Sen. Kevin Harris

Maddy summaryHB 501 increases the maximum fines that charter counties in Maryland can impose to enforce their local laws. Under this bill, counties can now levy civil or criminal fines of up to $5,000 per violation, up from the previous limit of $1,000, and may also impose jail sentences of up to six months for criminal offenses. The law specifically allows counties to enforce ordinances, resolutions, bylaws, and regulations related to fair housing, employment discrimination, and public accommodations. These changes take effect on October 1, 2024, giving local governments greater financial tools to ensure compliance with their own rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Maryland Department of Health to hire an independent consultant to study four state health and insurance agencies: the Health Services Cost Review Commission, the Maryland Health Care Commission, the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, and the Maryland Insurance Administration. The consultant will examine overlaps in their duties, suggest ways to streamline operations, and analyze how their functions align with state healthcare models. The study must include input from the agencies themselves and conclude with a report to the Governor and relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 575 reformulates Maryland's Criminal Injuries Compensation Board by expanding it from five to seven members and mandating that the new composition reflect the state's racial, ethnic, geographic, and gender diversity. The bill specifically requires at least one board member to be a survivor of violence from a community facing high rates of violence and incarceration, while another must represent an organization assisting victims with compensation applications. It also updates the definition of "victim" to include individuals who suffer physical or psychological injury while trying to prevent a crime, apprehend an offender, or assist law enforcement or emergency services. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which crimes are eligible for compensation and outlines the qualifications for third-party professionals who can assist in claims. Finally, the act grants the Governor the authority to include funding for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund in the annual state budget.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Qualified Resident Enrollment Program to help individuals in Maryland who currently lack health insurance access enroll in qualified plans. It defines "qualified residents" as people living in the state who are not incarcerated, regardless of their immigration status, and who do not qualify for existing federal or state assistance programs like Medicaid or Medicare. The program allows the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to manage enrollment, potentially with help from a third-party contractor, and requires a specific federal waiver approval before it can begin. Additionally, the legislation creates a dedicated fund to finance the program's operations and administration, ensuring it has the necessary resources to function.

Maddy summaryThe Maryland Maternal Health Act of 2024 requires hospitals and freestanding birthing centers to complete specific risk assessment and referral forms for high-risk pregnancies, with compliance tied to their ability to receive state medical reimbursement. Facilities must submit these forms to local health departments and provide postpartum parents with information on managing complications, including mental health and substance misuse, followed by a phone call within 24 to 48 hours of discharge. Additionally, the state will create a report card to evaluate maternity care quality and conduct studies on severe maternal morbidity incidents to improve surveillance and reporting.

Maddy summaryThis law, known as Gabriel's Law, requires Maryland law enforcement and emergency medical services to immediately respond to wellness check requests from healthcare providers or others with credible information about a life-threatening safety concern. When a life-threatening condition is reported, fire, rescue, or emergency medical teams must conduct the check at the same time as police officers. The bill applies to individuals within the agency's jurisdiction and mandates that requests be forwarded without delay to the appropriate agency if the person is located elsewhere. These provisions take effect on October 1, 2024, and aim to streamline the process for ensuring the well-being of individuals in crisis.

Maddy summaryThe Growing Apprenticeships and the Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act expands Maryland's apprenticeship program to include a broader range of public safety agencies, such as correctional facilities, in addition to traditional law enforcement departments. This bill increases the maximum grant amount for agencies participating in the program from $2,000 to $5,000 per apprentice and adjusts eligibility requirements to ensure apprentices live in areas with at least 10% poverty. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission develop mental health wellness policies for law enforcement and correctional facilities while establishing a workgroup to study ways to increase employment in these sectors.

Maddy summaryHB 1244 requires the Maryland Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, and Maryland Higher Education Commission to each designate a staff member dedicated to analyzing state workforce needs and sharing data to guide higher education policies. The bill establishes a new advisory council to oversee program reviews and mandates that the Commission publish clear administrative guidelines for its approval process. It also introduces a grant fund to support public universities collaborating on new graduate programs and sets specific rules for online degree offerings and institutional mission statements. Additionally, the legislation requires institutions to submit letters of intent before launching new graduate programs and allows for objections to proposed online courses under certain conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new funding programs within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation to support technology-based startups and university-led innovation projects. The first program offers $50,000 grants to startups located in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area, while the second pilot program provides incentives for technology businesses founded by students or faculty at local universities. To qualify for the university program, participating schools must contribute up to $50,000 annually, and projects must focus on creating new businesses, commercializing products, or fostering inclusive entrepreneurial development. The legislation also removes a previous requirement for funding a telework assistance grant program and sets aside $1.5 million for the university pilot program for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers the authority to appoint a deputy clerk who can perform marriage ceremonies from the county administrative judge to the clerk of the circuit court in Maryland. Previously, the administrative judge designated these deputies, but under the new law, the clerk of the circuit court will make this appointment directly. The change applies to all counties in the state and allows designated deputy clerks to legally officiate weddings alongside judges and religious officials. The provision officially takes effect on October 1, 2024.