Sen. Clarence Lam

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the use of automated monitoring systems to enforce parking and stopping rules in dedicated bus lanes across Maryland. It authorizes local jurisdictions to deploy these cameras to issue citations for vehicles illegally parked or stopped in bus lanes, while also clarifying that bus stops located near these lanes are considered part of the restricted area. The legislation updates state laws to ensure images from these systems can be used as evidence in court and establishes a new workgroup to manage curb space. Additionally, it requires Baltimore to use competitive bidding processes when hiring contractors to operate these monitoring systems or process related tickets.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law allows researchers from colleges and universities to review confidential court records related to extreme risk protective orders for academic or policy studies. To access these records, the institution must sign an agreement with the state judiciary that ensures the data remains secure, is used only for the specific research project, and is never shared with unauthorized individuals. The legislation also permits researchers to publish statistical summaries of the data as long as no individual's identity is revealed. Violations of the confidentiality agreement could result in legal penalties or court injunctions to stop unauthorized disclosures.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law requires medical assistance programs and private health insurers to cover orthoses and prostheses starting in 2025. It defines orthoses as custom or prefabricated devices used to treat neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions and mandates that these devices be considered essential health benefits. The bill also sets specific rules for replacing devices, ensuring they are not subject to higher copayments or separate annual limits, and prohibits denial of coverage based on a patient's disability status. Additionally, it establishes that coverage decisions must align with federal Medicare standards and allows for replacements if repairs would cost more than 60% of a new device.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Maryland's existing Law Enforcement Cadet Apprenticeship Program into a broader Public Safety Apprenticeship Program that includes correctional facilities and other public safety agencies. It increases the maximum grant amounts available to agencies, raising the startup grant limit to $200,000 and the per-apprentice stabilization grant to $5,000, while also requiring agencies to bargain with unions regarding employment terms before receiving funds. Additionally, the legislation mandates the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to create mental health wellness policies for law enforcement and correctional facilities and establishes a new workgroup to study ways to increase employment in these sectors.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law allows tobacco tax stamp buyers to get a refund for stamps lost due to theft, expanding previous rules that excluded theft from covered losses. To qualify, the taxpayer must submit a police report detailing the stolen items and a notarized affidavit confirming the claim is true. The law also requires that if the stolen property is later recovered, the taxpayer must return the refund and faces a fine of double the refund amount for making a false claim.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention within the Maryland Department of Health to reduce gun violence and misuse through a public health approach. The center will be led by an executive director who will partner with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as communities disproportionately affected by firearm violence, to develop and implement prevention strategies. Key actions include creating a state plan by May 2025, offering training and technical assistance to agencies and organizations, sharing data across jurisdictions, and promoting evidence-based initiatives. Funding for the center will be included in the state's annual budget starting in fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law establishes a grant program to help reproductive health care clinics improve their physical security and safety operations. Administered by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, the program provides funding for specific upgrades such as better lighting, fencing, access control systems, and alarm networks. To qualify, clinics must offer legally protected reproductive health services, and the program includes strict rules to keep applicant information confidential to protect the safety of the recipients. The legislation authorizes an initial budget of $500,000 for fiscal year 2026, with up to 5% of those funds reserved for administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill expands the state's definition of "legally protected health care" to include specific gender-affirming treatments, such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers, when provided by licensed medical professionals. By updating several state laws, the measure ensures that these services receive the same legal protections as other protected health care, shielding providers from disciplinary actions and preventing the state from sharing resources with out-of-state investigations related to the treatment. Additionally, the bill restricts courts from issuing subpoenas or ex parte orders to investigate these medical matters unless the underlying conduct would also be considered a crime within Maryland. These changes primarily affect healthcare providers, patients seeking gender-affirming care, and legal entities involved in investigations or litigation concerning such treatments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Maryland National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program by adjusting the monthly reimbursement limit for eligible members. It allows the state to provide grants to National Guard members who qualify for Tricare Reserve Select coverage or dental benefits to help pay their premiums for themselves and their immediate families. The new provision sets the maximum monthly reimbursement at $60, provided the total amount paid out in a fiscal year does not exceed the state budget appropriation for the program. Effective July 1, 2024, the Department of Military Affairs will administer these grants according to updated regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Maryland Veterans Suicide Awareness Prevention Day, which the Governor must annually proclaim to occur between July 11 and September 30. The legislation directs the state to use this observance to honor veterans and service members while promoting mental health support and reducing stigma within the community. By adding this requirement to state law, the bill ensures that efforts to encourage veterans to seek help are formally recognized each year.