Del. Chris Tomlinson

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Maryland Transportation Authority to waive unpaid video tolls and associated penalties without recalling the debt from the state's Central Collection Unit. It applies when tolls exceed $300, were assessed within 30 days, or if mitigating circumstances exist. If waived, the Authority must notify the Central Collection Unit to adjust collection fees accordingly. It directly affects drivers who owe video tolls (e.g., from cameras instead of E-ZPass) and streamlines collections for recent or high-value unpaid charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that Maryland vehicle emissions inspections can only result in a failure for three specific reasons: missing required emissions equipment, misfueling, or failing to meet emissions standards. It restricts inspectors from citing other grounds for failure during biennial exhaust emissions tests or emissions equipment/misfueling inspections. The law applies to all vehicles subject to Maryland's emissions testing program, effective October 1, 2026. This change standardizes inspection outcomes by limiting failure determinations to these defined technical issues.

Maddy summaryHB 1525 would require Maryland to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) by January 1, 2027, ending the state's participation in a regional program that sets carbon emission limits for power plants. The bill eliminates a surcharge utilities used to recover costs for energy efficiency programs (EmPOWER), directly affecting how these programs are funded. It also limits the amount of electricity that can be purchased or credited under community solar programs. Maryland could rejoin RGGI if all other PJM Interconnection states become full members or if the state becomes a net electricity exporter.

Maddy summaryHB 1552 establishes a new "Class L" license for alcohol sales, directly affecting existing beverage manufacturers (like breweries or wineries) who already hold a manufacturer’s license. The license allows these businesses to sell their own beer, wine, and liquor, or products from other manufacturers, for on-premises consumption at their facility, including providing free samples. It sets an annual fee of $250 and requires sales hours to match those of the underlying manufacturer’s license. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1023 prohibits the sale, distribution, manufacturing, or offering for sale of lab-grown meat (defined as meat cultured from animal cells outside the animal) for human consumption within Maryland. It directly affects businesses producing or selling lab-grown meat products in the state. The bill imposes civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation and authorizes the Secretary to seize or condemn prohibited products. The law would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1244 allows residential property owners within 300 feet of where overhead transmission lines are constructed to sue for diminished property value caused by the project. It modifies Maryland law to let these owners recover damages and seek reasonable attorney fees if they win their case. The bill also requires courts to award defendant attorney fees and costs to the property owner if the final court decision finds the property's assessed value exceeded the appraised value in transmission line condemnation cases. This applies specifically to cases involving overhead transmission lines under Maryland's Public Utilities Article. The law would take effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1210 requires transmission line companies to send certified mail notices to landowners whose property abuts or is adjacent to proposed construction sites at least 30 days before public hearings. The notice must explain landowners' rights to intervene in the approval process and how to file intervention requests. Failure to provide this notice invalidates the public hearing or voids the application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, allowing the company to reapply. This bill directly affects landowners near proposed transmission line routes in Maryland, with the law taking effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 803 increases the required classroom teaching time for certain Maryland public school teachers from 60% to 80% of their workweek. It applies specifically to teachers on career ladder levels 1-3 (entry-level and non-leadership tracks), requiring them to spend 80% of their time teaching rather than on other activities like professional development or student tutoring. The bill amends Maryland’s education code to set this new standard, effective July 1, 2026, while keeping existing allowances for non-teaching duties during the remaining 20% of work time. Teachers on level 4 (leadership/administrator tracks) are excluded from this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 964, the Secure the Vote Act of 2026, repeals existing requirements for ballot drop boxes (including those at Baltimore City's centralized booking facility) and modifies election rules. It adds new requirements: voters must provide proof of U.S. citizenship to register (per Section 3-201.1), obtain photo ID for in-person voting (Section 2-111), and restricts absentee voting to those unable to vote in person due to specific circumstances. The bill also mandates signature verification for absentee ballots, establishes new audit procedures for voter registration lists, and prohibits non-citizens from registering to vote in municipal elections. These changes apply to all Maryland voters and election officials statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 1044 prohibits the release of defendants after conviction but before sentencing or final appeals for specific crimes resulting in the death of a child under 14. It applies directly to individuals convicted of either a violent crime (as defined in Maryland’s Criminal Law §14-101) or a violation of child neglect law (§3-602.1) that caused the death of a victim under age 14. The bill amends Maryland’s Criminal Procedure Article to bar courts from granting pre-sentencing or pre-appeal release in these cases. The law would take effect October 1, 2026.