Maddy summarySB 59, known as the Safe Sleep Act of 2024, requires Maryland hospitals and birthing centers to educate parents on safe infant sleep practices before discharge and to obtain written confirmation that this education occurred. The law mandates that healthcare facilities provide both oral and written resources explaining how to create a safe sleep environment, which includes using a firm mattress, avoiding soft bedding, and keeping the baby in a smoke-free area. Additionally, the bill establishes the Maryland Safe Sleep Certification Program, which will require all child care centers to be certified to ensure they follow these safety guidelines. To support these efforts, the state health department must launch a public awareness campaign and create a list of local resources that help families purchase necessary items like safe sleep sacks.
Sen. Alonzo Washington
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a pilot program in Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Prince George's Counties to use automated noise monitoring systems to enforce laws against excessively loud vehicles. It allows these systems to issue citations for violations of maximum sound level limits and establishes the legal process for handling those citations, including how defendants can request a trial. The legislation also specifies how fines collected from these violations are distributed, permitting local governments to use the revenue to cover system costs and fund public safety initiatives. Additionally, it ensures that audio and visual recordings from these noise monitoring devices are admissible in court without needing extra authentication.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Equitech Growth Fund within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation to support emerging and advanced industries through infrastructure development and workforce training. The fund will be financed by annual state appropriations of $5 million from 2025 to 2033, along with interest earnings and private sector investments. Money from the fund can only be used to award grants, loans, or other financial assistance to public, nonprofit, and private entities for projects that align with the state's ten-year strategic plan. The Corporation is required to create a competitive application process, monitor project success and economic impact, and submit annual reports to state officials.