Sen. Paul Corderman

Maddy summarySB 713 changes Maryland law for people found not criminally responsible for murder (first or second degree) who are committed to the Maryland Department of Health. It requires these individuals to remain in state care for at least the full maximum sentence length for the murder charge, rather than being eligible for discharge earlier under previous rules. The bill specifies that discharge eligibility is blocked for this period starting from the commitment date. This applies only to future commitments after October 1, 2026, with no retroactive effect.

Maddy summarySB 935 creates a new $1,000 annual income tax deduction for Maryland taxpayers who donate food or cash specifically designated for food purchases to qualifying charitable entities. It directly affects Maryland residents who make such donations to defined organizations like food banks, homeless shelters, or religious groups providing free food to those in need. The bill requires taxpayers to submit proof of donations with their tax return and establishes criteria for entities to qualify as "qualified charitable entities" through Comptroller registration. The provision takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2029, unless renewed.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill updates election laws to require voters to present specific proof of identity at polling places before receiving a regular ballot. To qualify, a voter must show a valid government-issued photo ID or, if that is unavailable, a non-government photo ID along with a current document like a utility bill or bank statement that lists their name and address. If a voter cannot provide the required identification, the election judge will instead issue a provisional ballot for later verification. The legislation also reinforces existing rules that prohibit anyone from suggesting how a voter should mark their ballot and restricts who can assist voters with disabilities or language barriers.

Maddy summarySB 454 requires school resource officers (SROs) to carry firearms while present on the premises of the school to which they are assigned. This bill amends Maryland law (specifically Section 7-1508 of the Education Article) to mandate this requirement, directly affecting all SROs working in public schools. The key provision replaces prior language with a clear directive that SROs must carry firearms on school grounds, while also maintaining existing training requirements focused on de-escalation, disability awareness, and implicit bias. The bill does not change who qualifies as an SRO but specifies the firearm-carrying obligation during school operations.

Maddy summarySB 640 prohibits courts from releasing defendants after conviction but before sentencing or appellate review if they were convicted of specific crimes resulting in the death of a victim under 14 years old. It applies to cases involving: (1) a "crime of violence" under Maryland law, or (2) a violation of child neglect laws (§ 3-602.1) that caused the victim’s death. The bill directly affects defendants convicted of these offenses who would otherwise be eligible for pre-sentencing or pre-appeal release. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026, and modifies Maryland’s postconviction release procedures under Article 5, Section 5-301.

Maddy summarySB 639 amends Maryland law to authorize sports wagering on historical horse races by expanding the definition of "sporting event" to include them. This change allows licensed sports wagering facilities (like casinos or racetracks with existing licenses) to accept bets on historical races under specific rules, while excluding high school events and fantasy competitions. Proceeds from these wagers would follow the same distribution rules as other sports wagering, funding the Purse Dedication Account for horse racing. The bill directly affects licensed wagering operators and the State Racing Commission, which oversees the program. It requires voter approval via referendum before taking effect.

Maddy summarySB 104, the "Fair Districts for Maryland Act," reforms how Maryland draws legislative and congressional district lines. It requires all legislative districts to be divided into three single-member delegate districts and establishes an independent Redistricting Commission to create these maps, replacing the previous process involving the Governor and General Assembly. The bill bans consideration of political party affiliation, past voting patterns, or individual residences when drawing districts, and gives the Maryland Supreme Court original authority to review plans if the Commission fails to act. This directly affects all Maryland voters by changing how district boundaries are determined, aiming to create more equitable maps based on population and community boundaries rather than political strategy.

Maddy summarySB 980 authorizes the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority to provide grants and loans to local jurisdictions and organizations managing certified heritage areas for activities like preservation, restoration, and marketing. The bill increases grant limits to 80% of project costs (from 50%) and sets a $300,000 maximum per grant, while reducing the percentage of Program Open Space funds that can cover the Authority’s operating expenses from 10% to 7%. It also adjusts funding rules to allow up to 50% of Program Open Space funds for debt service on Authority bonds. This bill directly affects local heritage area management entities and the Authority’s financial operations under Maryland’s natural resources funding framework.

Maddy summarySB 92 adds "intentional visual surveillance of areas of a residence where the petitioner has a reasonable expectation of privacy" as a new grounds for seeking a peace order in Maryland. It directly affects individuals experiencing unwanted filming or monitoring in private home spaces (like yards or windows) by requiring courts to grant specific relief. Key provisions include ordering the surveilling person to remove surveillance devices within 15 days and permanently stop further visual monitoring. The bill amends Sections 3-1503(a)(12) and 3-1505(d)(1)(vii) of Maryland’s Courts and Judicial Proceedings code. It takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames Maryland's Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program to honor former Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. It updates the program's official name throughout state law to "Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program" without changing the program's structure, funding, or operations. The renaming applies to all references in Maryland's Natural Resources and State Government codes, including funding provisions and program administration details. The program - administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and focused on environmental conservation projects - remains unchanged in its purpose and implementation.