Sen. Joanne Benson

Maddy summarySB 472 allows Baltimore City or Maryland counties to establish a special property tax rate for improvements on land within 1 mile of a rail station (including MARC, Metro, or Light Rail stations). This special rate must be lower than or equal to the standard county tax rate and applies only to properties near rail infrastructure. Property owners in these designated areas would pay this reduced rate, while a 50% tax penalty on the special rate's total liability would fund the Transportation Trust Fund. The bill also requires annual reports on the tax rate's impact, including revenue changes and property reuse plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1,000 refundable state income tax credit for Maryland parents who experience a stillbirth. It directly affects parents who receive a certificate of stillbirth (per Maryland Health-General Article § 4-213.1 or equivalent from another state) for a birth that results in stillbirth. The credit can be claimed only in the tax year the stillbirth occurred, and if the credit exceeds the parent's state income tax liability for that year, they receive a refund for the excess amount. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 706 requires the Maryland Department of Health to conduct prevalence studies measuring problem and pathological gambling rates for both in-person and mobile gambling, with the initial in-person study due by July 1, 2009 (likely a typo in the bill text), and the initial mobile study due by July 1, 2030. The bill modifies how gambling proceeds are distributed, directing 6.25% of the state's share (after operators retain 84%) to the Problem Gambling Fund for treatment and prevention programs, while 93.75% goes to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund. It mandates annual reports to the General Assembly on fund expenditures and requires replication studies every five years to track trends. This bill directly affects gambling operators, the Problem Gambling Fund, and Maryland residents seeking gambling treatment services.

Maddy summarySB 379 repeals the examination requirement for obtaining bachelor and master social worker licenses in Maryland, directly affecting new social workers seeking these initial credentials. The bill also increases the State Board of Social Work Examiners from 12 to 14 members and expands consumer representation from 2 to 4 seats. It modifies educational requirements for certified social worker licenses by removing the exam mandate while retaining supervised experience and degree accreditation standards. These changes streamline initial licensure for bachelor/master-level social workers but maintain clinical certification requirements. The bill focuses on regulatory adjustments to social work licensing without altering practice standards or fees.

Maddy summarySB 1043, the Maryland Mobility Act of 2025, imposes a new surcharge on certain retail sales and taxable services in Maryland, with the revenue directed to the Transportation Trust Fund. It sets annual budget limits for the Maryland Transit Administration and State Highway Administration, requires specific funding allocations for transportation agencies in the governor’s budget, and mandates assessments of ongoing infrastructure needs. The bill also updates definitions to include projects in the Consolidated Transportation Program and requires exploring public-private partnerships for funding. This directly affects Maryland residents (through the surcharge) and state transportation agencies responsible for roadways, transit, and infrastructure projects. The policy changes focus on dedicated funding streams and budget oversight for transportation improvements.

Maddy summarySB 330 expands Maryland's property tax credit for dwellings owned by disabled or fallen law enforcement officers/rescue workers. It directly affects disabled officers who die (regardless of cause), their surviving spouses, and cohabitants by broadening the definition of "fallen officer" to include disabled officers who pass away. Key changes include removing the previous 10-year deadline for purchasing a home after disability or death, allowing the tax credit amount for new homes to align proportionally with credits for prior dwellings, and giving counties flexibility to set their own acquisition timelines or eligibility limits. The bill amends Maryland's Property Tax Code (Section 9-210) to implement these policy adjustments.

Maddy summarySB 1033 repeals Maryland’s legal framework for online sports wagering, removing provisions that authorized and regulated mobile sports betting licenses. The bill specifically repeals sections of the Maryland Annotated Code (including 9-1E-01(e)-(g),(k) and 9-1E-10) that governed online sports wagering applications and licensing. It also requires the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to refund application fees paid by certain applicants and license holders under the repealed system. This bill directly affects current and past applicants for mobile sports wagering licenses who paid fees under the now-repealed law.

Maddy summarySB 467 extends the mandatory annual appropriation of $250,000 for the Maryland Forestry Education Fund through fiscal year 2031 (previously ending in 2026). The fund supports forest landowners, district forestry boards, and local governments by providing training, education, and small grants on sustainable forest management, climate science, and conservation practices. Key provisions include funding biennial sustainability conferences, peer learning exchanges, and initiatives to improve outreach and recognize efforts toward healthy forest management. This bill does not alter the fund's existing purpose or mechanisms but ensures continued funding for these forestry education programs.

Maddy summarySB 1004 modifies Maryland's grandparent visitation law by requiring courts to grant visitation rights when a child resided with a grandparent for at least 12 months or when the parent (child's parent) has died. For other cases, courts may grant visitation if it is in the child's best interest and would not interfere with the parent-child relationship, considering prior contact between the grandparent and child. The bill prohibits courts from denying visitation solely based on potential interference claims without evidence of actual interference. This directly affects grandparents seeking visitation and family courts deciding such cases under Maryland law.

Maddy summarySB 1003 designates November 14 each year as "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day" in Maryland to honor Ruby Bridges, who integrated an all-white New Orleans school on that date in 1960. The bill requires every county school board to create annual educational programs for this day, including activities like symbolic walks, lessons on civil rights history, and discussions about racial equality. The State Department of Education must also develop model lesson plans, discussion guides, and age-appropriate resources to support these programs. This bill directly affects Maryland public schools and their curriculum planning, focusing on commemorating a pivotal moment in school desegregation. It takes effect July 1, 2025.