Sen. Craig Zucker

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 970 requires sports wagering companies that advertise within the state to contract with licensed independent evaluators. The bill mandates these companies must have their content, experts, influencers, and content partners evaluated and rated by qualified third parties. This requirement becomes effective July 1, 2026, but only if the State Lottery Commission licenses at least three independent evaluators first. The law changes existing rules from voluntary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for advertising operators.

Maddy summarySB 766 expands Maryland's tax whistleblower program to reward individuals who report significant tax violations. It directly affects whistleblowers who provide original information about tax cases involving: - Individuals with federal adjusted gross income of $250,000+ (or married couples filing jointly), - Businesses with $2 million+ in annual gross receipts, - Where taxes in dispute exceed $250,000. Key mechanisms include allowing the Attorney General and state agencies to pursue enforcement actions using whistleblower tips, requiring information sharing between agencies, and setting awards at 15-30% of collected taxes/penalties. The bill modifies existing tax enforcement rules to broaden eligibility for rewards while maintaining strict requirements for "original information."

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 summarySB 764 establishes a minimum wage of $25.00 per hour for education support professionals in Maryland public schools, effective July 1, 2028. It directly affects county boards of education (which must pay this wage) and noncertificated school staff in non-supervisory bargaining units, such as aides, secretaries, and maintenance workers. The bill requires the State Department of Education to report by December 1, 2026, on the cost of implementing this wage, broken down by school system. It does not change current wages but mandates a new hourly rate for these positions starting in 2028.

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 308 requires the Governor of Maryland to annually proclaim January as Muslim American Heritage Month and May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The bill mandates that these proclamations urge educational and cultural organizations to host programs and activities during these months. It amends Maryland law by adding specific sections (7-501 and 7-505) to the Annotated Code, establishing the annual recognition process. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and directly affects the Governor’s office and eligible organizations. This is a commemorative measure with no new funding or regulatory requirements.

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.

Maddy summarySB 708 creates a licensing system for couriers who deliver lottery tickets to customers in Maryland. It allows the State Lottery Agency Director to issue licenses to couriers, enabling them to operate online systems where customers purchase tickets through the courier's app or website. Key provisions include permitting couriers to charge a transparent service fee (displayed before purchase and requiring customer consent), requiring secure handling of customer data and ticket verification, and exempting courier-agency contracts from public disclosure under Maryland's Public Information Act. This directly affects licensed couriers, lottery sales agents, and customers who use these delivery services for purchasing and claiming lottery tickets.

Maddy summarySB 862 requires the Maryland Department of Health to conduct a study measuring how common problem gambling is among mobile gambling users, with an initial report due by July 1, 2031, and follow-up studies every five years. The bill also changes how gambling revenue is distributed by directing 1% of proceeds from fantasy sports competitions and 1% from sports wagering to the Problem Gambling Fund. This fund will support treatment and prevention programs for individuals with gambling disorders. The bill amends existing law to implement these requirements for mobile gambling studies and dedicated funding.