Sen. Bryan Simonaire

Maddy summaryThis bill requires boat operators involved in collisions causing injury or death to immediately stop near the scene and remain until they provide assistance and information. For injuries, operators must give their name, address, and vessel ID to affected people; for deaths, the requirements are stricter. Violating these duties can result in fines up to $10,000 or jail time up to 10 years, depending on whether serious injury or death occurred. Operators must also report accidents involving property damage over $2,000 or death/disappearance within 48 hours to the state.

Maddy summarySB 277, the "Health Equality for Service Members Act," updates Maryland law to include members of the Public Health Service and NOAA Commissioned Corps under the definitions of "uniformed services" and "veteran." This change ensures these service members qualify for state health programs, housing assistance, and veterans' benefits currently available to military veterans. The bill amends multiple sections of Maryland’s health, housing, and veterans’ codes to apply these provisions broadly. It directly affects service members in these federal health agencies who were previously excluded from state-level benefits.

Maddy summarySB 182 expands Maryland's Veterans Service Animal Program to include spouses and dependents of eligible veterans as direct participants. The bill amends existing law to define "eligible family member" as a spouse or dependent and updates program purposes and participant definitions to explicitly cover them. Under this change, family members meeting the veteran's eligibility criteria (active military service, honorable discharge, and Maryland residency or VA care in-state) can now access the program. The program provides referrals to nonprofit trainers for service dogs, support dogs, or therapy horses, with funding and training support through the state Department. This change directly affects family members of qualifying veterans who previously could not participate in the program.

Maddy summarySB 310 revises Maryland's Youth Suicide Prevention School Program to require schools to teach students about the link between gambling and youth suicide. The bill amends curriculum standards (sections 7-501(2) and 7-504(b)(1)(ii) of the Maryland Annotated Code) to explicitly include gambling as a factor related to youth suicide, alongside drug and alcohol use. This change affects all public schools receiving state funding for suicide prevention programs, mandating classroom instruction that increases awareness of gambling's connection to suicide risk. The policy update responds to research showing youth gambling rates are rising (17.5% of high school students reported gambling in the past year) and that gambling problems correlate with higher suicide attempts among young adults. The bill does not alter funding or program structure but specifies new educational content for existing suicide prevention curricula.

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 114 requires state licensing units (like those for professions or trades) to allow veterans to request a "veteran status" notation on their occupational licenses. Veterans applying for or renewing a license can voluntarily provide documentation (such as a DD-214 or state certification) to have this notation added. Licensees who consent can also be contacted by state agencies about eligibility for veterans' benefits. The bill aims to streamline access to benefits by connecting license applications directly to veterans' eligibility determination. It takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 85, the Braille Flag Memorial Act of 2025, requires Maryland's Department of Veterans and Military Families to place American braille tactile flags in one or more state veterans' cemeteries by October 1, 2025. These tactile flags, designed for blind or visually impaired individuals to experience the American flag through touch, directly benefit blind veterans and visually impaired visitors to the cemeteries. The bill amends existing law to mandate this placement at no additional cost, building on Maryland's existing five state veterans' cemeteries. It is a commemorative measure focused on accessibility and honoring veterans, with no new benefits or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 67) allows Maryland health occupations boards (like those licensing nurses or therapists) to add a voluntary "veteran status" notation to professional licenses, certificates, or registrations. Applicants can provide documentation (such as a DD-214 or state certification) and consent to have this notation included, which helps state and federal agencies determine eligibility for veterans' benefits. Boards must share relevant applicant information with benefits agencies upon request but cannot disclose it without consent. The change affects veterans applying for or renewing health profession licenses in Maryland.

Maddy summarySB 281, the Transportation Equality for Service Members Act, updates Maryland’s legal definitions to ensure transportation benefits apply consistently to all uniformed services. It expands the definition of "veteran" under state law to include members of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who meet federal veteran criteria, directly affecting these service members and veterans in transportation-related programs. The bill amends specific sections of Maryland’s transportation and state government codes (notably Section 1-117) to align definitions of "uniformed services," "service member," and "veteran" with federal standards, ensuring eligibility for transportation benefits like parking and transit access.

Maddy summarySB 89 requires the Maryland Department of the Environment to establish a process where professional boards under its oversight must add a veteran status notation to licenses or certificates for applicants who voluntarily provide documentation (like a DD-214 or VA certification). This notation allows the state to electronically share relevant applicant information with veteran benefits agencies to assist in determining eligibility for state and federal veterans benefits. The bill directly affects veterans applying for environment-related professional licenses (e.g., environmental engineers, health specialists) who consent to the notation. It creates a standardized, voluntary mechanism for connecting license holders with benefits programs without altering existing benefits. The process becomes effective October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 280, the *Judicial and Public Safety for Service Members Act*, updates Maryland law to ensure legal protections apply consistently to all uniformed service members (not just veterans) in judicial, criminal, family, and public safety matters. It revises definitions in key laws to replace "veteran" with "uniformed services" and expands the application of court procedures, corrections policies, criminal laws, family law, and public safety regulations to cover active-duty and reserve service members. The bill adds new provisions (e.g., in family law and public safety sections) to address service-related circumstances, such as deployment impacts on custody or safety protocols. This directly affects service members navigating Maryland’s legal system during active duty or in related legal proceedings.