Sen. Will Smith

Maddy summarySB 301, the Veterans' Discounts Act, authorizes Maryland state agencies to waive certain fees set by law for veterans. It requires these agencies to adopt specific regulations before implementing fee waivers, ensuring consistent application. The bill affects veterans seeking reduced fees for services like business licenses, professional registrations, and recreational permits managed by various state departments. It amends multiple sections across Maryland’s code (including Agriculture, Business Regulation, and Natural Resources) to establish this waiver framework. The law creates a formal process for fee reductions but does not specify which fees or veterans qualify.

Maddy summarySB 985 requires Maryland's Secretary of Public Safety to establish minimum mandatory standards for immigration detention facilities, directly affecting people held for immigration violations (civil detainees) and the facilities housing them. The bill mandates standards covering security, safety, food, housing, sanitation, and individual rights, while creating new reporting obligations for health care workers and security guards who must report violations to the Commission on Correctional Standards. It grants the Commission expanded authority to inspect facilities, enforce compliance, shut down life-threatening facilities, and require disciplinary action against non-reporting staff. The law also updates reporting requirements for facility operators and authorizes the Attorney General to sue private facility operators for violations.

Maddy summarySB 693 repeals limits on attorney fees in civil cases involving child sexual abuse, removing previous caps of 20% for settlements and 25% for judgments. The bill applies retroactively to cases filed on or after June 1, 2025, directly affecting attorneys representing victims and defendants in such cases. It specifically targets cases where the alleged abuse occurred while the victim was a minor. This change modifies Maryland’s legal framework for handling attorney compensation in these sensitive civil actions.

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 222 establishes strict qualifications for individuals appointed by Maryland courts to conduct child custody evaluations. It requires custody evaluators to be licensed professionals (such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, or marriage and family therapists) with specific training and experience in areas like child development, domestic violence, trauma, and family dynamics. The bill mandates completion of court-approved training, ongoing continuing education, and demonstrated expertise in key topics before appointment. Courts may only waive these requirements for existing court employees with at least 14 years of prior experience who complete additional training. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 824 modifies Maryland’s vehicle licensing laws to allow electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and distributors to operate as dealers without needing a franchise from another company. It creates a specific pathway for EV manufacturers/distributors that only sell battery-electric or nonfossil-fuel vehicles, provided they have no existing dealers in Maryland, are not affiliated with other manufacturers that have franchised dealers, and meet ownership requirements. The bill limits this special licensing to no more than four entities and requires applicants to prove compliance with these conditions to the state administration. This directly affects EV-focused companies seeking to sell vehicles directly to consumers in Maryland.

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 245 prohibits state, local governments, county sheriffs, and their agencies from entering new agreements with federal authorities to enforce civil immigration law. It defines such agreements as contracts under federal laws like 8 U.S.C. § 1103 or § 1357. Existing agreements must be terminated by July 1, 2026, or immediately upon the bill's effective date of June 1, 2026. The law directly affects all Maryland local law enforcement entities and state agencies that previously collaborated with federal immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryMaryland's Senate Joint Resolution 4 is a symbolic resolution urging action on nuclear policy. It asks Maryland's congressional delegation to cosponsor a federal resolution supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and urges the U.S. President and Senate to endorse that treaty. The resolution does not create new laws but formally joins other states and localities in advocating for reduced nuclear risks and alignment with international nuclear disarmament efforts.

Maddy summarySB 871 changes how punitive damages are awarded in Maryland civil cases. It requires plaintiffs to prove "gross negligence" (e.g., willful misconduct or repeated harm) by clear and convincing evidence before punitive damages can be awarded. The bill also imposes a 50% surcharge on all punitive damage awards, which must be paid by the defendant and deposited into the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund (an education-focused fund), separate from the amount paid to the plaintiff. Juries cannot be informed about this surcharge, and the law applies only to cases filed after October 1, 2026.