Sen. Ron Watson

Maddy summarySB 620 modifies Maryland's sentencing for handgun violations by expanding the list of prior convictions that trigger enhanced penalties. It adds certain convictions from other states, federal courts, or tribal courts to the list that count toward stricter sentencing under Section 4-203(c) of the Criminal Law. Specifically, if a person has prior convictions (including out-of-state or federal offenses that would violate Maryland's handgun laws), they face longer mandatory minimum sentences for subsequent violations. This directly affects individuals with prior criminal records who are convicted of carrying, wearing, or transporting a handgun in Maryland.

Maddy summarySB 884 would authorize Maryland’s State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to issue licenses for regulated internet skill-based gaming operations (not traditional poker). It creates a new regulatory framework under "Subtitle 1F" defining key terms, requiring licenses for operators, and directing proceeds to existing state funds like the Economic Development Account and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund. The bill specifies that licensees must operate in "economically disadvantaged areas" meeting specific income, unemployment, or poverty criteria. This legislation directly affects the Commission, qualified gaming operators, and state funds receiving new revenue streams.

Maddy summarySB 761 would allow Maryland to expand commercial gaming to include internet gaming, but only after voters approve it in a November 2026 referendum. The bill restricts internet gaming licenses to existing video lottery operators and their contracted entities, requiring new implementation laws to set application criteria and gaming rules. If approved by voters, revenues from internet gaming must fund public education. The bill mandates a voter referendum on the question "Do you favor the expansion of commercial gaming in the State of Maryland to authorize Internet gaming for dedicated purposes including the funding of public education?" before any licensing can occur.

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 384 allows licensed real estate brokers, associate brokers, or salespersons in Maryland to act as "transaction brokers" in residential transactions - meaning they represent neither the buyer nor seller - only after obtaining written consent from all parties. The bill requires a standardized consent form explaining that the broker has no fiduciary duty to either party, may not disclose confidential information without permission, and that parties may seek separate representation. It applies to sales or leases of 1-4 family homes or residential-zoned land (excluding short-term leases under 125 days). The State Real Estate Commission must create and provide this plain-language consent form to all licensees.

Maddy summarySB 154 adds Article 12 to Maryland's Uniform Commercial Code to establish rules for property rights in certain digital assets, including controllable electronic records, accounts, and payment intangibles. It directly affects businesses and financial institutions handling digital transactions by defining how control and ownership transfer for these assets. The bill creates a new standard for "control" (requiring exclusive power to access benefits and transfer the asset) and ensures qualifying purchasers acquire rights free of competing claims. This changes how digital property rights are managed under Maryland law, replacing ambiguous state rules with a clear, standardized framework.

Maddy summarySB 619 requires commercial properties using solid waste containers (like dumpsters for municipal trash) to hire licensed cleaning services for monthly sanitization. The law mandates using approved disinfectants, high-pressure washing, and odor/residue removal, with providers maintaining records for 12 months. It excludes single-family home waste containers and allows up to $250 penalties for non-compliance after a written notice and 3-month correction period. The Maryland Department of the Environment will enforce this and provide guidance to local health departments. The requirements take effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 381 requires Maryland county school boards to collect monthly energy usage data for all school buildings and report it to the state Interagency Commission on School Construction. The commission must then create rules for what data to collect and how often to report it, analyze the collected data, and provide specific recommendations to improve school energy efficiency. This bill directly affects county school boards and the state commission, aiming to make school energy use more efficient through data-driven insights. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 375 requires Maryland's State Department of Education to create an annual artificial intelligence training program for county board of education members. The program includes foundational training (covering AI risks, policy development, student privacy, and oversight) and yearly continuing training on new AI developments. County board members must complete foundational training within one year of taking office or by June 30, 2027, and annual training thereafter. The bill mandates submission of completion certificates to county boards and the state department, with public reporting of non-completers and biennial effectiveness reports to the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 850 requires Maryland electric and gas companies (including midsize cooperatives after 2026) to design energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response programs that demonstrably lower residential customer bills. It mandates the Public Service Commission to establish caps on certain assessments and set deadlines for eliminating unpaid utility costs. The law ensures programs must include measurable bill savings for households, not just energy reductions, and requires annual reports tracking energy savings and emissions reductions from these programs. This directly affects all residential utility customers in Maryland by linking program requirements to tangible cost savings.