Rep. Harry Bhandari

Maddy summaryHB 1541 establishes a 6-member workgroup to study Maryland's use of extreme risk protective orders (ERPOs), which allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The workgroup includes the Secretary of Health (as chair), Attorney General, Public Defender, police and sheriffs' association leaders, and a mental health services representative. It will study current ERPO practices and develop policy recommendations by May 1, 2027, reporting to the Governor and legislature. The workgroup will expire automatically on June 30, 2028, with no further legislative action required. This bill does not change ERPO laws but creates a process to evaluate and improve them.

Maddy summaryHB 1492 establishes the right to strike for specific public school and library employees in Maryland, including certificated and noncertificated staff like substitute teachers, nurses, and JROTC instructors in certain counties. The bill prohibits public school and library employers from taking disciplinary action against employees who participate in or support strikes. It repeals the Public Employee Relations Board’s authority to deny or revoke a union’s certification as an exclusive bargaining representative under certain circumstances. These changes apply to defined groups of employees under Maryland’s Education Article, ensuring their collective bargaining rights are protected from employer retaliation.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a bill with enforceable policy changes. Maryland's General Assembly formally joins other states (like California and Oregon) and local jurisdictions in endorsing the "Back from the Brink" initiative. It urges Maryland's congressional delegation to cosponsor a federal resolution supporting the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and asks the U.S. President and Senate to endorse that treaty. The resolution expresses concern about nuclear risks but does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1269 requires condominiums, homeowners associations (HOAs), and cooperative housing corporations in Maryland to conduct regular reserve studies assessing costs for major repairs to structural, mechanical, and plumbing components. These studies must be updated every five years and include detailed cost estimates for future replacements. The bill also allows members (not just the governing board) to declare financial hardship, extending relief periods, and mandates adding funds to reserve accounts if communities deviate from required funding levels. It applies to newer properties in Prince George’s, Montgomery, and other counties with phased implementation timelines based on when the community was established. The goal is to ensure communities maintain sufficient funds for capital repairs through standardized budgeting and assessment requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 981 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to use the 10-year average U.S. equity market return when setting base rates for investor-owned gas and electric utilities. The Commission must determine this rate using multiple objective sources and may adjust utility rates based on how risky a company's operations are compared to the market return. This directly affects gas and electric utility companies and their customers by changing how rates are calculated for service. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1543 establishes a Temporary Worker Oversight Unit within Maryland’s Department of Labor to protect H-2A and H-2B visa holders working temporarily in the state. It requires recruiters to register annually and post a $10,000 bond, prohibits charging workers fees or retaliating for complaints, and mandates employers to file an affidavit confirming no fee violations before hiring. The bill ensures temporary workers can file complaints, access forms in English/Spanish, and receive Spanish interpretation during investigations. It also allows representatives from worker advocacy, legal, health, or labor organizations to enter employer-provided housing to offer assistance, support, and education.

Maddy summaryHB 1615 amends Maryland law to allow cooperative housing corporations and condominiums to use reserve funds for emergency purposes beyond their original funding plans, under specific conditions. It requires that any emergency use of reserves must be repaid within five years and approved by at least two-thirds of members (for co-ops) or unit owners (for condos). The bill also mandates that governing bodies develop funding plans prioritizing health, safety, and structural repairs - such as roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems - and review progress annually. This change affects all Maryland co-ops and condominiums with reserve funds, streamlining emergency financial access while maintaining accountability. The bill amends Sections 5-6B-26.1(g) of the Corporations and Associations article and Section 11-109.4(f) of the Real Property article in the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Maddy summaryHB 1333 establishes the Maryland Law Enforcement Public Service Medal, the state's highest honor for law enforcement officers demonstrating extraordinary bravery or sacrifice in service. The bill creates a review committee to evaluate nominations and recommend up to five annual recipients, with the governor presenting medals at a formal ceremony. It specifically names five officers (Sergeant Paul Pastorek, Corporal Jeremy Herbert, Senior Officer William Kinsey, Officer Timothy Baublitz, and Officer Garry Kirts) who responded during the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse to receive the medal at the first ceremony. The medal includes a gold medallion, certificate, and permanent honor roll listing, funded through state appropriations and private support.

Maddy summaryHB 1528 would allow Maryland public schools to permit homeschool students to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities (like sports or clubs) under specific conditions. It requires homeschool students to follow Maryland’s COMAR guidelines for home instruction and gives public school students priority over homeschoolers if spaces are limited. The bill does not require schools to offer participation but establishes clear rules for when it may occur. This directly affects homeschool families seeking access to public school activities and public school administrators managing program enrollment.

Maddy summaryHB 1409 requires Maryland's Department of Health to conduct studies measuring problem and pathological gambling rates for both in-person and mobile gambling, with the mobile gambling study due by July 2031. The bill redirects 1% of proceeds from fantasy sports competitions and 1% of sports wagering revenue to the Problem Gambling Fund, altering prior distribution rules that directed most funds to education. These funds will support treatment and prevention services for problem gamblers, including inpatient care, outpatient services, and educational programs. The legislation amends Maryland law to mandate these studies and fund allocations, directly affecting the Department of Health and the Problem Gambling Fund.