by the child or their parent, alongside blood relatives or those with strong family bonds. Agencies must approve such caregivers if they meet specific criteria, including understanding the child’s circumstances, having prior protective involvement, and demonstrating current ability to safeguard the child. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 646 requires Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to prioritize a medical provider’s report or referral - not its own assessment - as the main factor in deciding whether to issue, refuse, or cancel a driver’s license for individuals who self-report certain medical conditions. The MVA may still request additional testing for those reporting conditions, and must create an expedited process for issuing learner’s permits to people whose medical conditions have improved but who need to complete driver education or testing. This bill directly affects drivers and applicants who self-report qualifying medical conditions, such as those impacting vision, cognition, or physical ability. It shifts decision-making authority to medical professionals while maintaining MVA flexibility for safety reviews.

Maddy summaryHB 1593 requires Maryland's Deputy Secretary for Developmental Disabilities to provide public notice before changing the Self-Directed Services Manual, which governs waiver program services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The bill mandates a 90-day public comment period for proposed changes and prohibits adopting any revisions until this period ends. It directly affects individuals and families using self-directed services - where participants control their own care choices, staffing, and budget management - and ensures their input is considered before policy changes take effect. This procedural bill amends Maryland’s health code to formalize transparency and public engagement in updating the manual (effective October 1, 2026).