Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher

Maddy summarySB 604 (Victoria, Scottie, Ashleigh, and Yader’s Law) makes it a felony to distribute heroin, fentanyl, or their chemical analogues when the distribution causes death or serious bodily injury. It applies to anyone who distributes these substances (including through multiple transfers), regardless of whether they were mixed with other substances or delivered directly to the victim. Conviction carries up to 20 years in prison, with consecutive sentencing to other penalties, and includes immunity for those seeking medical help for overdose emergencies. The bill directly affects distributors of these drugs who cause harm, excluding sharing without payment.

Maddy summarySB 613 creates a pilot program in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties to test technology that monitors distracted driving (e.g., phone use while driving) and issues citations for violations. The bill updates Maryland law to allow counties to use "distracted driving monitoring systems" to enforce existing distracted driving laws, with citations processed through local courts. Uncontested cases would require fines paid directly to the county, while contested cases would follow standard court procedures. Collected fines must cover system costs and fund public safety programs like pedestrian or highway safety initiatives. This is a limited pilot, not a statewide law.

Maddy summarySB 28 requires vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and factory branches in Maryland to allow dealers to list the full purchase price (excluding taxes, title fees, and disclosed freight charges) for vehicles on their websites. It prohibits manufacturers from stopping dealers from showing this price, forcing dealers to use a different price, or punishing dealers for listing the actual price. The bill specifically allows manufacturers to still require dealers to include freight or processing fees in displayed prices. This directly affects dealers who sell vehicles and manufacturers who supply them, increasing transparency in online vehicle pricing.

Maddy summarySB 411 requires Maryland health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and HMOs to cover postpartum depression screening for their members. It specifically mandates coverage for screenings using tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, directly affecting new mothers enrolled in these plans. The bill allows insurers to apply standard copayments or coinsurance for this screening, but only up to the same level charged for similar covered services - preventing extra costs for this specific care. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, for all new or renewed health plans in the state.

Maddy summarySB 410 amends Maryland's criminal code to strengthen penalties for mail and package theft. It prohibits stealing mail or packages under specific circumstances and bans possessing certain tools (like "arrow keys") used in such thefts. The bill also establishes concurrent jurisdiction for District and Circuit Courts to prosecute violations of these new provisions. This law directly affects individuals who steal mail or packages, with penalties applying to both the theft and related tool possession. The changes update existing statutes (repealing Section 3-905 and adding Sections 3-905 and 3-905.1) to address modern package delivery theft concerns.

Maddy summarySB 29 establishes a two-year pilot program in Carroll County and Montgomery County public schools to test phone-free classrooms. It requires one middle school and one high school in each county to implement a policy banning student cell phone use during instructional time (excluding lunch), with exceptions for students with IEPs/504 plans, health needs, or educational purposes directed by staff. The bill mandates collecting data on academic achievement, classroom engagement, social interactions, and behavior to evaluate the policy’s impact. Schools must submit reports by September 2026 to the state education department and legislature. The program applies only to these two specific school systems during the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Maryland's legal protections to cover reproductive care, fertility preservation, and contraceptive services - including IVF and related medications - as "legally protected health care." It prevents healthcare providers from facing disciplinary actions, criminal charges, or civil lawsuits in Maryland courts for providing these services. The law also restricts out-of-state courts from compelling testimony, evidence, or enforcement related to these services unless the case meets specific criteria (e.g., brought by the patient or based on Maryland law). These changes apply to Maryland's courts, healthcare providers, and patients receiving covered services.

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 314 (Birth Certificate Modernization Act) allows individuals to update their sex designation on birth certificates and state-issued ID cards without requiring surgical intervention. It permits changes through a licensed medical professional's certification of gender transition or intersex condition, combined with a written request under penalty of perjury. The bill also updates identification card requirements to align with new sex designation options on licenses and ID cards issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration. This directly affects Maryland residents seeking to reflect their gender identity on official documents.

Maddy summarySB 298 allows courts in Maryland to admit certain out-of-court statements made by vulnerable adult victims or witnesses (defined as adults aged 68+ or lacking capacity for daily needs) as evidence in criminal trials for specific serious crimes like assault, sexual offenses, elder abuse, and financial crimes. Courts must hold an evaluation hearing to assess the statement's trustworthiness, considering factors like the adult's cognitive ability, statement context, and potential bias. The bill requires prosecutors to give defendants 20 days' notice before using such statements, including the statement's content or recording. This change aims to improve the use of vulnerable adults' testimony while ensuring defendants have time to prepare a defense.

Maddy summarySB 77 prohibits counties, municipalities, and state government entities from using public funds to support the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), including for membership dues, trainings, or conferences. It specifically bans local governments from funding CSPOA directly, prevents organizations receiving local or state public funds from redirecting those funds to CSPOA, and prohibits state officers from using appropriations for CSPOA-related expenses. The law applies to all public funds, including those allocated to units of local government or state agencies. It takes effect on June 1, 2025, and directly affects Maryland’s counties, cities, and any organizations receiving public funding. The bill creates a clear prohibition on using taxpayer money for CSPOA activities without exception.