Rep. Bob Long

Maddy summaryHB 782 requires Maryland's State Department of Education to study how public middle and high schools can better detect deadly weapons and rapidly report findings to law enforcement. The study mandates a comprehensive audit of all schools' current security systems - including physical measures, technology gaps, and potential improvements - and specifically evaluates unused detection methods, AI software integration, optimal camera placement, and expanded metal detector use. The Department must complete this study and submit findings to the House Speaker and Ways and Means Committee by December 1, 2025, with the bill automatically ending on June 30, 2026. This bill affects all Maryland public middle and high schools by directing a formal review of their security protocols, without implementing new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1558 restricts fundraising activities for Maryland state elected officials during legislative sessions. It prohibits the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, and state legislators (or their staff acting on their behalf) from receiving contributions, hosting events, soliciting funds, or depositing money raised during the session - except for specific cases. Exceptions include activities solely for their own federal or local election campaigns, contributions made electronically before the session began, and gubernatorial campaign financing under the Public Financing Act. Violations result in civil penalties paid into the Fair Campaign Financing Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1325 establishes a 5-year pilot program (2026-2030) to create regional pools of substitute child care providers for Maryland child care facilities. The program, administered by a state-selected nonprofit, will recruit and support qualified providers to fill temporary staffing gaps in licensed centers, family homes, or large family child care homes. Key mechanisms include organizing pools across rural, suburban, and urban regions; helping providers meet background checks, training, and credential requirements; and developing a digital matching platform to connect providers with facilities. The program requires annual $350,000 grants to the nonprofit and $375,000 in annual state budget appropriations, with final reporting due to the legislature in 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 1392 prohibits smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis in the passenger area of a motor vehicle when a minor (under 18) is present. It directly affects drivers transporting minors, making it a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill amends Maryland’s transportation code to add Section 21-903.1, explicitly defining the prohibited conduct and penalties. The law takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 596 requires Maryland county superintendents to allow advance enrollment for dependent children of active-duty service members relocating due to military orders, using a remote registration process without fees or in-person requirements. It mandates school systems to coordinate with parents and the sending state to prevent delays in enrolling children with disabilities who receive special education services. The bill also requires the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families to publish clear information about enrollment procedures and available support services. This applies to all public schools and specifically benefits military-connected families facing frequent relocations.

Maddy summaryHB 1211 requires law enforcement agencies to report student arrests for specific serious offenses (like violent crimes or gang-related violations occurring off school grounds) to the Maryland Center for School Safety, Juvenile Services Education Program, State Board of Education, and the State’s Attorney within 24 hours. The State’s Attorney must then notify these same agencies of court outcomes. This applies to students aged 5-22 in public or nonpublic schools across Maryland. The bill creates a formal reporting chain to ensure schools and safety programs receive timely information about student arrests and legal dispositions.

Maddy summaryHB 1313 requires public school principals to send written notice to parents or guardians after a student has two or more incidents of violent or disruptive behavior on school grounds or during school activities. The notice mandates that parents/guardians seek and participate in counseling with their child and explains that failing to do so is unlawful under the bill, with potential court-ordered community service as a consequence. This bill directly affects parents and guardians of students in Maryland public schools who have students exhibiting repeated behavioral issues. Key provisions include standardized notice requirements for schools and clear legal consequences for non-participation in mandated counseling. The law aims to address student behavior through parental engagement rather than punitive measures alone.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Baltimore County to provide a supplemental property tax credit for homeowners, building on Maryland's existing state-level homeowners credit. It calculates the credit based on household income (0% on the first $18,000, 6.5% on the next $4,000, and 9% on income over $22,000) but excludes homeowners with combined income exceeding $72,000 or net worth over $200,000 in the applicable year. The State Department of Assessments and Taxation will handle application processing and eligibility determination, while Baltimore County must reimburse the state for administrative costs. The credit applies to tax years beginning after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1330 imposes a moratorium on increases to the assessed value of residential property in Baltimore County for taxable years 2025-2026, preventing most value hikes except for specific circumstances like zoning changes, major renovations ($100,000+ value added), or errors. The bill also requires the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to hire an independent third party by December 1, 2026, to study and recommend improvements to residential property assessment practices. The Department must then report findings and proposed actions to the Governor and General Assembly. This directly affects Baltimore County homeowners whose property values would otherwise rise, while mandating a review of assessment methodology.

Maddy summaryHB 1295 exempts qualified first-time homebuyers in Baltimore County from the local transfer tax when purchasing improved residential property as their primary residence. It applies to individuals who have never owned residential property in Maryland that served as their principal residence, or to co-buyers/mortgage guarantors who won’t occupy the home. Buyers must provide a sworn statement confirming their first-time status or mortgage role, verified through a diligent inquiry. The exemption removes a direct cost burden for eligible homebuyers, effective July 1, 2025.