Maddy summarySB 949 establishes rules for operating fully autonomous vehicles (level 4 or 5 systems) on Maryland highways without a human driver. It requires these vehicles to achieve a "minimal risk condition" if the system fails, display manufacturer certification labels, and meet federal safety standards. Transportation companies using autonomous vehicles must submit law enforcement interaction plans (detailing communication, towing, and recognition protocols) and proof of security to the state administration. The bill directly affects manufacturers, ride-hailing services, and other ground transportation companies operating autonomous fleets in Maryland. It treats the automated driving system as the legal "operator" for compliance with vehicle laws and crash reporting.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 559 requires Maryland's Department of Transportation to study speed limits on highways connecting to Interstate 495. The study must analyze traffic congestion, speeding tickets, accidents, and current speed limits at these connections over the past five years, and evaluate whether reducing speed limits by 5 mph at these points would be feasible. The Department must consult with local officials and stakeholders, then report findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by December 31, 2025. The bill expires automatically on June 30, 2026, and does not change existing speed limits. This is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy impact.
Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 346 establishes a refund program for beverage containers to boost recycling and reduce litter. It requires all redeemable containers sold in the state to display refund information, includes the refund value in both wholesale and retail prices, and mandates retailers to show this on customer receipts. Producers must register with the state, pay fees, and join a stewardship organization to manage the program, while counties can create redemption facilities to help meet recycling targets. The law aims to increase container reuse and recycling rates, reduce pollution from discarded containers, and fund public water refill stations through a new grant program. This directly affects beverage producers, retailers, consumers, and local governments managing redemption sites.
Maddy summarySB 469 establishes the Maryland Reparations Commission to provide compensatory benefits to descendants of individuals enslaved in Maryland. The Commission will develop an application process requiring evidence of lineage, then pay eligible applicants cash sums (based on enslavement duration/conditions) and reimburse tuition payments for higher education in the state. Directly affecting Maryland residents whose ancestors were enslaved in the state, the bill mandates state agencies to assist with verifying eligibility and administering benefits. Key provisions include standardized evidence evaluation procedures and collaboration with state agencies to process applications and disburse funds. The Commission’s structure includes diverse members representing historical institutions, Black community organizations, and historically Black colleges.
Maddy summarySB 490 eliminates citizenship requirements for members of certain Maryland state boards, committees, commissions, task forces, and workgroups. It replaces these requirements with a new mandate that members must "reflect the full diversity of the State to the extent practicable," affecting bodies across health, environment, labor, and public safety sectors. The bill achieves this by repealing and revising specific sections in Maryland’s code (including Business Occupations, Health, Environmental, and Public Safety laws) that previously required citizenship. Key provisions remove barriers for non-citizens to serve on these groups while requiring diversity considerations in appointments. This change applies to over 30 existing state entities as detailed in the bill’s code revisions.
Maddy summaryThe Maryland Second Look Act (SB 39) allows individuals serving long prison sentences to petition for a sentence reduction after meeting specific criteria: at least 20 years without credit for good behavior or 25 years with such credit, and at least five years since a prior petition. The court must hold a hearing, provide legal counsel (including public defender representation for indigent petitioners), and notify victims and their representatives, who may attend and testify. For those sentenced as minors, the court must release them within three years if they've matured and rehabilitated, unless public safety requires otherwise. The bill prohibits increasing sentences and permits appeals within 30 days to the Appellate Court of Maryland.
Maddy summarySB 161 mandates annual budget appropriations for Maryland's State Department of Education to fund driver education and career and technical education (CTE) programs through the Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools, Inc. in Prince George’s County. It requires specific funding amounts (ranging from $216,600 to $280,850 annually) for fiscal years 2027-2032, allocated to teacher training, student transportation, driver education access, CTE events, and annual program evaluations. The bill also requires the Department to hire an independent contractor to evaluate whether funding increases career readiness, teacher development, and student occupational literacy, with annual reports to state officials. This directly affects public school students, educators, and the Coalition, aiming to expand access to career-focused education and driver training.
Maddy summarySB 58 requires employers with 50 or more employees in Maryland to provide at least 12 hours of paid leave per school year for employees to attend school meetings or conferences for their children. To qualify, employees must have worked for the employer for at least six months and work at least half-time. Employers must pay the employee’s regular rate for this leave (separate from other leave), and employees must submit school documentation within two business days. The State Superintendent and Labor Commissioner will create a model document to validate leave use, with non-compliant employers facing penalties up to $100 per employee.
Maddy summarySB 75, the "Parental Accountability Act," requires Maryland juvenile courts to place children on probation - rather than in secure facilities - for specific serious offenses, including crimes of violence (if committed by an adult), firearm-related crimes, or habitual truancy when school attendance is legally required. The probation must include a court-approved treatment service plan and mandate participation from the child's parent, guardian, or custodian in rehabilitative services. This law applies only to cases involving the specified offenses, modifying existing juvenile court procedures to prioritize family involvement and treatment over secure confinement. The bill amends Maryland's juvenile law to ensure these dispositions align with rehabilitation goals for affected youth and their families.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Maryland Deaths in Custody Oversight Board within the Governor's Office to investigate and review every death of an incarcerated person in the state. The board will be composed of formerly incarcerated citizens, family members of incarcerated individuals, justice reform advocates, and medical professionals who will conduct administrative and clinical reviews of each death. These reviews will examine facility conditions, staff responses, medical care quality, and mental health support, with findings and recommendations published online within 37 days of a death. Additionally, the board will create compliance plans for any facilities found to have violated laws or regulations and will report its findings to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the families of the deceased.