Rep. Christopher Bouchat

Maddy summaryHB 1403 changes how Maryland calculates state education funding for public schools by altering the definition of "full-time equivalent enrollment." It replaces the previous 3-year average enrollment method with an average of daily enrollment counts on specific dates (September 30, December 31, March 31, and the last day of the prior school year). The bill also excludes the 2020-2021 school year from calculations if it appears in the 3-year average, addressing pandemic-era enrollment disruptions. This directly affects all Maryland school districts receiving state education aid, as it will determine their funding amounts starting in fiscal year 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Maryland public high school students to earn one math credit toward graduation by completing a college-prep computer science or programming course instead of a traditional math class. Students must take the course after completing Algebra II, and county school boards must certify eligible courses to the state Department of Education. It modifies existing graduation requirements to expand math credit options for students pursuing computer science pathways. The policy takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 982, the "Gun Theft Felony Act of 2025," reclassifies the theft of any firearm as a felony regardless of the firearm's value. Currently, firearm theft could be charged as a misdemeanor if the value was below $1,500, but this bill makes all firearm thefts automatically felonies. The bill amends Maryland’s Criminal Law to require that anyone convicted of stealing a firearm must restore the firearm to the owner or pay its value, with penalties including up to 20 years in prison or fines up to $25,000 based on the firearm’s value. This change directly affects individuals who steal firearms, increasing penalties for this specific offense.

Maddy summaryHB 203 proposes a constitutional amendment to change Maryland's redistricting process. It requires all House of Delegates districts to be single-member (replacing current multi-member districts) and establishes a new "Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Convention" to draw both state and congressional districts after each census. The convention, elected by statewide vote with 188 members (minimum three per county), must submit district plans by July 1 following the census; these plans become law unless challenged by the General Assembly or the Supreme Court. This directly affects how Maryland's electoral districts are drawn, impacting all voters and political representation in the state legislature and Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change Maryland's General Assembly structure. It would increase Senate membership from 47 to 48 seats and House of Delegates membership from 141 to 144 seats, effective for the 2033 legislative session. The amendment also changes Senate election timing: starting in 2032, half the Senate seats (24) would be elected for two-year terms and half for four-year terms, with staggered elections every four years. Additionally, it requires a delegate seeking a Senate seat to vacate their delegate position immediately after the legislative session before the Senate term begins. The proposed amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryHB 1346, the PACE Act, protects criminal defendants and juvenile respondents from having their creative works (like music, poetry, art, or film) used as evidence against them in court. The bill requires courts to make four specific findings before admitting such expression: that the creator intended it literally (not figuratively), it directly relates to the specific crime, it addresses disputed facts, and it has unique value not available through other evidence. This applies to all criminal and juvenile proceedings, with an exception allowing creative expression to be used in juvenile cases for mental health evaluations. The law aims to prevent artistic expression from being misinterpreted as confessions or evidence of guilt without strong judicial scrutiny.

Maddy summaryHB 1319 makes it a felony to knowingly steal redeemable digital reward points, such as credit card points, frequent flyer miles, or retail rewards. It specifically prohibits obtaining unauthorized control over these points with the intent to deprive the owner, directly affecting individuals who steal such points and the businesses or consumers who own them. The law imposes penalties of up to 5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both, plus requiring the thief to pay the owner the points' value. This amendment to Maryland’s Criminal Law (Article 7, Section 7-111) clarifies that digital reward systems are protected under theft statutes. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1426 redesignates Carroll County's Board of Commissioners as the county's Board of Health, replacing the previous structure. It requires this board to establish operating procedures for the Health Department, maintain and publicly share health complaint records under Maryland's public information law, and evaluate the health officer and staff. The bill gives the Board direct authority to remove the health officer or deputy health officer without needing approval from the Maryland Secretary of Health. These changes directly affect Carroll County's Health Department operations, its health officer, and the county's legislative delegation, which will now receive the Board's evaluation of the health officer.

Maddy summaryHB 77 establishes a commission to study the history of African American sailors who served in the Union Navy during the Civil War in Maryland. The commission, composed of appointed state officials and representatives from historical organizations, will examine muster rolls, service locations, and honors received by these sailors. By December 1, 2025, the commission must recommend funding, design, and location for a memorial dedicated to them, with the bill expiring June 30, 2026. This is a procedural bill focused on historical study and memorial planning, not direct policy implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 803 prohibits distributing computer-generated images that appear to show real people with exposed intimate parts (like genitals or buttocks) or engaged in sexual activity, if done to harm, harass, or without the person’s consent - especially when privacy was expected. It specifically covers AI-generated content that looks indistinguishable from actual people, but excludes drawings, cartoons, sculptures, or paintings. Violators face misdemeanor charges with penalties of up to 2 years in jail or a $5,000 fine. The bill amends Maryland’s criminal code (§ 3-809) to address new risks from deepfake technology.