Sen. Ben Brooks

Maddy summarySB 265 modifies Maryland's rules for siting community solar energy systems by removing a restriction that previously prohibited multiple systems on adjacent parcels if their combined capacity exceeded 5 megawatts. The bill replaces this with a new 10-megawatt limit for adjacent parcels, but only if at least 75% of the system's capacity serves low- or moderate-income subscribers (LMI) or projects use agrivoltaics (combining solar with agriculture). This change directly affects community solar developers, utilities, and LMI subscribers by expanding where solar projects can be located while prioritizing access for underserved communities. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 341 establishes new definitions for small portable solar systems (max 1,200 watts, plug-in devices for residential use) and creates two types of solar energy credits: SRECs for smaller systems and SREC-II for larger installations. It requires electric companies to procure a specific number of SREC-II credits from qualifying solar projects and mandates that certain compliance fees be deposited into an escrow account instead of the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. Homeowners using portable solar systems cannot have utility approval requirements or fees for grid connection, but these systems do not count toward renewable energy goals. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives gain flexibility in meeting solar requirements under the new framework.

Maddy summarySB 386 (Lower Bills and Local Power Act of 2026) requires electric companies operating high-voltage transmission lines (over 69,000 volts) in Maryland to join a regional transmission organization. It mandates that applicants seeking permits for new transmission lines must include alternative proposals using advanced transmission technologies and compare their cost-effectiveness. The bill creates a new Solar and Energy Storage Market Stabilization Program within the Maryland Energy Administration and directs funds from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to provide refunds or credits to residential customers. These changes aim to modernize transmission infrastructure, promote technology adoption, and reduce costs for Maryland ratepayers.

Maddy summarySB 201 modifies Maryland's requirements for approving new overhead transmission lines over 69,000 volts. It requires applicants to include specific details in their applications and mandates the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before approving projects. The bill also adds new reporting obligations for owners/operators of existing transmission lines. It defines "advanced transmission technologies" to include grid-enhancing tools, high-performance conductors, and energy storage used for transmission. These changes directly affect electric companies planning or operating high-voltage transmission infrastructure in Maryland.

Maddy summarySB 429 requires the Maryland Energy Administration to study the potential for land-based wind energy generation in Maryland. The study must assess total wind energy potential, identify suitable locations, examine successful mitigation solutions for conflicts with military radar systems (like ADAMS), and evaluate their applicability in Maryland. The Administration may use funds from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to conduct the study and must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and relevant legislative committees by December 1, 2026. This bill directly affects the Maryland Energy Administration and sets a framework for future policy decisions on wind energy development.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps interest rates at 6% annually on loans held by active-duty military members (or jointly with their spouses) during active service. Creditors must reduce rates to 6% and forgive excess interest charges, while recalculating payments due during service at the lower rate. Service members must provide military orders to creditors within 180 days of returning from duty to qualify. Courts may override this cap if they determine active duty did not materially affect the member's ability to pay higher interest.

Maddy summarySB 318 requires Maryland state agencies proposing capital projects over $2 million in cost or exceeding 75 feet in height to develop community engagement plans and conduct specific outreach activities within a 1-mile radius of project sites. This includes providing plain-language project summaries, maps, environmental impact descriptions, and holding public meetings with virtual options, plus 45-day mail notices, online postings, and a 30-day comment period. Agencies must submit annual reports detailing outreach efforts and public feedback to the Department of Budget and Management, which compiles and shares these reports with local governments and the legislature. The law applies to projects with potential impacts on noise, visibility, environment, or community character, excluding certain budgeted grants or local initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 342 establishes Maryland's Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program, requiring beverage producers to register with the state, pay fees, and include refund values in product prices. It mandates that containers display refund information, retailers show refund amounts on receipts, and creates a producer-led stewardship group to manage recycling. The program funds water refill stations through a new grant initiative and sets recycling targets to reduce litter and pollution from beverage containers. This directly affects beverage manufacturers, retailers, and communities by changing how containers are sold, priced, and recycled.

Maddy summarySB 264 establishes new requirements to prevent waterborne diseases like Legionnaires' disease in Maryland's public water systems. It mandates minimum disinfectant residual levels, regular testing for pathogens, and specific water management programs for building owners/operators. Public water suppliers must provide notices about system disruptions and maintain records, while the Maryland Department of Health must create a public awareness campaign and publish compliance data online. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $25,000 per day for larger systems, with collected fines funding health initiatives. The bill directly affects all public water systems serving 15+ connections or 25+ people, including municipal suppliers and building operators.

Maddy summarySB 294 changes how the Maryland Cybersecurity Council is led and who serves on it. Starting October 1, 2025, the Council will elect its own chair every two years instead of the Attorney General serving as chair. The bill adds specific membership requirements, including five cybersecurity company representatives (with at least three from small companies under 50 employees), four business association representatives, and up to ten higher education representatives. This directly affects small cybersecurity firms, business associations, and educational institutions that will now have formal representation on the Council.