Maddy summarySB 772 expands eligibility for Maryland's Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program to include veterans' dependents (spouses or children) who were eligible for Chapter 35 veterans' educational benefits under federal law. It adds a new category to the program's eligibility criteria (section (d)(2)(vii)) and simplifies verification by allowing school officials to confirm Chapter 35 eligibility if applicants cannot obtain the required federal certificate (section (f)(1)). This change directly affects dependents of veterans with service-connected disabilities who previously faced barriers proving eligibility. The bill does not alter scholarship amounts or existing eligibility groups but makes the application process more accessible for this specific population.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 933 prohibits knowingly causing another person to ingest an abortion-inducing drug when the person knows or believes the other is pregnant and does so without consent, through fraud/coercion, or through force/threat of force. It directly affects individuals who coerce others into taking such medication, defining "abortion-inducing drug" as any substance designed to induce abortion. The bill amends Maryland’s criminal code to classify violations as a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 657 requires that when the government takes private property through eminent domain, property owners (defendants) receive compensation that includes not only the property's fair market value but also their legal fees and other costs incurred during the condemnation case. This bill directly affects property owners challenging government takings, ensuring they are reimbursed for expenses like attorney fees. The key provision amends Maryland law to explicitly add "any legal, expert, or other fees or costs of the action incurred by the defendant" to the damages formula. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 300 creates a specific felony offense for the theft of a handgun in Maryland, separate from general theft statutes. It directly affects anyone who steals a handgun or knowingly possesses one they believe was stolen. The bill amends the criminal law to establish that stealing a handgun automatically qualifies as a felony, regardless of the handgun's value, with penalties ranging from 5 years to 20 years in prison and restitution requirements based on the handgun's value. This replaces the standard theft thresholds (like the $1,500 minimum for other property) and applies strict penalties for handgun theft.
Maddy summarySB 10 removes "waste-to-energy" and "refuse-derived fuel" from the list of eligible sources under Maryland's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS). This change directly affects energy producers who previously counted waste-to-energy generation toward state renewable energy goals. The bill amends Maryland law to exclude these sources from Tier 1 renewable eligibility, effective October 1, 2025, for compliance years starting January 1, 2025. It does not alter other eligible sources like solar, wind, or qualifying biomass.
Maddy summarySB 137 allows veterans honorably discharged from military service to obtain a high school diploma if they withdrew from a public or private accredited high school to enlist during an armed conflict authorized by the U.S. President or Congress. It amends Maryland law to create a pathway for eligible veterans to apply to their county board (where they reside or where their school was located) to receive a diploma. The bill updates previous conflict-specific language (like WWII or Vietnam) to cover any authorized armed conflict. The policy change takes effect October 1, 2025, and requires county boards to establish application procedures. This directly affects veterans who left high school early for military service but did not graduate.
Maddy summarySB 312 establishes that Maryland residents aged 62 or older with a Golden Age Pass receive free day-use entry at state parks that charge fees, including coverage for all passengers in their vehicle under a per-vehicle fee system. It also eliminates boat launch fees for pass holders at any state park. The bill amends existing law (Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 5-1009) to formalize these benefits, which apply starting October 1, 2025. This directly affects seniors 62+ with the pass and their passengers when visiting state parks.
Maddy summaryThis bill reclassifies theft of firearms as a felony in Maryland, making it punishable under existing felony theft penalties regardless of the firearm's value. It directly affects individuals who steal firearms by subjecting them to felony charges instead of potential misdemeanor charges under current law. The key mechanism is amending Maryland's theft statute (Section 7-104) to explicitly include firearms in the felony classification, removing a prior exemption that allowed firearm theft to be treated as a misdemeanor if the value was below $1,500.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the Government Officials' Family Protection Act of 2025, prohibits threats of violence or kidnapping against state and local officials, their deputies, and their immediate family members. It defines "immediate family" as parents, spouses, and children, and bans both oral and written threats made with intent to cause harm. Violating this law is a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both. The law applies to officials including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State's Attorneys, and Public Defenders, and takes effect October 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis Maryland law requires public school and college coaches to receive training on identifying signs of mental health issues in student-athletes. The State Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Health will create specific guidelines covering depression, trauma, violence, youth suicide, and substance abuse. All public schools and higher education institutions with athletic programs must provide this training to their coaches starting July 1, 2024.