Sen. Kevin Harris

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 988 prohibits law enforcement from stopping, detaining, or arresting individuals for civil offenses (such as traffic tickets or unpaid fines) within judicial facilities (like courthouses) or within one mile of them while traveling to attend a court proceeding. Police must notify the judge beforehand and avoid disrupting court activities to stop someone for a civil matter in these areas. Evidence obtained from violating this law is inadmissible in court, and affected individuals can sue for damages or seek court orders. The Attorney General may also file lawsuits to stop ongoing violations of the law.

Maddy summarySB 923 creates three new state funds to promote solar photovoltaic modules, energy storage systems, and zero-emission vehicles in Maryland. Each fund will be financed through a fee-based marketing program (a "checkoff" where industry participants pay small contributions) to support statewide promotion efforts. The funds are permanent (nonlapsing) and will retain all interest earnings instead of transferring them to the state general fund. Advisory councils, made up of industry representatives and state officials, will manage the funds and guide marketing initiatives for these technologies.

Maddy summarySB 929 updates Maryland's home improvement law to explicitly include specific disaster mitigation services - such as boarding windows, tarping roofs, securing walls, and setting water mitigation equipment - under the definition of "home improvement" for licensing purposes. This change requires contractors performing these services to hold a valid home improvement license, directly affecting contractors and homeowners seeking disaster-related repairs. The bill also grants homeowners the right to cancel contracts for disaster mitigation services under certain conditions and allows counties to restrict in-person solicitation of disaster victims by contractors. These provisions aim to enhance consumer protection and ensure proper licensing during disaster recovery efforts.

Maddy summarySB 977 establishes the Maryland Positive Youth Development Commission within the State Department of Education and creates a permanent fund to support community-based youth programs. The bill directs the Commission to award grants to eligible organizations (including after-school programs, mentoring initiatives, and summer learning opportunities) that provide evidence-based programming for youth aged birth through 25 outside regular school hours. The fund, financed by legal settlement proceeds and other revenue, will provide sustainable funding for these programs, which aim to reduce social media dependency and build social-emotional skills. This directly affects community organizations delivering youth development services and the young people they serve across Maryland.

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 922 establishes collective bargaining rights for county and municipal employees in Maryland by applying the state's Public Employee Relations Act to local governments. It defines "public local employees" (excluding confidential/management staff and school/library workers) and requires counties/municipalities to adopt local labor laws for negotiations. Key provisions include mandatory good-faith bargaining, binding arbitration for unresolved disputes, and procedures for local governments to seek board reviews of their labor policies. The bill directly affects local government workers and employers across Maryland's counties and cities, excluding school boards, community colleges, and public libraries.

Maddy summarySB 924 establishes the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Grant Program within the Department of Social and Economic Mobility. The program provides grants to chambers of commerce for two key purposes: subsidizing membership fees for underrepresented individuals (covering one year of lowest-tier membership at no cost) and funding inter-chamber events (like networking activities, covering venue, promotion, and staff costs). To qualify, chambers must demonstrate programming support for new members, maintain annual funding for a full-time position, and submit annual reports on membership awards and participant feedback. The bill mandates a $100,000 annual state appropriation for the program, effective October 1, 2026, and requires detailed application requirements for both grant types.