Sen. Arthur Ellis

Maddy summarySB 120 shortens the maximum interval between covered dental preventive visits from 120 to 90 days for Maryland health insurance policies. It directly affects insurers and policyholders by requiring more frequent coverage for routine services like cleanings, exams, and fluoride treatments under existing plans. The bill applies to all policies issued or renewed in Maryland after January 1, 2027, without expanding coverage requirements beyond current preventive care benefits. This change aims to improve access to routine dental care by reducing waiting periods for covered services.

Maddy summarySB 19 establishes the Maryland Commission on Women’s Health Advancement to study the feasibility of creating a state women’s hospital in Southern Maryland and a statewide clinical network focused on women’s health across all life stages. The commission, composed of diverse healthcare professionals, patient advocates, experts in health disparities, and community representatives, will analyze needs, financial viability, and alternative approaches (like a hub network) to improve access for underserved women. It must submit an initial action plan by January 2027 and annual reports through 2032, culminating in a final report by December 2032 with recommendations. This bill does not create the hospital or network but sets up a 7-year study process to inform future decisions.

Maddy summarySB 71 establishes the Interjurisdictional Safe Pathways Commission to identify and improve safe routes for students traveling to and from school across Maryland. The commission, including state education, transportation, health, and disability officials plus local school representatives, students, parents, and transportation experts, will coordinate infrastructure (like sidewalks and crosswalks), secure funding from federal grants and private sources, and develop strategic plans. It must annually report progress to the governor and legislative committees by December 1, focusing on gaps in safety infrastructure and funding opportunities. The commission will operate for seven years, ending September 30, 2033.

Maddy summarySB 126 establishes a 6-week summer math program for Charles County students in grades 9-11 who are not proficient in algebra or geometry. It requires Charles County Public Schools to implement the program during summer break, offering math instruction, transportation, meals, and adaptive learning technology. The Maryland Department of Labor will provide grants to the school system based on the number of eligible students and must develop program standards, report annual outcomes (including math proficiency changes), and publish aggregated data. The program runs from October 2026 through September 2040, focusing on reducing learning loss and accelerating student achievement.

Maddy summarySB 158 requires Maryland counties to create safe walking routes for public school students living beyond bus service distance. Each year, school boards must identify areas where students cannot access bus transportation and report potential safe walking paths (including sidewalks, footpaths, or bike paths). County governments must then build necessary sidewalks and crosswalks to enable these routes, coordinating with other agencies if roads are outside county control. The bill directly affects school districts, county governments, and students seeking safer walking options to school. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments and state agencies from charging parking fees to vehicles displaying state-issued disabled veteran special registration plates at on-street parking meters and in state-owned parking lots. It directly affects disabled veterans who hold these special license plates by eliminating fee requirements in these specific parking locations. The key provision amends Maryland’s transportation code to add a new section (26-301(c-1)) banning fee collection for these vehicles in metered street spaces and state-operated lots. The policy change takes effect October 1, 2026, without creating new benefits or altering existing parking regulations beyond this fee exemption.

Maddy summarySB 740, the "SFC Matthew Fast Act for Warrior Healthcare," requires all health care facilities in Maryland to screen every patient for military connection and document whether they are a "warrior community member" (defined as a service member, veteran, spouse, child, or stepchild of military personnel) in their medical record. Facilities must identify these patients as a vulnerable population and follow The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care equity. Starting in 2026, the state health department must annually report to the Governor and legislature on meeting the needs of military-connected patients. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, aiming to improve health care equity through standardized screening and reporting.

Maddy summarySB 495 amends Maryland's Opioid Restitution Fund rules to explicitly allow using fund money for the operating costs and staff of the Attorney General's Opioids Enforcement Unit. This unit investigates and enforces actions to recover funds from opioid-related settlements or judgments. The bill expands the Fund's authorized uses to include these enforcement activities alongside existing provisions for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, harm reduction programs, and community recovery services. It directly affects the Attorney General's Office and ensures funds support both enforcement efforts and community health programs funded by opioid settlements.

Maddy summarySB 376 allows counties to conduct nursing home inspections upon request, shifting this responsibility from the state health department. The bill requires the Maryland Department of Health and the requesting county to share the costs of these inspections equally. It does not change existing requirements for annual inspections, unannounced visits, or complaint investigations (which remain under state oversight), but instead modifies how inspections are administered by adding county delegation as an option. This directly affects nursing homes (through potential county inspections) and counties (which gain new inspection authority).

Maddy summarySB 94 requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) to cover self-measured blood pressure monitoring starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects pregnant individuals, postpartum people, and those with chronic conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, or cardiometabolic disorders who are enrolled in the program. The bill mandates coverage for validated home blood pressure monitors and reimburses healthcare providers for patient training, data transmission, and remote monitoring support. Additionally, it requires the program to develop an education campaign about the technology and submit annual reports on usage and outcomes starting in 2027.