Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General to investigate complaints and administrative actions involving the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Department of Juvenile Services. The new unit will have the authority to conduct reviews, refer matters for criminal or disciplinary action, and subpoena testimony or evidence, while also protecting employees who provide information from reprisals. Funding for the office will come from a portion of savings generated by prison population reductions, as determined by the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board. Additionally, the bill transfers the existing Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit into this new ombudsman office and creates an advisory board to oversee its operations.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law extends the time limit for prosecuting sexual extortion and stalking cases, allowing authorities to file charges within five and ten years respectively. It also establishes that these crimes can be prosecuted at any time without a deadline, while permitting a special review process for their sentencing. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals convicted of these offenses are eligible for a specific type of appellate review and ensures that intimate images used as evidence remain confidential.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines specific types of small-scale electricity generators as exempt from the requirement to obtain a state Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. It directly affects owners of facilities that build backup power systems for critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and data centers, as well as those installing small solar arrays. The legislation allows these projects to proceed without the usual regulatory approvals if they produce no more than 14 megawatts of power and include safety features that prevent electricity from flowing back into the main grid during outages. Additionally, the law adjusts how income tax revenue is calculated for corporations operating certain data centers.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill updates laws regarding street racing and exhibition driving by increasing penalty points and clarifying prohibited behaviors. It assigns eight points to drivers convicted of racing or exhibition driving on public highways, raising this to twelve points if the activity causes serious bodily injury. The legislation also formally defines exhibition driving as dangerous actions like skidding, swerving, or carrying passengers in unauthorized areas, making these acts illegal on any highway or public property. While maintaining existing fines and jail terms, the bill introduces specific defenses allowing drivers to argue they acted reasonably for safety or were participating in a permitted parade.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence within Maryland state government by creating a new subcabinet and requiring agencies to conduct annual inventories of their AI systems and impact assessments. It mandates that the Department of Information Technology develop policies for the development, procurement, and deployment of AI while prohibiting certain agencies from using AI in specific high-risk scenarios until further guidelines are set. The legislation also introduces a formal competitive procurement method called "proof of concept" to test new AI products and services, while exempting certain financial and higher education offices from some of these requirements.