Del. Robbyn Lewis

Maddy summaryHB 990 extends the deadline for solar energy systems to be placed in service from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2031, to qualify for Maryland's Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program. It also doubles the total in-state generating capacity cap for systems between 20 kilowatts and 5 megawatts - from 270 megawatts to 540 megawatts. This directly affects solar developers and property owners installing systems in this size range, particularly those on rooftops, parking canopies, brownfields, or industrial sites. The changes aim to support broader solar adoption by providing more time for installation and increasing available capacity under the program.

Maddy summaryHB 1 limits how investor-owned electric, gas, and combined gas/electric utility companies in Maryland can pass certain costs to customers through their rates. It prohibits rate recovery for most employee bonuses (except for pre-2025 contracts or union-covered employees) and caps supervisor compensation above 110% of the Public Service Commission Chair’s annual salary. The bill also requires utility boards to adopt written policies limiting spending on entertainment, office renovations, transportation (including private jets), and performance incentives, with policies submitted to the Public Service Commission for review. These rules apply specifically to investor-owned utility companies and aim to prevent ratepayers from funding certain executive or operational costs.

Maddy summaryHB 920 requires developers, builders, brokers, and real estate agents to enter the final sale price of new homes into a multiple listing service (MLS) or similar database within 30 days of the sale. This applies to all new home transactions in Maryland and aims to make final sale prices publicly accessible through real estate databases used for market evaluations and appraisals. The bill defines "multiple listing service" as a database utilized by real estate professionals. It takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 440 requires Maryland's Department of Health to create a new reimbursement system for Medicaid providers serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The system would allow higher payment rates for qualifying services, include recurring adjustments to support provider access and service quality, and prioritize rate increases for services needing extra time, communication support, or specialized training. However, the bill only takes effect if federal funds become available by December 31, 2036, under the Health Equity for Adults with Disabilities Act or similar programs; otherwise, it becomes void. If federal funding is secured, the new reimbursement structure would begin on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 499, the "Ballot Petition Modernization Act," modernizes Maryland's petition process by requiring the State Board of Elections to adopt regulations for secure voter data handling and electronic signatures. It establishes clear rules for collecting and verifying electronic signatures on petitions, including accessibility standards for voters with disabilities and requirements for circulators to confirm signature validity. The bill updates signature collection procedures, removes outdated prohibitions on electronic signatures, and specifies how voter data must be stored securely to prevent misuse. This directly affects petition circulators, candidates gathering signatures, and voters whose registration data is used in the process.

Maddy summaryHB 568 expands Maryland's public campaign financing program to include candidates for State Senate and House of Delegates, who were previously ineligible. The bill establishes specific qualifications (like residency and contribution limits) that candidates must meet to receive public funds from the Fair Campaign Financing Fund. It sets limits on the total public contributions these candidates can receive during elections and requires the State Board of Elections to distribute funds in a specified manner. The fund is financed through voluntary contributions, tax checkoffs, and campaign finance penalties, making it available to qualifying legislative candidates alongside existing gubernatorial candidates. This change directly affects candidates running for state legislative office by providing a new public financing option.

Maddy summaryHB 840 would allow Baltimore City and local Maryland counties or municipalities to create a property tax credit for commercial buildings rented to small businesses. This credit applies only to buildings located in designated Arts and Entertainment Districts (under Title 4, Subtitle 7 of the Economic Development Article) or Main Street Maryland Communities (designated by the Department of Housing and Community Development). Local governments would set the credit amount, duration, eligibility rules, and application process. The bill takes effect June 1, 2026, for tax years beginning after June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 935 requires Maryland to establish a dedicated prerelease facility for female incarcerated individuals, directly affecting women eligible for prerelease programs at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women. The bill mandates a separate facility meeting specific criteria: at least 3 acres, not within 1 mile of other prisons, and designed to house 1.25 times the 2024 prerelease-eligible population. It requires the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to provide comprehensive rehabilitative services (including gender-responsive programming) and report progress to legislative committees by a specified deadline. The facility must operate by June 1, 2023, with the Department of General Services directing procurement for its construction.

Maddy summaryHB 930 modifies Maryland’s income tax code to decouple from federal changes affecting education expenses. It prohibits the Governor from joining a federal tax credit program for elementary/secondary education scholarships and adjusts how employer contributions to education accounts (like Maryland’s Prepaid College Trust or College Investment Plans) are treated. Specifically, it adds tax on unused distributions from these accounts if not used for qualified education expenses, while excluding contributions and qualified distributions from taxable income. This directly affects Maryland residents using these education savings accounts and ensures state tax rules differ from federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 632 removes psychiatry and all subcategories of psychiatric services from the definition of "medical service" requiring a Certificate of Need (CON) in Maryland. This exempts psychiatric health care facilities and providers of psychiatric or mental health services from needing state approval before establishing or operating these services. The bill amends Maryland law by deleting "psychiatry" from the list of medical services subject to CON requirements, which currently includes services like surgery, pediatrics, and rehabilitation. This change directly affects psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and mental health programs seeking to expand or open without prior state review. The policy shift simplifies regulatory requirements for mental health service providers.