Sen. Mike McKay

Maddy summarySB 986 requires owners or operators of large battery energy storage facilities (stationary energy storage systems) to cover the cost of specialized fire response training and equipment for local fire departments responsible for fire suppression in the facility's area. The training must meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 standard for battery fire suppression. The State Fire Marshal administers and enforces this requirement, with authority to adopt necessary regulations. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, directly impacting battery storage facility operators and local fire departments in Maryland.

Maddy summarySB 690 requires Maryland property and casualty insurance companies to contribute $5 million annually, starting July 1, 2026, from their premium tax revenue to the State Disaster Recovery Fund. This fund, established under Maryland law, supports disaster recovery efforts across the state. The bill amends Maryland's insurance code to mandate this specific annual distribution, directly affecting insurers by altering how a portion of their tax payments is allocated. It creates a concrete, automatic transfer of funds without new tax rates or eligibility requirements.

Maddy summarySB 896 updates Maryland's vehicle registration fee structure for multiple vehicle classes, directly affecting all vehicle owners in the state. It increases annual fees for passenger cars (e.g., from $50.50 to $80.50 for lighter vehicles after July 2025), for-hire vehicles (e.g., rideshares from $150 to $180), ambulances/funeral vehicles (from $100 to $130), and motorcycles (from $35 to $65). Truck fees are revised based on gross weight, with a new $63.75 base fee for smaller trucks under 7,000 lbs and updated rates for construction vehicles. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summarySB 746 allows municipal police chiefs in Maryland to suspend officers without pay while they appeal disciplinary decisions made by a trial board. It directly affects municipal police officers facing disciplinary actions who choose to appeal their case. The bill requires that if an officer wins their appeal, they must receive full back pay for the suspension period. This change modifies existing law to address the financial impact on officers during the appeal process.

Maddy summarySB 744 prohibits knowingly and willfully interfering with a custody order by enticing or withholding a minor from their lawful custodian, a court-appointed guardian, or someone acting as a parent (in loco parentis). It directly affects individuals who disrupt court-ordered custody arrangements involving minors. The bill establishes escalating penalties: a written warning for a first offense (with specific details required), fines up to $250 for a second offense, up to $500 for a third, and misdemeanor penalties (up to 30 days in jail for a fourth offense, up to one year for subsequent offenses). The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 799 prevents the Public Service Commission from approving rate increases for water or sewage disposal companies if a county or municipality has started or plans to start an eminent domain proceeding against them. It also requires fact finders in such eminent domain cases to consider two specific factors: necessary system upgrades for safe service and potential bill reductions for customers if the company is acquired by a local government. The bill amends Maryland's public utilities and real property laws to implement these changes, taking effect October 1, 2026. This directly affects water/sewage companies and local governments pursuing asset acquisition through eminent domain.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill updates election laws to require voters to present specific proof of identity at polling places before receiving a regular ballot. To qualify, a voter must show a valid government-issued photo ID or, if that is unavailable, a non-government photo ID along with a current document like a utility bill or bank statement that lists their name and address. If a voter cannot provide the required identification, the election judge will instead issue a provisional ballot for later verification. The legislation also reinforces existing rules that prohibit anyone from suggesting how a voter should mark their ballot and restricts who can assist voters with disabilities or language barriers.

Maddy summarySB 800 establishes a 10-member Task Force to study approval voting and ranked-choice voting in Maryland. The Task Force, including election officials, local government representatives, and voting experts, will review other states' implementations, assess administrative impacts (like ballot design and costs), and evaluate effects on voter participation and election outcomes. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by December 1, 2027, and the bill expires June 30, 2028. This bill does not change voting systems but directs the Task Force to analyze whether such changes would be feasible in Maryland.

Maddy summarySB 479 adds specific exemptions to Maryland's building energy performance standards, allowing certain covered buildings to avoid compliance requirements. The bill exempts historic properties, public/private schools, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and agricultural buildings from energy use intensity targets. It also includes exceptions for critical infrastructure, military buildings, and facilities with specialized needs like health care sterilization or emergency power. These exemptions apply until a specified future occurrence (not detailed in the bill text). The bill modifies existing law to clarify which building types are excluded from the state's energy efficiency mandates.

Maddy summarySB 478 expands eligibility for two financial aid programs at Washington County institutions of higher education. It amends Maryland law to include homeschool students and nonpublic secondary school students in Washington County as "dually enrolled students," directly affecting these students and their access to the Part-Time Grant Program and Early College Access Grant. The bill updates definitions in education codes to cover these groups, ensuring they qualify for tuition support and grants previously available only to public school students. County boards must still cover 75% of tuition costs for eligible students under existing agreements, with periodic review options for schools and colleges. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.