Del. Kathy Szeliga

Maddy summaryHB 355 modifies Maryland's income tax deduction for retirement income, allowing eligible residents to subtract a larger portion of their retirement earnings from taxable income over time. Starting in 2025, residents aged 65+ or disabled (or whose spouse is disabled), or retired forest/park/rangers meeting specific criteria, can deduct 30% of retirement income in 2025-2026, rising to 60% in 2026-2027, and 100% after 2026. The bill expands the definition of "qualified retirement plan" to include IRAs and Roth accounts (previously excluded), while clarifying that certain income types (like Social Security) cannot be double-counted for this deduction. This change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, with full 100% deduction applicable after 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 357 removes a $1,000 minimum price requirement for tax exemption on precious metal bullion or coins in Maryland. The bill expands the existing sales tax exemption to cover all sales of qualifying precious metal bullion (refined metal where value depends on content) or coins used as currency, regardless of price. It specifically excludes jewelry and art made from precious metals. This change directly affects sellers and buyers of bullion, coins, and related products by eliminating the previous price threshold for tax exemption. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 137 prohibits students charged with a crime of violence (as defined in Maryland law) from attending public schools in person until the charge is dismissed or the student is found not delinquent. The bill requires local school systems to provide separate, alternative learning options for these students, such as home-based instruction or specialized programs, distinct from regular classrooms. These options must align with existing policies for students under similar legal supervision. The law applies specifically to public school students in Maryland and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maryland's Employed Individuals with Disabilities Program to ensure that people with disabilities can access medical assistance while working without facing strict financial or age barriers. It requires the Department of Health to provide services to applicants aged 16 and older and prohibits limiting eligibility based on earned or unearned income, assets like retirement accounts, or an upper age limit. The legislation also mandates that the application process use plain language and allows recipients to keep their independence accounts without restrictions on how they spend the funds. Additionally, the state must consult with a coalition of disability advocates twice a year to review and adjust program regulations as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Maryland Insurance Administration to conduct a comprehensive study of professional employer organizations within the state. The study will examine how these organizations are regulated compared to federal rules and other states, review their history and health plan benefits, and analyze requirements for businesses to join them. Additionally, the administration will look at how these groups allow small business employees to access large group health plans and assess potential impacts on the local small group market. The agency must submit its findings to the House Health and Government Operations Committee and the Senate Finance Committee by December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law updates rules on how contraceptives are sold and allows registered nurses to provide certain nonprescription medications without a doctor's order. The bill removes criminal penalties for selling contraceptives through vending machines in schools and clarifies that only natural membrane condoms, not all nonlatex condoms, are banned from such machines. It also authorizes a committee to create a list of over-the-counter drugs and devices that registered nurses can dispense at local health departments. Additionally, the legislation defines key terms like "dispense" and "authorized prescriber" to guide how nurses handle these medications. These changes aim to improve access to reproductive health products and expand the role of nurses in public health settings.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law requires health insurance plans and health maintenance organizations to cover hearing aids for adults who are prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist. The coverage applies to non-disposable devices designed to improve hearing in environments commonly experienced by adults and allows insurers to set a maximum benefit of $1,400 per ear every three years. If an adult chooses a hearing aid that costs more than the plan's limit, they can pay the difference without facing financial or contractual penalties for the provider. The law also permits insurance companies to offer benefits that are more generous than these minimum requirements. These provisions take effect on January 1, 2025.

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 summaryThis Maryland bill updates regulations for assisted living managers, primarily by extending the deadline for mandatory licensing and modifying training requirements. It allows managers to delay full licensure until July 1, 2026, while also reducing the required training hours from 80 to a mix of in-person and virtual options, provided the training includes direct faculty interaction. The legislation also clarifies rules for interim managers who step in temporarily and adjusts the composition of the State Board of Long-Term Care Administrators to include more assisted living managers. Additionally, the bill maintains penalties for facilities that fail to employ qualified managers and ensures approved training courses remain affordable and accessible.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new process requiring anyone buying a nursing home in Maryland to notify the Maryland Health Care Commission at least 60 days before closing the deal. The law defines an acquisition as any transfer of stock or assets that changes who controls the facility, or the transfer of more than 25% of ownership. Before finalizing the purchase, buyers must submit a request for approval that includes the seller's quality ratings, evidence of past quality committees, inspection reports, and records of any lawsuits involving the facility. The Commission will review these details and provide written findings to the Office of Health Care Quality, with the option for judicial review if the Commission denies the acquisition. Additionally, the bill mandates that new owners submit regular reports to the Commission after taking over the facility.