Sen. Arthur Ellis

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 3 requires the state's Commissioner of Labor and Industry to create and maintain a public data dashboard tracking contractors and apprentices on state-funded public work projects. Contractors working on these projects must submit weekly data on employee wages (including prevailing rates, overtime, and benefits), job classifications, and apprentice details (such as trade, certification, and demographics). The dashboard must be updated monthly, posted prominently on the Maryland Department of Labor website, and retain data for the past 24 months. This law directly affects all contractors awarded public work contracts in Maryland, aiming to increase transparency around labor practices and apprenticeship programs.

Maddy summarySB 547 establishes a 18-member Commission to study whether pooling public employee health insurance purchasing across Maryland's State, counties, municipalities, and school boards would save costs while maintaining benefits. The Commission includes representatives from state agencies (like Budget and Management, Insurance Commissioner), local governments (counties, cities, school boards), labor unions (AFSCME, SEIU), and healthcare experts. It will analyze existing health insurance data to assess fiscal impacts and barriers to implementing a shared purchasing system. This bill creates a study group but does not change current insurance policies or require immediate action.

Maddy summarySB 594 modifies Maryland’s Overdose Response Program training requirements and clarifies restrictions on the Opioid Restitution Fund. It mandates that training on opioid overdose response must emphasize "restoration of breathing, avoiding withdrawal, and compassionate postoverdose support" (Section 13-3103(b)). The bill specifies that fund dollars must be used exclusively for settlement-aligned purposes, including expanding naloxone access in public buildings, supporting peer recovery services, addressing racial disparities in care, and funding evidence-based prevention/treatment programs. These changes directly affect the Maryland Department of Health and organizations receiving fund allocations for overdose response initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 540 prohibits cooperative housing corporations, condominium associations, and homeowners associations from requiring sensitive information as a condition for accessing shared recreational areas like pools, playgrounds, or game rooms. It defines "sensitive information" as Social Security numbers, tax IDs, birth certificates, racial/ethnic origin, national origin, citizenship status, or religious beliefs - excluding government-issued photo IDs like driver's licenses. The bill directly affects residents, guests, and children of residents who seek to use these common recreational spaces. It applies to all three association types and takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 372, the Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025, permanently extends current rules allowing audio-only telephone calls to count as "telehealth" for reimbursement purposes under Maryland's Medicaid program and private insurers. The bill repeals the June 30, 2025, expiration date for this provision in Maryland law, making it permanent. It directly affects the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, private health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that cover telehealth services. The key change is ensuring these entities must continue reimbursing for audio-only telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person care, without requiring video technology, for covered health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames Maryland's Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program to honor former Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. It updates the program's official name throughout state law to "Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program" without changing the program's structure, funding, or operations. The renaming applies to all references in Maryland's Natural Resources and State Government codes, including funding provisions and program administration details. The program - administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and focused on environmental conservation projects - remains unchanged in its purpose and implementation.

Maddy summarySB 51 allows out-of-state certified public accountants (CPAs) with valid licenses to practice in Maryland without needing additional state licensing, provided they hold a license from another state that requires passing the Uniform CPA Exam. It directly affects licensed CPAs whose principal business is outside Maryland, enabling them to offer services remotely via mail, phone, or email without paying fees or notifying the state Board. Key provisions include requiring these accountants to consent to Maryland's disciplinary authority and comply with state laws, while allowing them to use titles like "CPA" in their public practice. The bill removes barriers for reciprocal licensing, streamlining practice for qualified out-of-state CPAs.

Maddy summarySB 148 creates "emeritus status" for Maryland Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who meet specific retirement criteria. It allows the State Board of Public Accountancy to place qualified licensees on emeritus status if they have at least 20 years of practice and are 60+ years old (or 40+ years total experience), are retired, and agree not to practice. Licensees on emeritus status are exempt from continuing education requirements and renewal fees, but cannot practice, sign financial documents, or represent themselves as active CPAs. The bill amends Maryland's business law to formalize this status and outlines the process for both initial placement and reinstatement to active licensure.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 432, known as the "Expungement Reform Act of 2025," updates Maryland's laws concerning the expungement of criminal records, directly affecting individuals seeking to clear certain past convictions. The bill modifies the waiting periods for filing expungement petitions after a sentence is completed and expands the list of misdemeanor convictions eligible for expungement. It also requires courts to consider if restitution has been paid or if the person lacks the ability to pay before granting expungement. Finally, the bill prohibits the Maryland Judiciary Case Search from displaying any reference to certain expunged records.

Maddy summarySB 525 requires all Maryland counties to establish a program allowing residents to submit video evidence of illegal littering or dumping violations to local enforcement agencies. If the video leads to a conviction, the submitter receives half of the fines collected from that violation. The law amends existing litter control penalties to mandate this reward system, with fines also funding litter receptacles, signage, and other litter control efforts. It applies statewide, not just to Prince George's County, and takes effect October 1, 2025.