Sen. Guy Guzzone

Maddy summarySB 356 creates a $1,000 refundable state income tax credit for Maryland parents who experience a stillbirth, as documented by a certified birth certificate or fetal death certificate issued under Maryland law or equivalent from another state. The credit can be claimed in the tax year the stillbirth occurred, and if it exceeds the parent's state income tax liability, they receive a cash refund for the difference. This policy directly affects eligible Maryland parents of stillborn children, providing financial relief tied to the year of the stillbirth. The credit applies to all taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

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 787 authorizes Maryland’s Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to serve as the primary project manager for major state information technology development projects meeting specific criteria, such as costing $5 million or more or supporting critical public services like health, safety, or education. The bill requires MEDC to collaborate with state agencies and vendors on defining project scope, managing budgets/schedules, mitigating risks, ensuring transparency, and delivering projects successfully. MEDC must identify a pilot project for this role by a specified date and evaluate alternative financing options for qualifying projects. This change directly affects state agencies managing large-scale IT initiatives, shifting project management responsibilities to MEDC while maintaining existing funding structures.

Maddy summarySB 786 exempts transportation network companies (like ride-sharing apps) contracted with Maryland Transit Administration to provide disability transit services from requiring full criminal history checks and a mandatory employee training course. Instead, these companies must conduct annual background screenings for their drivers serving people with disabilities. The bill directly affects contracted transportation network operators providing disability transit services in Maryland. It modifies Maryland law to adjust requirements specifically for these contracted service providers, replacing certain checks with annual screenings while maintaining safety standards.

Maddy summarySB 586 establishes Maryland's Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program within the State Department of Education. The program provides state funding to eligible public schools participating in the federal child nutrition program, covering the difference between federal "paid" and "free" meal reimbursement rates (set annually by the USDA). This directly affects high-poverty schools (with 25%+ students qualifying for free meals) by supplementing federal funds without replacing them. The bill mandates $10 million annually starting in fiscal year 2028, requires schools to report on meal debt and participation reasons, and directs the Department to distribute funds based on poverty concentration and geographic diversity.

Maddy summarySB 377 expands Maryland's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income residents without qualifying children by raising the income level at which the credit begins to phase out. It directly affects eligible Maryland workers earning below the new, higher income thresholds who previously lost credit benefits too quickly. The bill establishes annual inflation adjustments starting in 2026 to keep the credit's value current, calculated using the federal cost-of-living adjustment formula. This change ensures the credit remains accessible for more low-income workers without children as living costs rise.

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 304 prevents Maryland auto insurers from raising premiums, adding fees, or removing discounts for private vehicle insurance when a driver has an accident with a free-roaming wild animal (like a deer) and wasn't at fault. It directly affects car insurance policyholders who experience such unavoidable collisions. The law specifically prohibits insurers from using these accident types as a reason to penalize customers through price increases or loss of discounts. The rule takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1036 amends Maryland law to regulate alcohol delivery for Howard County businesses with Class D licenses (typically restaurants or similar establishments). It requires all deliveries to occur only within Howard County, mandates that delivery personnel verify the recipient’s age (21+) with ID, and requires the recipient (or a designated 21+ adult) to be physically present during delivery. The bill also requires delivery forms certifying age verification and payment at the time of order. These changes directly affect Howard County Class D license holders and their delivery staff. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.