Sen. Nick Charles

Maddy summarySB 661 modifies Maryland law to clarify when intercepted communications (like phone calls or texts) can be used as evidence in criminal court. It allows such evidence if: (1) at least one party was outside Maryland during the communication, (2) the interception wasn’t done by Maryland law enforcement, and (3) all parties were co-conspirators in a violent crime. For other cases, it sets strict conditions for admissibility, including requiring prosecutors to notify defendants 14 days in advance and proving the evidence is more relevant than alternatives. The bill directly affects criminal defendants, prosecutors, and law enforcement handling wiretap evidence in Maryland courts. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 464 establishes a 10-member Commission to review Maryland's current expungement laws and processes, focusing on improving efficiency and equity. The Commission includes representatives from state government (like the Public Defender and State Court Administrator), legal advocates, workforce organizations, crime victims' groups, and two individuals with criminal records currently ineligible for expungement. It must examine existing laws, compare them with other states, and propose a streamlined, broader-expungement system by December 31, 2027. The bill expires automatically on June 30, 2028, without requiring further legislative action. This process directly affects how Maryland might reform its criminal record clearance system for residents.

Maddy summarySB 352 creates a special "Old Line Plate" program for Maryland motor vehicles, allowing owners of qualifying vehicles (passenger cars, light trucks under 10,000 lbs, and multipurpose vehicles) to obtain registration plates with numeric-only license numbers (1-5 digits, no letters or leading zeros). The Motor Vehicle Administration will auction rights to specific numbers, with proceeds funding transportation costs. Owners can transfer these number rights under strict rules (e.g., 180-day holding period, limited annual transfers) but cannot claim ownership of the plate itself. The program takes effect October 1, 2026, with the first auction by December 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 387 prohibits large food retailers (15,000+ sq ft) in Maryland from using dynamic pricing (real-time price changes based on demand or AI) or consumer surveillance data (like location or biometric tracking) to set prices for individual customers. It also bans using protected class data (e.g., race, gender) to deny accommodations or advantages to consumers. The bill further prevents retailers from reducing union-guaranteed employee benefits without negotiating with union representatives. These provisions aim to regulate pricing practices, prevent discriminatory data use, and protect collective bargaining agreements, with violations subject to enforcement under Maryland’s consumer protection laws.

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 928 (Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act) requires all county school boards to create and implement policies by the 2027-2028 school year that limit students' use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the academic school day. The policy must prohibit personal device use except for specific exceptions, including special education plans, health needs, emergencies, educational purposes, language translation tools, and caregiver responsibilities. School boards must engage parents and staff in developing the policy, store devices securely during school hours, and use tiered disciplinary measures (not suspensions/expulsions) for violations. Annual reports on policy impacts, including equity data and stakeholder feedback, must be submitted to the state education department starting in 2027.

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 549 requires Maryland mental health facilities to inform patients about their right to include family members or other chosen individuals in treatment planning meetings. Facilities must provide a clear form and information about advance directives when patients consent, and reconfirm consent at least every seven days. The bill mandates facilities to share meeting schedules and allow authorized participants to join treatment team discussions, while limiting providers from withholding information only if they believe consent was forced. Patients can withdraw consent anytime, orally or in writing.

Maddy summarySB 921 removes an exemption that previously shielded vehicle rental companies and holders of special registration plates from liability for traffic violations recorded by traffic control signal monitoring systems (like red light cameras) and speed monitoring systems. Currently, these entities were not subject to citations for violations captured by such systems, but the bill changes that by amending Maryland’s transportation code. The law now requires vehicle rental companies and special plate holders to be held responsible for fines when violations - such as running red lights or speeding - are recorded. This change applies to all relevant violations captured by these systems and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 944 establishes a Reentry Readiness Program within Maryland's Department of Public Safety to assist individuals transitioning from incarceration. It requires the Department to collaborate with the Motor Vehicle Administration, Vital Records, and the Department of Labor to help "returning citizens" (those expected to be released within 90 days) secure job training, obtain birth certificates, and apply for photo IDs or driver's licenses. Key timelines include: 90 days before release for job training enrollment, 60 days for ID/license forms, and 30 days for verification of completed assistance. The program mandates concrete support to address immediate barriers to reintegration, effective October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 943 (the "Buy Maryland, Buy Local Act") requires Maryland state agencies to prioritize in-state businesses when awarding procurement contracts. It mandates that bidding documents include standardized evaluation criteria focused on local economic impact, and requires bidders to submit a State and local economic impact statement detailing how their proposal benefits Maryland. Contracts must now be awarded based on these criteria - evaluating factors like job creation and local spending - not solely on the lowest price. This applies to all state procurement processes governed by Maryland’s Annotated Code (Article 13, Sections 103-104), directly affecting state agencies and businesses competing for government contracts.