Sen. Clarence Lam

Maddy summarySB 372, the Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025, permanently extends current rules allowing audio-only telephone calls to count as "telehealth" for reimbursement purposes under Maryland's Medicaid program and private insurers. The bill repeals the June 30, 2025, expiration date for this provision in Maryland law, making it permanent. It directly affects the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, private health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that cover telehealth services. The key change is ensuring these entities must continue reimbursing for audio-only telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person care, without requiring video technology, for covered health services.

Maddy summarySB 50 renames the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau to "Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Inc." for all legal and administrative references. The bill updates specific sections of Maryland law (Article 20, Section 603) to reflect this new name, including provisions related to how hotel tax revenue is distributed. This change affects the organization itself, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (which receives separate hotel tax funds), and county/city officials who receive annual reports on fund usage. The bill does not alter funding percentages, reporting requirements, or the organization's responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames Maryland's Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program to honor former Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. It updates the program's official name throughout state law to "Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program" without changing the program's structure, funding, or operations. The renaming applies to all references in Maryland's Natural Resources and State Government codes, including funding provisions and program administration details. The program - administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and focused on environmental conservation projects - remains unchanged in its purpose and implementation.

Maddy summarySB 302 removes fixed dollar limits for Maryland's Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Incentive Program, which provides matching funds to small businesses receiving federal SBIR/STTR grants. Specifically, it repeals current caps of $25,000 for Phase I awards and $75,000 for Phase II awards. Instead, the program will now allow the Board to approve exceptions for larger awards if deemed necessary to serve community needs. The bill maintains existing annual limits (20 Phase I awards, 10 Phase II awards) and lifetime caps (three total awards per business), but eliminates the previous dollar-based restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the name of a Habitat for Humanity affiliate to "Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, Incorporated" to qualify for an existing property tax credit in Anne Arundel County. It amends Maryland tax law to replace the previous organization name in the provision allowing county/municipal tax credits against property taxes for real property owned by this specific nonprofit. The credit applies to properties owned by the renamed organization, with local governing bodies setting the credit terms. The change affects only this organization's eligibility for the current tax credit program, not the credit's structure or scope. The bill takes effect June 1, 2025, for taxable years after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 131 authorizes Anne Arundel County or its municipalities to offer a property tax credit against personal property taxes for supermarkets that complete eligible construction (new stores or major renovations) in designated "food desert retail incentive areas." To qualify, supermarkets must meet specific criteria, including having major food departments, deriving over 50% of sales from food, and dedicating over 50% of floor space to food sales. The county must define food desert areas, and the credit cannot exceed the actual personal property tax owed, with local governments able to set additional limits or requirements. The bill takes effect June 1, 2025, for taxable years after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 844 amends Maryland's storage lien laws to strengthen notice requirements before self-service storage operators can sell a customer's stored property. It directly affects storage facility operators (who must follow new notice rules) and customers (who receive clearer warnings before their belongings are sold). Key provisions require operators to provide written notice detailing charges and a 14-day payment deadline via hand delivery, verified mail, or email (with strict prior consent for email), plus a second notice by mail if email isn't confirmed. The bill also mandates 3 days of public advertising for sales through local newspapers, email, or online. These changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 307 increases the scholarship award for student members of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education from $8,000 to $15,000. This change applies to students who complete a full term on the board and can use the scholarship toward higher education costs. The bill amends Maryland's Education Code (Sections 3-2A-01 and 3-2A-07) to update the scholarship amount, effective June 1, 2025. It directly affects student board members by providing greater financial support for their education. The policy change is limited to the scholarship amount, with no other provisions altering board composition or compensation for other members.

Maddy summarySB 1040 (FEDERAL Jobs Act of 2025) creates an Expedited Hiring Program within Maryland's Department of Budget and Management to recruit former federal employees for state government positions. It directly affects eligible applicants who previously worked for the federal government for at least one year and left after January 15, 2025, as well as state appointing authorities responsible for filling vacancies. Key provisions require appointing authorities to fill eligible vacancies within 40 days, modify job descriptions to appeal to former federal workers, and implement marketing, applicant rating, and referral processes. The program aims to leverage federal expertise for state roles while operating under the State Personnel Management System.

Maddy summarySB 683 (Protect Our Federal Workers Act) renames the "Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund" to the "Federal Government Employee Assistance Loan Fund" and expands its eligibility. The bill allows Maryland to use funds from the Catastrophic Event Account to assist federal workers affected by closures, relocations, or mass layoffs of federal offices (beyond just government shutdowns). It specifically adds these new circumstances to the Fund’s purpose, enabling loans to Maryland-resident federal employees who lost pay during shutdowns *or* were terminated due to federal facility changes beyond their control. The bill modifies existing Maryland law (Sections 7-324 and 7-327) to formalize these changes, ensuring the Fund remains continuously available for these purposes.