Sen. Cheryl Kagan

Maddy summarySB 4, the "Keeping Charities Nonpartisan Act of 2026," requires charitable organizations recognized by the IRS for tax-deductible donations to remain nonpartisan. It prohibits these groups from participating in political campaigns for or against candidates for public office. The bill authorizes Maryland’s Secretary of State and Attorney General to jointly revoke a charity’s tax-exempt status if it violates this rule, and mandates that the Comptroller and State Department of Assessments and Taxation must revoke related state tax exemptions. This directly affects Maryland-based charities receiving federal tax-deductible donations, requiring them to avoid political activity to maintain their tax status.

Maddy summarySB 5 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring special elections to fill vacancies in Maryland's General Assembly (Delegate or Senator positions) when the vacancy occurs on or before 55 days before the candidate filing deadline for the regular statewide election in the second year of a term. If this deadline is met, the Governor must call a special primary and general election to be held simultaneously with the regular statewide elections, rather than appointing a replacement. This directly affects voters and candidates in districts where legislative vacancies happen early in a term, as it ensures the replacement is chosen by voters in the next scheduled election cycle. Currently, vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment without a special election, but this bill would change that process for early vacancies.

Maddy summarySB 69 repeals a sunset provision that would have ended Maryland’s nonprofit organizations navigator program on June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects nonprofit organizations that rely on the navigator for grant assistance and procedural support. It removes the automatic termination date, ensuring the navigator role - established within the Department of Commerce - continues beyond 2027 without requiring new legislation. This change preserves existing services like helping nonprofits access state grants, resolve application delays, and share funding opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates Maryland's GREEN Loan Program, providing no-interest loans to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for solar panels, energy-efficient building upgrades (like new windows or HVAC systems), and related planning. Nonprofits must contribute 10% of project costs, with priority given to those with annual budgets under $1 million. The program is funded through state budget appropriations and transfers from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, managed by the Maryland Clean Energy Center. Loans require repayment over time with deferred payment options, and must demonstrate long-term energy cost savings exceeding the loan's total cost.

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 summaryMaryland's SB 928 (Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act) requires all county school boards to create and implement policies by the 2027-2028 school year that limit students' use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the academic school day. The policy must prohibit personal device use except for specific exceptions, including special education plans, health needs, emergencies, educational purposes, language translation tools, and caregiver responsibilities. School boards must engage parents and staff in developing the policy, store devices securely during school hours, and use tiered disciplinary measures (not suspensions/expulsions) for violations. Annual reports on policy impacts, including equity data and stakeholder feedback, must be submitted to the state education department starting in 2027.

Maddy summarySB 950 prohibits licensed mental health providers from performing or advertising conversion therapy (efforts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity). It allows victims to file malpractice lawsuits for psychological harm caused by such therapy, removes limits on noneconomic damages in these cases, and bans providers from making false claims about conversion therapy. The bill also requires insurers covering such providers to charge a surcharge, with funds directed to a special fund supporting victims' claims. This directly affects therapy patients, mental health providers, and insurance companies in Maryland.

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 299 requires Maryland county boards of education to allow therapy dogs in public schools, subject to specific policies. The bill mandates that each county adopt a policy covering therapy dog certification, handler guidelines, school access rules, parent/student notifications, and accommodations for allergies or discomfort. Therapy dogs must be accompanied by a certified handler and meet defined emotional support criteria for students. This law applies directly to all public schools in Maryland, effective July 1, 2026. It establishes concrete requirements for school policies but does not specify outcomes or funding.