Rep. Eric Ebersole

Maddy summaryHB 560 repeals two tax exemptions for data centers in Maryland: one that exempted sales and use tax on qualifying equipment purchases and another that allowed local governments to reduce property tax on data center equipment. This bill directly affects data centers previously eligible for these breaks, requiring them to pay standard sales and use tax on equipment and full property tax on their assets. The repeal removes Sections 11-239 (Tax-General) and 7-248 (Tax-Property) from Maryland law, eliminating the eligibility requirements and certification process for these exemptions. As a result, data centers will no longer qualify for these specific tax benefits under current law.

Maddy summaryHB 484 modifies Maryland's corporate income tax code to disallow deductions for certain direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmaceutical advertising expenses that are deductible under federal law. It specifically targets expenses paid by "covered entities" (pharmaceutical sponsors or companies owning drug outsourcing facilities) for advertising "covered drugs" (prescription drugs under federal law) to the general public via media like TV, radio, social media, or digital platforms. The bill requires these expenses - already deducted federally - to be added back to Maryland taxable income, effectively eliminating the state tax deduction for such advertising. This change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and directly affects pharmaceutical companies engaging in DTC advertising for covered drugs.

Maddy summaryHB 371 creates a licensing system for "licensed couriers" who deliver lottery tickets via online platforms in Maryland. It authorizes the State Lottery Director to issue licenses, allowing couriers to charge a service fee (as a percentage of deposits) while requiring clear fee disclosure, customer identity/location verification, secure storage of tickets, and electronic ticket copies. The bill also specifies that agreements between couriers and lottery sales agents are exempt from public disclosure under Maryland's Public Information Act. This directly affects potential courier service providers, existing lottery sales agents, and customers purchasing tickets through these online delivery services. Key provisions include prohibiting fees from winnings, requiring problem gambling notices on websites, and mandating 24-hour win notifications.

Maddy summaryHB 345, the "Affordable Solar Act," creates new rules for solar energy systems in Maryland. It allows homeowners to install portable solar systems (max 1,200 watts) without utility approval or fees, while establishing two new credit types: SRECs for smaller residential systems and SREC-IIs for larger distributed or utility-scale projects (over 5MW). The bill requires utilities to procure specific SREC-II credits and redirects certain fees into new escrow accounts instead of the Strategic Energy Investment Fund. These changes directly affect residential solar users, utilities, and solar developers by altering renewable energy compliance standards and financial mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1222 (Maryland Values Act) requires Maryland correctional facilities to detain and transfer individuals who are not lawfully present in the U.S. and have been convicted of a violent crime to federal immigration authorities within 48 hours when requested. It prohibits law enforcement officers from detaining people or prolonging arrests based on immigration status during routine stops or investigations, and bans transferring individuals to federal immigration authorities except for the defined "covered individuals" (those with violent crime convictions and unlawful presence). The bill also terminates existing immigration enforcement agreements between Maryland entities and federal authorities by a specified deadline. This directly affects state/local correctional facilities, law enforcement officers, and individuals with certain immigration statuses and violent crime convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 328 allows Maryland's State Lottery Director to issue licenses for up to five instant lottery machines to eligible veterans' organizations and fraternal organizations (like non-profits with 300+ members under IRS 501(c)(7) or (8) status). It changes how proceeds are distributed: veterans' groups keep 50% of machine sales revenue after payouts, while fraternal organizations' proceeds go to the lottery fund (with 50% split between the agency for machine costs and education funding). The bill removes a requirement that veterans' groups purchase or lease machines and prohibits fraternal organizations from operating machines in nine specific counties. This modifies existing lottery licensing rules to expand access for these groups while clarifying revenue sharing.

Maddy summaryHB 767, the Tenant Possessions Recovery Act, updates Maryland landlord-tenant eviction procedures. It requires landlords to provide tenants with notice before an eviction order is executed and mandates that tenants' belongings be safely stored (not discarded) after eviction. The bill sets a 60-day deadline for landlords to act on eviction orders or risk losing the judgment, includes weather-related stays for extreme conditions (like freezing temps or storms), and prioritizes completing evictions within 5 days after weather ends. This directly affects landlords and tenants involved in eviction cases under Maryland law.

Maddy summaryHB 1 requires Maryland's Department of Transportation to create and implement training for transportation sector employees (including those at transit stations, airports, ports, and rest stops) on identifying and reporting suspected human trafficking. Employers must certify employees have completed the training by January 1, 2026, and establish reporting procedures to local agencies and trafficking prevention policies. The bill also protects employees and employers from liability for good-faith reports or responses to suspected trafficking incidents. Additionally, it mandates bilingual safety announcements about trafficking resources at transportation hubs.

Maddy summaryHB 277 requires new construction and specific renovations to include water bottle filling stations - defined as fixtures for filling personal water bottles (at least 10 inches tall) that may combine with drinking fountains - starting October 1, 2025. It mandates these stations in all new buildings requiring drinking fountains under plumbing codes, when replacing existing drinking fountains in renovations, and when renovations require new drinking fountains. The Maryland Department of Labor must create implementing regulations, and the law applies only to projects under contract after July 1, 2025. This affects building developers, contractors, and public facilities subject to plumbing code requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 658 modifies Maryland's Juvenile Services Education Board by allowing the Secretary of Higher Education and State Superintendent of Schools to appoint a designee to serve on the board instead of attending themselves. It also changes the membership terms to be staggered starting June 1, 2025, and reduces required board meetings from monthly to 10 times per year. These changes affect how the board is structured and operates, directly impacting the Governor (who appoints members), the Secretary, and the State Superintendent. The bill aims to streamline board operations while maintaining its focus on juvenile education programs in residential facilities.