Sen. Alonzo Washington

Maddy summarySB 757, the Genetic Testing Protection Act, prohibits Maryland life, long-term care, and disability insurance companies from using genetic test results or an applicant's decision to undergo genetic testing to deny coverage, increase premiums, cancel policies, or change terms. It directly affects insurance carriers and policyholders seeking these insurance types by banning discrimination based on genetic information. The law allows insurers to review medical records and consider diagnoses (even if based on genetic tests) but forbids them from using genetic test results themselves to make coverage decisions. It also prevents insurers from requiring policyholders to avoid genetic testing to maintain coverage. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 984 requires Maryland car insurance companies to clearly disclose when they use telematics systems (devices tracking driving behavior like speed, location, or braking) to collect data about a vehicle or driver. It prohibits insurers from using this data to set premiums, cancel policies, or refuse renewal. The bill also mandates that the Maryland Insurance Administration establish rules limiting the types and amount of data insurers can collect, and creates a process for policyholders to dispute inaccurate data. These changes directly affect Maryland residents who purchase private passenger auto insurance.

Maddy summarySB 342, the "Voting Rights Act of 2025," prohibits counties and municipalities from using election methods that dilute or abridge voting rights for protected classes (defined as racial, color, or language minority groups under federal law). It directly affects voters in these local jurisdictions by requiring election systems to allow members of protected classes to elect candidates of their choice. The key mechanism establishes that a violation occurs if elections show "polarized voting" (where voting patterns differ between protected classes and the broader electorate) and the election method dilutes their voting strength. Courts must evaluate this using federal methodologies for enforcing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, applying only to local county and municipal elections - not statewide contests.

Maddy summarySB 8 establishes the Maryland Civic Excellence Program, a voluntary initiative for public school systems in Maryland to recognize student civic engagement. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, participating schools must award a "Seal of Civic Excellence" to students who pass a government assessment, earn A or B grades in U.S. history, modern world history, and American government, and complete 75 hours of community service (including at least 30 hours on a civic project). Schools may also earn a "Center of Civic Excellence" designation if 50% or more of their graduating students receive the seal. Participating school systems must submit annual reports on the program starting in 2027.

Maddy summarySB 986 requires the Maryland Department of Health to study patient navigation services for cancer patients. The study will assess current service availability, identify barriers to access, and analyze how these services help patients navigate care from diagnosis through treatment. The department must recommend specific policy, legislative, or budget changes to improve these services. The findings and recommendations are due to the General Assembly by December 1, 2025. This bill does not create new services but sets up a review to inform future improvements for cancer patients and their families.

Maddy summarySB 1035 requires utility companies to notify property owners or managers before terminating electric or gas service for nonpayment in multifamily buildings where the account is held by the property owner or manager. This applies only if the tenant has previously consented to the property owner receiving termination notices. Before cutting service, utilities must also notify the local municipality and elected officials representing the building’s location. The bill aims to ensure property owners are informed about service disruptions that could impact tenants, while allowing existing tenant consent to be honored. It takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 755 requires Maryland's Higher Education Commission to treat students in informal kinship care relationships (living with relatives like grandparents without formal foster care) as independent for financial aid eligibility. This means their caregivers' income will not be counted when determining need for state grants like the Guaranteed Access Grant. To qualify, students must be in a DHS-licensed kinship arrangement and provide a verified affidavit confirming the relationship. The bill amends Maryland Education Code sections 18-303 and 18-303.1 to implement these changes.

Maddy summarySB 985 regulates third-party litigation financing in Maryland by requiring written contracts to include clear disclosures about repayment terms tied to case outcomes. It prohibits financiers from engaging in certain conduct, mandates specific disclosures to consumers, and imposes a fiduciary duty on financiers in class actions. The bill directly affects consumers pursuing civil claims and their legal representatives who use external funding for lawsuits. Contracts violating these rules would be void, and financiers could face penalties for usury or noncompliance. The law aims to increase transparency and protect consumers in litigation financing agreements.

Maddy summarySB 756 requires Maryland's electric, gas, water, and gas-electric utility companies to submit detailed audits every three years starting December 31, 2026. These audits must cover customer rate changes, billing practices, usage patterns, and operational data for the prior three years. The Public Service Commission will review the audits and post them on its website for public access. This applies to all major utility companies operating within Maryland.

Maddy summarySB 377 establishes Maryland's BRIDGE Program within the Department of Commerce to provide annual grants to qualifying business incubators. The program targets incubators that primarily serve early-stage businesses in Maryland, require formal mentorship programs, and have directors trained in supporting socially/economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Grants cover planning, facility improvements, or operational costs (with limits on operating expense funding), and prioritize incubators in underserved areas or managed by disadvantaged individuals. The law mandates a competitive application process and requires grantees to meet economic impact metrics. This directly affects eligible incubator organizations seeking funding to expand services for underrepresented business owners.