Sen. Anthony Muse

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 483 (Clean Slate Act of 2026) automatically removes certain criminal records from public view without requiring individuals to apply. It affects people with eligible misdemeanor convictions (excluding domestic violence cases and specific assaults) that are at least 7 years old, or cases where all charges were dismissed (with at least 3 years elapsed since the outcome). The law requires the Department of Public Safety and the Judiciary to expunge all currently eligible cases by July 1, 2028, and then automatically process newly qualifying cases monthly starting August 1, 2028. Expungement means permanently removing all references to the case from electronic court records and the central repository, with no need for manual redaction.

Maddy summarySB 476 revises the structure and operations of Maryland's Reparations Commission. It adds new membership roles, including a representative from the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a representative from the Maryland Commission for African American History and Culture, two faith leaders (one appointed by each chamber), and Governor-appointed experts in mental health, historical research, civil rights law, and African American financial institutions. The bill requires the Commission to hold at least three public hearings, study benefits for those impacted by historical inequality, and submit a preliminary report by September 1, 2028, and a final report by December 1, 2028. The Commission will sunset automatically on June 30, 2029, ending its work without further legislative action.

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 summaryMaryland's Senate Joint Resolution 4 is a symbolic resolution urging action on nuclear policy. It asks Maryland's congressional delegation to cosponsor a federal resolution supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and urges the U.S. President and Senate to endorse that treaty. The resolution does not create new laws but formally joins other states and localities in advocating for reduced nuclear risks and alignment with international nuclear disarmament efforts.

Maddy summarySB 981 creates a Common Ownership Community Ombudsman Unit within Maryland's Attorney General's office to handle complaints from residents of condominiums, cooperatives, and homeowners associations (HOAs) about final decisions made by their community's management. The bill requires these communities to submit governing documents to the state housing department, which must establish a public database of all filings. The Ombudsman Unit will review complaints, refer them to county-established local commissions for review if needed, or make determinations on whether decisions violate state laws, while also providing residents with information and dispute resolution referrals. The unit must report annually on its activities, including complaint volumes and actions taken.

Maddy summarySB 886 establishes a constitutional right for Maryland workers in food service to be paid at least the state minimum wage without counting tips toward that amount. It removes existing exemptions allowing employers to use tip credits (where tips reduce required wages) and prohibits businesses from including tip credits in employee pay starting on a specified date. The bill also requires food service facilities to clearly disclose any service fees on menus or before ordering, and mandates that such fees be distributed to employees. These changes directly affect tipped workers in restaurants and cafes, and businesses charging service fees in Maryland.

Maddy summarySB 658 amends Maryland law to clarify how the Department of Human Services (DHS) manages federal benefits (like SSI or VA benefits) for children in its custody. It requires DHS to first seek an alternative representative payee (e.g., a family member or guardian) for these benefits, only serving as payee if no suitable candidate is available, and to document all efforts. The bill mandates that DHS use at least 40% of a child’s benefits for unmet needs (like disability services or hobbies) at ages 14-15, 80% at 16-17, and 100% at 18-20 - ensuring funds are reserved for the child’s future needs rather than reimbursing the state. It also requires DHS to periodically review if another payee could better serve the child’s interests and to comply with federal asset limits when conserving funds (e.g., via PASS accounts or special needs trusts).

Maddy summarySB 863 requires Prince George's County Public Schools to fund one-to-one student aides with full-time salaries and benefits starting in the 2027-2028 school year, directly affecting students with individualized education programs (IEPs) who need these aides. The bill mandates quarterly reports on special education metrics - including student counts, unfulfilled aide positions, and compensatory services - submitted to the county board and state education department for at least 24 months. It also requires the county superintendent to provide annual professional development training for special education staff and directs the state to hire an auditor to review special education services from 2021-2025. These provisions aim to improve transparency and accountability in delivering special education services within Prince George's County.

Maddy summarySB 755 prohibits the Maryland Department of Natural Resources from establishing a recreational catch-and-release season for striped bass (rockfish). Instead, it mandates annual recreational and charter boat summer/fall seasons (May 16-December 10) with daily limits (1 fish for recreational anglers, 2 for charters) and specific gear rules, plus a trophy season requiring fish to be at least 28 inches long during designated April/May periods. The bill also requires the Department to prepare an economic impact statement for major fisheries regulations before publication. This directly affects recreational anglers, charter boat operators, and commercial fishing stakeholders who rely on striped bass regulations.