Rep. Mark Edelson

Maddy summaryHB 575 reformulates Maryland's Criminal Injuries Compensation Board by expanding it from five to seven members and mandating that the new composition reflect the state's racial, ethnic, geographic, and gender diversity. The bill specifically requires at least one board member to be a survivor of violence from a community facing high rates of violence and incarceration, while another must represent an organization assisting victims with compensation applications. It also updates the definition of "victim" to include individuals who suffer physical or psychological injury while trying to prevent a crime, apprehend an offender, or assist law enforcement or emergency services. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which crimes are eligible for compensation and outlines the qualifications for third-party professionals who can assist in claims. Finally, the act grants the Governor the authority to include funding for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund in the annual state budget.

Maddy summaryThe Growing Apprenticeships and the Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act expands Maryland's apprenticeship program to include a broader range of public safety agencies, such as correctional facilities, in addition to traditional law enforcement departments. This bill increases the maximum grant amount for agencies participating in the program from $2,000 to $5,000 per apprentice and adjusts eligibility requirements to ensure apprentices live in areas with at least 10% poverty. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission develop mental health wellness policies for law enforcement and correctional facilities while establishing a workgroup to study ways to increase employment in these sectors.

Maddy summaryHB 1244 requires the Maryland Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, and Maryland Higher Education Commission to each designate a staff member dedicated to analyzing state workforce needs and sharing data to guide higher education policies. The bill establishes a new advisory council to oversee program reviews and mandates that the Commission publish clear administrative guidelines for its approval process. It also introduces a grant fund to support public universities collaborating on new graduate programs and sets specific rules for online degree offerings and institutional mission statements. Additionally, the legislation requires institutions to submit letters of intent before launching new graduate programs and allows for objections to proposed online courses under certain conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new funding programs within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation to support technology-based startups and university-led innovation projects. The first program offers $50,000 grants to startups located in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area, while the second pilot program provides incentives for technology businesses founded by students or faculty at local universities. To qualify for the university program, participating schools must contribute up to $50,000 annually, and projects must focus on creating new businesses, commercializing products, or fostering inclusive entrepreneurial development. The legislation also removes a previous requirement for funding a telework assistance grant program and sets aside $1.5 million for the university pilot program for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations for the 46th Alcoholic Beverages District in Baltimore City, allowing the Board of License Commissioners to issue a limited number of new liquor licenses within a specific bounded area. It also permits existing license holders to convert their beer and light wine permits to full liquor licenses if they operate small restaurants with high food sales and meet local community requirements. The legislation maintains existing rules that prevent new licenses from being placed within 300 feet of schools or churches and restricts license transfers to locations closer to these sites than they were in 2004. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain licenses and waives a requirement for some restaurant license holders to remain open after hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention within the Maryland Department of Health to address gun violence and misuse through a public health approach. The center will be led by an executive director who coordinates efforts with federal, state, and local agencies while actively seeking input from communities disproportionately affected by firearm violence and public health experts. Key responsibilities include developing state plans for violence reduction, issuing guidance on evidence-based strategies, facilitating data sharing, and conducting public awareness campaigns. Funding for the center will be included in the state budget starting in fiscal year 2026, and the law takes effect on October 1, 2024.