Sen. Ben Brooks

Maddy summarySB 270 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to analyze the full costs to ratepayers of different electricity generation options, including natural gas, nuclear, and offshore wind (specifically 8,500 MW capacity). The analysis must compare costs under three scenarios: natural gas alone, nuclear alone, and offshore wind with energy storage, while accounting for wind's intermittency and reliability costs. It mandates using a standardized cost model to identify the most cost-effective energy sources for ratepayers. The Commission must submit findings and policy recommendations to relevant legislative committees by December 1, 2027. This bill directly affects Maryland electricity consumers by informing future energy policy decisions.

Maddy summarySB 387 prohibits large food retailers (15,000+ sq ft) in Maryland from using dynamic pricing (real-time price changes based on demand or AI) or consumer surveillance data (like location or biometric tracking) to set prices for individual customers. It also bans using protected class data (e.g., race, gender) to deny accommodations or advantages to consumers. The bill further prevents retailers from reducing union-guaranteed employee benefits without negotiating with union representatives. These provisions aim to regulate pricing practices, prevent discriminatory data use, and protect collective bargaining agreements, with violations subject to enforcement under Maryland’s consumer protection laws.

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 928 (Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act) requires all county school boards to create and implement policies by the 2027-2028 school year that limit students' use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the academic school day. The policy must prohibit personal device use except for specific exceptions, including special education plans, health needs, emergencies, educational purposes, language translation tools, and caregiver responsibilities. School boards must engage parents and staff in developing the policy, store devices securely during school hours, and use tiered disciplinary measures (not suspensions/expulsions) for violations. Annual reports on policy impacts, including equity data and stakeholder feedback, must be submitted to the state education department starting in 2027.

Maddy summarySB 9 establishes an annual tax-free day on November 11 (Veterans Day) in Maryland starting in 2026. It exempts sales tax on items costing less than $2,000 purchased by veterans, provided they show valid ID (like a driver's license or government ID) indicating veteran status. The Comptroller may suspend this tax-free day at their sole discretion. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly benefiting eligible veterans making qualifying purchases.

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 962 prohibits individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack from holding specific government positions. The bill applies to those convicted regardless of subsequent pardons and bars them from serving on state boards/commissions, in executive government roles, or in special appointments. Appointing authorities must immediately remove anyone violating this law. It does not apply to standing committees or committees established under Title 2 of state law. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 988 prohibits law enforcement from stopping, detaining, or arresting individuals for civil offenses (such as traffic tickets or unpaid fines) within judicial facilities (like courthouses) or within one mile of them while traveling to attend a court proceeding. Police must notify the judge beforehand and avoid disrupting court activities to stop someone for a civil matter in these areas. Evidence obtained from violating this law is inadmissible in court, and affected individuals can sue for damages or seek court orders. The Attorney General may also file lawsuits to stop ongoing violations of the law.

Maddy summarySB 591 establishes the Maryland Chapter of the National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities within the Department of State Police. It creates a secure, voluntary online system allowing individuals with disabilities to share personal information (like contact details, physical descriptions, and disability-related needs) with law enforcement for emergency response. The bill requires the Department of State Police and Department of Disabilities to develop mandatory training and guidelines for law enforcement agencies, and it creates a commission to study protocols and public engagement strategies. This directly affects individuals with disabilities who choose to participate and all local law enforcement agencies required to implement the new protocols.

Maddy summarySB 229 designates May as Maryland Native Plant Month by requiring the Governor to annually issue a proclamation. The proclamation urges educational organizations, environmental groups, and businesses to host events and activities celebrating native plants. It defines "native plant" as species naturally occurring in Maryland before colonial settlement or listed on the Maryland Plant Atlas. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and creates no new funding or regulatory requirements - only an annual recognition effort.

Maddy summarySB 191 designates "The Heart of Maryland" (written by Jayla Elise) as Maryland's official state song, replacing "Maryland, My Maryland" which was repealed in 2021. The bill renumbers relevant sections in Maryland's code and includes the song's full lyrics in law. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and directly affects all Maryland residents as the new unifying anthem. This is a procedural designation with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes standards and requirements for fully autonomous vehicles operating on Maryland highways without a human driver. It defines key terms such as fully autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, and operational design domains to clarify what qualifies under the law. The legislation requires these vehicles to safely reach a minimal risk condition if the system fails and ensures that data collected by them is subject to Maryland's Online Data Privacy Act. Additionally, the bill updates existing commercial and transportation laws to include specific provisions for autonomous vehicle operations and data handling.