Sen. Mike McKay

Maddy summarySB 105, known as the Real Time for Violent Crime Act or Geri's Law, proposes establishing a system to notify the public in real time when violent crimes occur in their communities. The bill directly affects residents and law enforcement agencies by creating a notification framework that would alert individuals about nearby violent incidents as they happen. Key provisions include setting up a centralized database for crime reporting and mandating that local authorities share this information with the public through various communication channels. The legislation aims to increase community awareness and safety by providing timely information about violent criminal activity.

Maddy summarySB 639 modifies Garrett County's procurement rules to exempt two specific contract types from standard bid advertisement requirements. It allows county officials to directly contract for goods/services procured "as-needed" over time (regardless of whether cumulative costs exceed $50,000) and for purchasing one or more vehicles up to $100,000 without advertising bids. This applies to contracts entered by Garrett County Commissioners or employees under the specified exceptions. The bill does not change the general $50,000 threshold for most procurement but creates these two targeted exceptions. It amends Garrett County's local law Section 30.21(A) and takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 826 establishes two new license categories for restaurants and resorts in Garrett County: a "Deluxe Complex Restaurant" beer and wine license (BDR-DC) and a beer, wine, and liquor license (BDR-DC). To qualify for the beer/wine license, applicants must have seating for at least 20 people and a $25,000 capital investment in facilities (excluding land/buildings), allowing on-premise beer/wine sales and off-premise beer sales. The liquor license requires a $250,000 capital investment and permits all alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption plus off-premise beer. Both licenses include a catering option requiring food service at off-premise events, with specific fee structures based on license duration and catering inclusion. The bill primarily affects businesses seeking to operate full-service alcohol venues under these new Garrett County-specific rules.

Maddy summarySB 455 allows licensed security guard agencies in Maryland to apply for the appointment of special police officers to protect property owned or leased by their clients. This directly affects security companies and their clients (such as businesses or property owners), expanding eligibility beyond existing categories like government entities or schools. The bill requires applicants to complete 80 hours of approved training covering criminal law, constitutional procedures, and use of force. It amends Maryland’s Public Safety law to explicitly include security agencies as qualifying applicants under section 3-303(a)(5).

Maddy summarySB 533 establishes a one-year-and-one-day deadline for Maryland law enforcement agencies to file administrative charges related to police misconduct complaints, starting from when the agency becomes aware of the incident. This applies to most cases, including those not requiring an administrative committee review, and ensures timely action on complaints from the public. For incidents tied to ongoing criminal investigations, the deadline extends until the criminal case concludes or the prosecutor declines charges. The bill aims to prevent indefinite delays in holding officers accountable while aligning administrative processes with criminal proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 396 expands death benefit eligibility to include 9-1-1 specialists as public safety officers, adding them to the existing categories of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and hazardous material response team employees. It maintains a $125,000 death benefit for qualifying survivors, adjusting this amount annually based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill also modifies disability benefit eligibility criteria and clarifies the definition of "performance of duties" for public safety roles. These changes directly affect current and future public safety officers, including newly covered 9-1-1 specialists, by expanding their access to death and disability benefits. The provisions amend specific sections of Maryland’s Public Safety and State Personnel laws.

Maddy summarySB 381 limits access to images captured by automated traffic enforcement systems (like speed cameras or red-light cameras) in Maryland. It requires agencies operating these systems to deny public access to recorded images, except for specific cases like people who received a ticket or for official traffic enforcement investigations. The bill also prohibits state or local agencies from using these images or associated data without a warrant, subpoena, or court order, unless the use is directly related to traffic enforcement. Additionally, it sets requirements for securely deleting the images after a set period. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies managing automated traffic enforcement systems and protects the privacy of drivers whose vehicles are captured.

Maddy summarySB 443 reclassifies transporting regulated firearms into Maryland for unlawful sale or trafficking from a misdemeanor to a felony. The bill directly affects dealers or individuals who move firearms into the state intending to illegally sell or traffic them. Key provisions increase penalties: violators now face up to 10 years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both, instead of misdemeanor penalties. This amendment to Maryland's Public Safety Code (Section 5-140) takes effect October 1, 2025. The law specifically targets firearm trafficking networks operating across state lines.

Maddy summarySB 946 establishes a new permit process allowing incidental taking (unintentional harm or killing) of certain bat species in Maryland. It requires applicants, such as developers or landowners, to submit a detailed conservation plan outlining impacts, mitigation steps, funding, and alternatives considered. The Secretary of Natural Resources must then verify the taking won’t harm bat recovery, the plan is fully funded and implementable, and federal permits are secured. This directly affects entities working in areas with protected bat populations and the state agency overseeing wildlife permits.

Maddy summarySB 399 exempts three specific wildland areas (Big Savage Mountain, Bear Pen, and Dan's Mountain) from being designated as protected wildlands if NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic, Inc. obtains a certificate of public convenience and necessity for an overhead transmission line. The bill modifies state law to require the Public Service Commission to approve the project after a public review process that considers local government input, system reliability, economic impact, aesthetics, and environmental factors. This exemption would directly allow the transmission line project to proceed without the affected areas being subject to standard wildland protections.