Sen. Cheryl Kagan

Maddy summarySB 949 requires Maryland's State Administrator of Elections to create a uniform policy for counting absentee ballots in federal elections if a federal court order overrides state rules about ballot deadlines. This policy ensures votes for state and local contests on absentee ballots mailed by election day (with a postmark) and received on time will still be counted, even if federal court action changes deadlines for federal contests. The bill also mandates that voters receive clear notices about both federal and state ballot deadline requirements through multiple channels (like mail, social media, and ads), encouraging them to return ballots at least one week before election day or use official drop boxes. The law applies only to the 2026 and 2028 primary and general elections.

Maddy summarySB 237 updates Maryland’s election law for selecting presidential electors. It requires political parties and unaffiliated presidential candidates to submit two nominees per elector position (one "nominee" and one "alternate") with signed pledges committing to vote for their party’s or candidate’s ticket. The bill also mandates that nominees be certified to the State Board at least 30 days before the general election and establishes procedures for filling vacancies during the electors’ meeting, including requiring the State Administrator to preside and appoint substitutes. These changes directly affect political parties, unaffiliated candidates, and the state’s electoral process for certifying presidential electors.

Maddy summarySB 354 increases the gross income thresholds that require charitable organizations in Maryland to submit an audit or review with their registration. It raises the audit threshold from $750,000 to $1,000,000 in annual charitable contributions and the review threshold from $300,000 to $500,000. The bill also increases the cash receipts limit for which the Secretary of State may accept an affidavit from $300,000 to $500,000 under specific conditions. These changes apply to organizations registering with the Maryland Secretary of State.

Maddy summarySB 346, titled "Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act)," creates a new legal pathway in Maryland for individuals to sue government officials who violate constitutional rights under "color of law." The bill allows plaintiffs to seek damages, injunctions, and attorney fees for deprivations of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution, Maryland Declaration of Rights, or Maryland Constitution. Key provisions include a 3-year statute of limitations for filing claims, protections for judicial officers (limiting injunctive relief unless a declaratory judgment is violated), and restrictions on awarding fees against judges acting within their authority. This law directly affects government officials and citizens who experience constitutional violations during official actions.

Maddy summarySB 114 establishes the Maryland 3-1-1 Oversight Board to manage a statewide expansion of nonemergency 3-1-1 services. The bill requires all Maryland counties to implement AI-powered chatbots (by June 2027) and voicebots (by December 2028) that provide multilingual support, route calls accurately, and escalate complex issues to live agents. These systems must align with accessibility and equity standards, using curated government data for responses. The bill directly affects all 23 Maryland counties, residents using 3-1-1 services, and state agencies managing the program, with full statewide implementation required by July 2028.

Maddy summarySB 29 requires that all petition signature pages and ballot questions include summaries written in plain, clear language that voters can easily understand - prohibiting legal jargon, double negatives, and passive voice. It mandates that petition sponsors provide a concise summary of the proposal’s policy change and practical outcomes of voting choices, alongside the full text of the proposal. The bill also sets new deadlines (by July 1 before general elections) for election officials to prepare and certify ballot language, adds a 15-day public comment period for proposed ballot descriptions, and requires officials to post key information online for voters. This directly affects petition organizers, voters, and election boards by standardizing how ballot initiatives are explained. The law aims to increase transparency and accessibility in the ballot initiative process.

Maddy summarySB 141 creates a public reporting system for election-related false information (including deepfakes) and requires the State Administrator of Elections to issue corrective information when credible reports are received. It prohibits knowingly creating or spreading deepfakes intended to mislead voters about election processes, results, or voter rights, with violations punishable by fines up to $5,000 or up to 5 years in prison. The bill allows the State Board of Elections to file civil lawsuits against entities spreading false election information and exempts satire, news coverage with clear disclosures, and media outlets that label deceptive content. It directly affects anyone creating or distributing election-related misinformation or deepfakes with intent to influence voter decisions. The law takes effect June 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 482 makes it a crime to intentionally access or interfere with computer systems supporting critical infrastructure (like emergency services, utilities, or public safety answering points) with the intent to disrupt operations. It prohibits unauthorized access, ransomware attacks, or sharing access codes to such systems, specifically targeting acts meant to impair public safety services. The law applies to individuals who disrupt or deny access to systems vital for public security, health, transportation, or utilities. It amends Maryland’s criminal code to clarify penalties for these specific cyber-related interferences.

Maddy summarySB 243 expands existing Maryland benefits for military service members to include their spouses. It provides spouses of active-duty service members and veterans with priority enrollment at public colleges, access to community college resources (including dedicated advisors and veteran resource centers), and eligibility for senatorial and delegate scholarships. The bill also extends hiring preferences for spouses in state government roles through the Public Service Commission. These benefits apply within 15 years of the service member’s last active duty and end after the spouse’s fourth academic year. The law amends specific sections of Maryland’s education, labor, and state personnel codes to include "spouse of an eligible service member" as a qualifying status.

Maddy summarySB 828 authorizes Maryland's Central Collection Unit (CCU) to collect delinquent federal funds owed to the state, including placing liens on federal property within Maryland and directing the Comptroller to withhold state payments to the federal government. It requires the Board of Public Works to determine if the federal government is delinquent in paying funds owed to Maryland, triggering these enforcement actions. The bill amends Maryland law to specify that the CCU may collect up to the full amount of delinquent federal funds, and mandates that the Comptroller withhold state payments when the CCU refers such funds. This establishes a formal process for enforcing federal payment obligations to the state.