Sen. Karen Young

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 181 requires hunters to use non-lead ammunition for all game species by specific dates: pen-raised birds by July 1, 2027; upland birds, migratory birds, and turkeys by July 1, 2028; and deer and other game by July 1, 2029. It directly affects licensed hunters using firearms for hunting in Maryland, excluding muzzleloaders and handguns if non-lead ammunition isn't commercially available. The bill defines "non-lead ammunition" as having less than 1% lead content or being federally approved as non-toxic. The Department of Natural Resources must adopt these regulations by the specified deadlines. The bill is pending approval and has not yet taken effect.

Maddy summarySB 170 creates a temporary task force to study how delays in student enrollment counts impact school funding and how growing student populations connect to funding levels in Maryland. The task force, composed of 11 members including education officials, school board representatives, teachers' unions, parent groups, and county officials, will analyze these issues and propose improvements. It must submit its recommendations to the Governor and legislature by December 15, 2026, and the task force will expire on June 30, 2027. The bill does not change current funding formulas but sets up a structured review process for education finance policy.

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 summarySB 764 establishes a minimum wage of $25.00 per hour for education support professionals in Maryland public schools, effective July 1, 2028. It directly affects county boards of education (which must pay this wage) and noncertificated school staff in non-supervisory bargaining units, such as aides, secretaries, and maintenance workers. The bill requires the State Department of Education to report by December 1, 2026, on the cost of implementing this wage, broken down by school system. It does not change current wages but mandates a new hourly rate for these positions starting in 2028.

Maddy summarySB 9 establishes an annual tax-free day on November 11 (Veterans Day) in Maryland starting in 2026. It exempts sales tax on items costing less than $2,000 purchased by veterans, provided they show valid ID (like a driver's license or government ID) indicating veteran status. The Comptroller may suspend this tax-free day at their sole discretion. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly benefiting eligible veterans making qualifying purchases.

Maddy summarySB 356 creates a $1,000 refundable state income tax credit for Maryland parents who experience a stillbirth, as documented by a certified birth certificate or fetal death certificate issued under Maryland law or equivalent from another state. The credit can be claimed in the tax year the stillbirth occurred, and if it exceeds the parent's state income tax liability, they receive a cash refund for the difference. This policy directly affects eligible Maryland parents of stillborn children, providing financial relief tied to the year of the stillbirth. The credit applies to all taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

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 992 requires large commercial and industrial electricity customers (defined as those with at least 25 megawatts of monthly demand) to register with Maryland's Public Service Commission before connecting to the power grid. The registration process mandates disclosure of interconnection plans, backup power details, water usage, and financial commitments for infrastructure development. The bill also directs the Commission to establish a Demand Response Program, allowing large customers to reduce usage during peak times to support grid stability. Additionally, it updates tax exemption rules for qualifying data centers under specific circumstances.

Maddy summarySB 987 modifies Maryland's corporate income tax to allow pharmaceutical companies to deduct certain direct-to-consumer advertising expenses for covered drugs. It directly affects pharmaceutical manufacturers that advertise prescription drugs directly to the public via TV, radio, social media, or digital platforms (excluding journal ads). The bill creates a new tax deduction for these advertising costs, with revenue from this modification distributed as follows: the first $5 million annually to Medicaid eligibility operations, and remaining funds to health insurance subsidy programs. This change aligns Maryland's tax treatment with federal rules while directing revenue toward health coverage affordability.