Sen. Jack Bailey

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the extinct prehistoric shark *Megalodon* (not a living species) as Maryland's official state shark under Section 7-310 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. It directly affects state symbolism and educational materials by formally adding this designation to the state code, effective October 1, 2026. The bill amends the legal code through renumbering and inserts the specific designation ("THE MEGALODON (OTODUS MEGALODON) IS THE STATE SHARK"), with no policy or funding changes. It is purely ceremonial, referencing Maryland’s fossil history and the Calvert Marine Museum’s collection of megalodon teeth.

Maddy summarySB 896 updates Maryland's vehicle registration fee structure for multiple vehicle classes, directly affecting all vehicle owners in the state. It increases annual fees for passenger cars (e.g., from $50.50 to $80.50 for lighter vehicles after July 2025), for-hire vehicles (e.g., rideshares from $150 to $180), ambulances/funeral vehicles (from $100 to $130), and motorcycles (from $35 to $65). Truck fees are revised based on gross weight, with a new $63.75 base fee for smaller trucks under 7,000 lbs and updated rates for construction vehicles. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill updates election laws to require voters to present specific proof of identity at polling places before receiving a regular ballot. To qualify, a voter must show a valid government-issued photo ID or, if that is unavailable, a non-government photo ID along with a current document like a utility bill or bank statement that lists their name and address. If a voter cannot provide the required identification, the election judge will instead issue a provisional ballot for later verification. The legislation also reinforces existing rules that prohibit anyone from suggesting how a voter should mark their ballot and restricts who can assist voters with disabilities or language barriers.

Maddy summarySB 580 requires 12 specific Maryland state agencies - including the Motor Vehicle Administration, Department of Health, and Veterans Services - to offer walk-in public services on a first-come, first-served basis. Agencies must provide this service at least once weekly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at reasonable locations. Agencies already offering in-person appointments must add walk-in service at those same locations, while others must establish at least one new walk-in location. The law applies to services like vehicle licensing, health records, and veterans programs, effective October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 583 requires the Deputy Secretary for Developmental Disabilities to provide public notice before changing the Self-Directed Services Manual and to accept public comments for at least 90 days. This applies to individuals using self-directed services - where people with developmental disabilities manage their own care choices and budgets - and the Developmental Disabilities Administration. The bill mandates that the Deputy Secretary cannot adopt any proposed manual changes until after the 90-day public comment period ends. It does not alter service content but adds a transparency step to the rulemaking process. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 454 requires school resource officers (SROs) to carry firearms while present on the premises of the school to which they are assigned. This bill amends Maryland law (specifically Section 7-1508 of the Education Article) to mandate this requirement, directly affecting all SROs working in public schools. The key provision replaces prior language with a clear directive that SROs must carry firearms on school grounds, while also maintaining existing training requirements focused on de-escalation, disability awareness, and implicit bias. The bill does not change who qualifies as an SRO but specifies the firearm-carrying obligation during school operations.

Maddy summarySB 640 prohibits courts from releasing defendants after conviction but before sentencing or appellate review if they were convicted of specific crimes resulting in the death of a victim under 14 years old. It applies to cases involving: (1) a "crime of violence" under Maryland law, or (2) a violation of child neglect laws (§ 3-602.1) that caused the victim’s death. The bill directly affects defendants convicted of these offenses who would otherwise be eligible for pre-sentencing or pre-appeal release. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026, and modifies Maryland’s postconviction release procedures under Article 5, Section 5-301.

Maddy summarySB 566 updates Maryland's historic vehicle registration rules by raising the minimum age requirement from 1999 model year (25 years old as of 2024) to 2001 model year (25 years old as of 2026). It requires owners to certify vehicles won't be used for daily commuting, commercial purposes, or employment, while maintaining exemptions from vehicle inspections and emissions testing. Registration fees increase to $55.50 annually after July 2025, with a $50 one-time fee for vehicles 60+ years old (non-transferable). The bill automatically reinstates historic registrations suspended due to this age change, effective July 1, 2026, and applies only prospectively.

Maddy summarySB 382, the "Retire in Maryland Tax Relief Act," provides a state income tax credit for Maryland residents aged 77 or older with federal adjusted gross income under $175,000 (for individuals or certain filing statuses). The credit amount increases with age: 25% of state tax for 77-year-olds, rising to 100% for those 80 or older. Married couples filing jointly must both be 77+ to qualify for the tiered credit, and unused credit amounts cannot be carried forward to future years. The bill applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 368 requires property owners in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties to use "living shorelines" or other nonstructural erosion control methods (like marsh creation, native plants, or oyster reefs) instead of hard structures for shoreline stabilization. It exempts these counties from standard requirements for nonstructural measures and creates a waiver process for property owners who can prove such methods are unfeasible due to factors like severe erosion or narrow shorelines. The bill defines "living shorelines" as projects using natural materials to absorb storm energy, restore habitat, and minimize erosion, while avoiding hard structures where possible. This policy change directly affects landowners near water in these two counties, prioritizing ecological solutions for coastal protection.