Sen. Mike McKay

Maddy summarySB 26 exempts qualifying off-grid electricity providers from most public utility regulations in Maryland, directly affecting small-scale generators (like remote homes or farms) that meet three criteria: they don’t connect to the state grid, cross state lines, or operate on public roads. The bill allows these providers to avoid standard utility rules but requires compliance with specific construction permit requirements (§§ 7-207 and 7-207.1) when building facilities. If a provider later connects to the grid, crosses state lines, or operates on public roads, they lose the exemption and must follow full utility regulations. The exemption applies only to providers starting operations on or after October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 454 requires school resource officers (SROs) to carry firearms while present on the premises of the school to which they are assigned. This bill amends Maryland law (specifically Section 7-1508 of the Education Article) to mandate this requirement, directly affecting all SROs working in public schools. The key provision replaces prior language with a clear directive that SROs must carry firearms on school grounds, while also maintaining existing training requirements focused on de-escalation, disability awareness, and implicit bias. The bill does not change who qualifies as an SRO but specifies the firearm-carrying obligation during school operations.

Maddy summarySB 481 requires Maryland courts to mandate additional visitation time when a parent unjustifiably blocks court-ordered visitation. If a court finds a parent blocked visitation, it must order: (1) double the duration of the blocked visit, (2) the same type of visit (weekend, holiday, or summer), and (3) scheduled at the other parent’s chosen time - all within two years of the ruling. This applies directly to parents who deny or interfere with visitation rights under existing custody orders. The law strengthens enforcement by making the visitation remedy mandatory, rather than optional, while prioritizing the child’s best interests. It does not change visitation rights themselves but adds a specific, structured consequence for violations.

Maddy summarySB 484 changes how child abuse and neglect reports are handled in Maryland by requiring mandated reporters (like teachers, doctors, and social workers) to submit reports directly to the Department of Human Services (DHS) instead of local social services or law enforcement. The bill establishes a centralized DHS intake system to record, assess report validity, and assign cases to local departments for investigation. This replaces current procedures outlined in sections 5-704 and 5-704.2 of Maryland’s Family Law, streamlining the initial reporting process while maintaining existing requirements for report content and timelines.

Maddy summarySB 302 prohibits knowingly causing another person to ingest an abortion-inducing drug when the person knows or believes the other is pregnant and does so without consent, through fraud/coercion, or force/threat of force. The bill directly affects individuals who would cause others to take such drugs under these specific conditions. Key provisions define "abortion-inducing drug" and establish that violations constitute a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to conduct occurring after that date.

Maddy summarySB 106 would repeal Maryland's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program, ending the requirement for biennial emissions tests and equipment inspections for most vehicles. This directly affects Maryland vehicle owners (primarily those with vehicles from 1977 model year onward) who currently must comply with the program. The bill removes all legal provisions related to the program, including testing requirements, waiver processes for repair costs, and certification rules for repair facilities. It does not create new requirements but eliminates the existing mandate under Maryland law. This repeal would end the state-level enforcement of emissions inspections, though federal requirements may still apply.

Maddy summarySB 209 requires the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to collect a hotel rental surcharge on units at Savage Highlands State Park. The proceeds will be split: 6% of the surcharge funds will go to Garrett County for tourism promotion, and any amount above 6% will go to the county's general fund. This bill directly affects park renters (through the surcharge) and Garrett County (through the designated funding). The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 104, the "Fair Districts for Maryland Act," reforms how Maryland draws legislative and congressional district lines. It requires all legislative districts to be divided into three single-member delegate districts and establishes an independent Redistricting Commission to create these maps, replacing the previous process involving the Governor and General Assembly. The bill bans consideration of political party affiliation, past voting patterns, or individual residences when drawing districts, and gives the Maryland Supreme Court original authority to review plans if the Commission fails to act. This directly affects all Maryland voters by changing how district boundaries are determined, aiming to create more equitable maps based on population and community boundaries rather than political strategy.

Maddy summarySB 27 adds a 7-day waiting period for most firearm sales, rentals, or transfers in Maryland, requiring a 7-day delay after an application is submitted. It directly exempts law enforcement officers (current or retired in good standing) and individuals with a valid permit to carry a handgun under Maryland law from this waiting period. The bill modifies existing law to clarify that these specific groups can complete transactions immediately without the standard delay. This applies to all regulated firearm transactions governed by Maryland's Public Safety laws, without changing the general waiting period for other buyers.

Maddy summarySB 195 creates an exception to Maryland's motorcycle headgear requirement for riders aged 21 or older who either hold a motorcycle license for at least two years or have completed an approved safety course. This exception also applies to passengers riding with qualifying operators. The bill does not change the general headgear rule but allows experienced riders to operate without mandated headgear under these specific conditions. It remains pending, with an effective date of October 1, 2026, if passed.