Rep. Ryan Nawrocki

Maddy summaryHB 1504 requires Maryland's State Highway Administration to prioritize funding for sidewalk and bicycle pathway construction/reconstruction on highways with "complete streets" policies or Vision Zero programs. It mandates that local governments request such projects through annual funding letters, with costs typically shared 50-50 between state and local governments unless the project is in a sustainable community (100% state-funded) or addresses a public safety risk (100% state-funded). The bill specifically applies to urban highways defined as those in urban areas with high pedestrian traffic, curb/gutter systems, or within municipal boundaries. This directly affects local governments seeking infrastructure funding and the State Highway Administration managing transportation budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 395 repeals a requirement that new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) must obtain a general discharge permit from Maryland's Department of the Environment before beginning construction. This directly affects developers and operators planning new CAFO facilities by removing a pre-construction permitting step. The bill modifies Maryland's Environment Article by deleting Section 9-323(a)(2), which previously mandated this permit for new CAFO construction. The change only applies to the construction phase, not to operating permits or existing CAFOs.

Maddy summaryHB 947 modifies Maryland's commercial blue and flathead catfish fishing license to allow holders to use gill nets with a mesh size of no more than 7 inches, in addition to the existing finfish trotline method. This change directly affects commercial fishermen who currently hold this specific license and wish to use the new gear. The bill updates the license regulations under Maryland's Natural Resources code without altering the $15 annual fee, one-year term (September 1-August 31), or other core requirements. It does not change eligibility, transferability, or possession rules for the license. The policy change specifically expands permitted fishing methods for blue catfish in tidal waters.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Maryland Aviation Administration to join the federal Transportation Security Administration's Screening Partnership Program, enabling airports to contract private companies for passenger screening instead of relying solely on federal agents. The legislation authorizes this partnership only with the approval of the Governor and the Secretary of Transportation, ensuring oversight before any agreements are made. By adding a new section to state law, the bill formally establishes the legal framework for this security arrangement while repealing and reenacting existing definitions without changes. As an emergency measure passed with a supermajority, it takes effect immediately upon enactment to address public safety needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1508 requires the State Highway Administration to immediately notify state legislators representing the district where proposed highway work will occur. The notice must include the applicant's name, work location, expected start date, and a brief description of the work. This applies to all permit applications for highway projects, such as digging, placing structures, or planting trees. The bill updates Maryland law to ensure legislators receive timely information about highway work in their districts.

Maddy summaryHB 714 requires the Maryland Department of Health to share abortion-related data with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when requested, unless sharing would violate federal or state law. The bill directly affects Maryland's health department, mandating data submission under specific conditions. Key provisions include an exception allowing the department to withhold data if legal conflicts arise, and it takes effect October 1, 2026. This law updates Maryland's health reporting requirements to align with federal data collection needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1334, the Maryland Public Education Parental Partnership Act, requires each county board of education to create a written parent and family engagement policy by the start of the 2027-2028 school year. This policy must include parental input, provide translation services, and outline how schools will collaborate with families. Additionally, starting in the 2028-2029 school year, every public school must develop a Parent-School Compact detailing shared responsibilities - such as school curriculum quality, parental support for learning, teacher qualifications, and regular communication between parents and staff. The bill directly affects all Maryland public school systems and their families by mandating structured, written frameworks for parental involvement.

Maddy summaryHB 1417, the Maryland Constitutional Carry Act, repeals Maryland’s requirement for a permit to carry a handgun in public. It removes the need for a permit (previously required under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article) and eliminates age restrictions for carrying (previously prohibiting those under 21 from carrying handguns). The bill allows most adults to carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit, though it maintains existing restrictions on carrying on school property, with intent to harm, or with a loaded firearm. Key provisions are updated in the Criminal Law Article (Sections 4-101(b) and 4-203), adding a new allowance for carrying "as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger" while preserving other prohibitions. This directly affects all Maryland residents who are not prohibited from owning firearms.

Maddy summaryHB 974 removes several existing regulatory requirements for electricity and gas suppliers in Maryland. It repeals rules about licensing energy salespersons, residential supplier terms, and reporting obligations, while modifying how electric cooperatives and standard offer service operate. The bill also changes the name and purpose of the "Education and Protection Fund" to better support customer education about energy choices. These changes aim to reduce regulatory barriers for suppliers, potentially increasing competition in the retail energy market for residential customers. The bill directly affects electricity/gas suppliers, energy salespersons, and residential customers seeking alternative energy providers.

Maddy summaryHB 129 requires nonprofits receiving at least 50% of their annual funding from specific public sources - including state/local grants, capital budgets, or local impact grants - to report funding amounts and usage to Maryland's Comptroller. This applies to IRS 501(c) exempt organizations operating in Maryland that meet the funding threshold. Nonprofits must submit these reports annually, and the Comptroller will summarize the data for the General Assembly by January 31 each year. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, aiming to standardize reporting on public funding for transparency.