Rep. Christopher Bouchat

Maddy summaryHB 28 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all Maryland counties and Baltimore City to adopt a government charter by December 31, 2031. Counties without existing charters must appoint a charter board (5-9 members) by January 2028 to draft a charter within 18 months, which must then be published and voted on by county commissioners. The adopted charter must mandate elections for county executive and council members by district. This bill directly affects all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City, changing how they structure local government under state constitutional requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 278 modifies Maryland's income tax code to expand the definition of "enhanced agricultural management equipment" eligible for a tax subtraction benefit. It adds a provision allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to determine by regulation what additional equipment qualifies, beyond the current list (e.g., no-till planters, manure injection systems). This change would let Maryland farmers deduct 100% of costs for qualifying new equipment (or 50% for vertical tillage equipment) from their taxable income. The bill directly affects Maryland farmers purchasing eligible agricultural equipment who claim this tax benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Maryland's tax exemption for parts and equipment used to repair, maintain, or upgrade aircraft. It keeps the exemption in place for smaller planes under 12,500 pounds and larger planes used primarily in interstate or foreign commerce. The law removes the requirement for the state Comptroller to report annually on lost tax revenue and job changes related to the exemption. Additionally, it extends the exemption's expiration date from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030.

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 summaryThis bill updates Maryland's mental health laws to improve how individuals in crisis are evaluated and treated. It requires peace officers to transport people needing emergency evaluation to a nearby facility rather than strictly the nearest one, and it allows psychiatric nurse practitioners to conduct these evaluations alongside physicians. The legislation also mandates that every county establish an assisted outpatient treatment program, which can legally require individuals with severe mental illness to follow a treatment plan if they refuse voluntary care. Additionally, the bill ensures that public defenders provide legal representation during these proceedings and permits electronic submission of necessary petitions.

Maddy summaryHB 432 updates Maryland state laws to replace the outdated term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" across various court and criminal procedure statutes. This change directly affects legal definitions used in juvenile proceedings, competency evaluations, and the handling of defendants who may be unable to stand trial. The bill ensures that references to intellectual disabilities are consistent throughout the legal code, including sections governing the commitment of children and the assessment of defendants' fitness for trial. By modernizing this terminology, the legislation aligns state laws with current medical and social standards without altering the underlying legal processes.