Maddy summarySB 710 exempts retirees from Maryland's Correctional Officers' Retirement System from having their retirement benefits reduced if they return to work as correctional officers or parole/probation staff in specific state correctional facilities. The bill amends pension law to remove the earnings offset requirement for these retirees when reemployed by the Division of Corrections, Division of Pretrial Detention, or Patuxent Institution for up to four years. This directly affects correctional officers who retired from the system and are rehired in authorized roles within state correctional facilities. The change ensures their retirement payments remain unchanged during this reemployment period, unlike the standard rule that reduces benefits for most other retirees returning to work.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 638 amends Maryland law to adjust funding rules for the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. It removes previous limits on grant coverage (previously capping at 50% of project costs), allowing the Authority to fund more of certified heritage area management projects. The bill also reduces the portion of Program Open Space funds that can cover the Authority’s operating expenses from 10% to 7%, while increasing the maximum transferable funding to the Authority’s Financing Fund. This directly affects local jurisdictions, heritage area management entities, and the Authority itself by changing how they access and use state funds for preservation and development.
Maddy summarySB 21 modifies Maryland's Golden Age Pass program to provide free day-use entry at all state parks with service fees for residents aged 62+ who hold the pass. It also allows pass holders to launch boats at any state park without fees and extends free entry to all passengers in their vehicle when a per-vehicle fee applies. The bill changes overnight camping discounts to apply Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays), replacing the previous Sunday-Thursday schedule. The changes will take effect October 1, 2026, and directly affect eligible seniors visiting Maryland state parks.
Maddy summarySB 96 updates terminology in Maryland's Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program by removing the word "active" before "service member" throughout the law. This change clarifies that the program serves all service members (including those not currently on active duty), veterans, and their families, without altering eligibility criteria or funding. The bill specifically revises definitions in Section 7.5-210(a)(2)(i), (b)(2), and (e)(1)(ii) to replace "active service member" with "service member." It does not create new benefits or change who qualifies for grants, only how the program describes its target population. The change aims to align the law with the program's actual scope and improve clarity.
Maddy summarySB 37 revises the rules allowing nonprofit training entities to disqualify participants from Maryland's Children's Service Animal Program and Veterans Service Animal Program. It clarifies the specific circumstances under which disqualification is permitted, such as when a participant poses a direct threat to others, the animal's well-being, or fails to meet training requirements. The bill does not change eligibility criteria for participants (children with specific health needs or veterans/family members) or alter program funding. It updates the legal language in existing statutes (Health-General §13-4104 and State Government §9-957(e)) to make disqualification standards clearer and more consistent. The changes will take effect October 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 257 requires the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to include specific details in its annual report to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Environment and Transportation Committee. The report must state how much money from a tax on transfers of woodland property was distributed to the Mel Noland Woodland Incentives and Fellowship Fund in the previous fiscal year, plus any uncertainties about that amount. This bill does not change the Fund’s purpose or funding sources but mandates clearer annual reporting for transparency. The reporting requirement applies to annual reports due September 30 each year, effective July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 161 would allow veterans to enter Maryland state parks without paying daily entry fees by presenting a valid veteran ID card, a driver's license indicating veteran status, or other department-accepted documentation proving veteran status. It applies to the veteran themselves and their vehicle, exempting both from standard daily entry and per-vehicle fees. The exemption does not cover additional fees for park facilities like picnic areas or boat rentals. This bill amends existing law to expand fee exemptions for veterans at state parks.
Maddy summarySB 83 expands disciplinary grounds for Maryland's health occupations boards by adding two new criteria: being disciplined by any branch of the uniformed services or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and being convicted or disciplined by a court in any state or country (specifically for naturopathic doctors). The bill amends multiple sections across Maryland's health licensing laws, including those governing dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, and physical therapists. It directly affects licensed health professionals whose disciplinary actions occur outside Maryland, including federal military or court rulings. The policy change requires Maryland boards to consider these external disciplinary actions when evaluating license eligibility or discipline. This update aligns disciplinary standards with broader professional conduct oversight.
Maddy summarySB 419 revises Maryland's licensing requirements for massage therapists by phasing out registration in favor of licensure, effective November 1, 2026. It increases the required training from 600 to 750 hours for licensure, repeals outdated registration standards, and removes a requirement for hearings before imposing administrative penalties. Current registered massage therapists can continue practicing until October 31, 2026, after which they must obtain a license. This affects all practitioners seeking to practice massage therapy in Maryland, including current registrants and new applicants.
Maddy summarySB 601 requires all Maryland local school systems to designate a cybersecurity point of contact by 2027 and comply with state minimum cybersecurity standards established by the Department of Information Technology. Schools must conduct a cybersecurity maturity assessment every two years and certify compliance annually by June 30, starting in 2027. The bill repeals a previous requirement that county boards prioritize purchasing digital devices with certain funds and instead mandates annual reporting on cybersecurity expenditures. It also directs the Department of Information Technology to annually review and update the state cybersecurity standards. This bill directly affects all public school systems in Maryland, focusing on strengthening cybersecurity practices rather than device procurement.