Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher

Maddy summarySB 360 modifies Maryland's criminal law to specifically protect emergency response animals used by law enforcement. It prohibits intentionally harassing, interfering with, injuring, or killing these animals - such as police dogs, law enforcement horses, or search/rescue dogs - while they are performing official duties. Violations are classified as misdemeanors with penalties including fines up to $15,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, depending on the severity. The law directly affects individuals who target these animals during operations and law enforcement agencies that rely on them. It does not change general animal cruelty laws but adds targeted protections for animals serving in emergency response roles.

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 345 amends Maryland law to allow vehicle dealer associations (businesses primarily owned by or representing dealers) to request administrative hearings on disputes with manufacturers, distributors, or factory branches. It revises Section 15-214 of the Maryland Transportation Code to explicitly include "dealer associations" as eligible to request hearings, alongside individual dealers or groups. This change expands the ability of dealer associations to resolve conflicts over franchise agreements or interpret provisions in the law. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and directly affects dealers, dealer associations, and vehicle manufacturers operating in Maryland.

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 314 creates legal protection for people who donate pet supplies (like food, toys, or grooming items) to nonprofits or government groups. It shields donors from civil lawsuits if they act in good faith - meaning they don’t cause harm through gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The bill also allows Maryland’s Agriculture Department to inspect donated commercial pet food and set rules for handling it safely. This directly affects pet supply donors, nonprofits receiving donations, and local governments distributing these items. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

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.

Maddy summarySB 631 updates Maryland's corporate law by requiring the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to notify filers if a charter document is rejected, including the reason for rejection. It allows corrected documents to be accepted as filed on the original date if resubmitted within 30 days. The bill also permits corporate boards and committees to act via unanimous written or electronic consent without meetings, with specific filing requirements, and applies this rule to certain investment companies. Additionally, it repeals outdated provisions about penalties for foreign corporations and rules governing partnership agreement amendments.

Maddy summarySB 365 modifies Maryland's security guard certification renewal process. It repeals the $5-per-day late fee and eliminates the requirement for security guard agencies or employers to submit a declaration to the Secretary of State Police about certified guards. The bill changes the expiration date for certifications to the last day of the holder's birth month (previously set by the Secretary) and mandates electronic renewal notices 90, 60, and 30 days before expiration. Existing requirements remain, including the $10 renewal fee, 8 hours of approved continuing training, and fingerprint checks.

Maddy summarySB 7 repeals the expiration date for the Douglas J. J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship, removing the June 30, 2030 cutoff that previously prevented new awards after that date. This change allows the scholarship to be awarded indefinitely to eligible veterans, active service members, or their dependents who meet Maryland residency and educational requirements. The bill also removes restrictions on renewing scholarships for recipients who received their initial award before 2030. The scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition, fees, and room/board at Maryland public universities, requiring a 2.5 GPA and 5 years of full-time study. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 936 updates Maryland's vehicle laws to prohibit drivers from parking, stopping, or standing in a bus stop zone when a transit bus is present. This directly affects drivers who park in designated bus stop areas during bus stops. The bill adds a new rule (Section 21-1003(GG)) allowing exceptions only for authorized personnel or drivers actively loading/unloading passengers with hazard lights on. It also revises related provisions about bus obstruction monitoring systems and their use in enforcement, replacing outdated references to "bus lane" with "bus obstruction." The law aims to improve bus stop efficiency by reducing obstructions.