Maddy summarySB 1026, the Maryland Secondary Market Stability Act of 2025, exempts certain entities from needing a financial services license when they acquire mortgages, mortgage loans, or installment loans under specific conditions. It applies to buyers who do not otherwise make mortgages (for mortgage acquisitions), do not engage in mortgage lending (for mortgage loans), or rely on others to service loans without making them themselves (for installment loans). The bill also establishes the Maryland Licensing Workgroup, composed of regulators, consumer advocates, banking representatives, and experts, to study and recommend changes to licensing requirements for financial service providers. This bill directly affects non-bank investors and secondary market entities purchasing loans without operating as lenders.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1040 (FEDERAL Jobs Act of 2025) creates an Expedited Hiring Program within Maryland's Department of Budget and Management to recruit former federal employees for state government positions. It directly affects eligible applicants who previously worked for the federal government for at least one year and left after January 15, 2025, as well as state appointing authorities responsible for filling vacancies. Key provisions require appointing authorities to fill eligible vacancies within 40 days, modify job descriptions to appeal to former federal workers, and implement marketing, applicant rating, and referral processes. The program aims to leverage federal expertise for state roles while operating under the State Personnel Management System.
Maddy summarySB 683 (Protect Our Federal Workers Act) renames the "Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund" to the "Federal Government Employee Assistance Loan Fund" and expands its eligibility. The bill allows Maryland to use funds from the Catastrophic Event Account to assist federal workers affected by closures, relocations, or mass layoffs of federal offices (beyond just government shutdowns). It specifically adds these new circumstances to the Fund’s purpose, enabling loans to Maryland-resident federal employees who lost pay during shutdowns *or* were terminated due to federal facility changes beyond their control. The bill modifies existing Maryland law (Sections 7-324 and 7-327) to formalize these changes, ensuring the Fund remains continuously available for these purposes.
Maddy summarySB 342, the "Voting Rights Act of 2025," prohibits counties and municipalities from using election methods that dilute or abridge voting rights for protected classes (defined as racial, color, or language minority groups under federal law). It directly affects voters in these local jurisdictions by requiring election systems to allow members of protected classes to elect candidates of their choice. The key mechanism establishes that a violation occurs if elections show "polarized voting" (where voting patterns differ between protected classes and the broader electorate) and the election method dilutes their voting strength. Courts must evaluate this using federal methodologies for enforcing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, applying only to local county and municipal elections - not statewide contests.
Maddy summarySB 306 requires Maryland's Workers' Compensation Commission to regulate how prescription drugs and pharmacy services are reimbursed under workers' compensation. It limits reimbursements to a cost index based on the drug's acquisition price per unit at dispensing time, plus reasonable dispensing fees. This affects injured workers needing medication, healthcare providers billing for these services, and the Commission that enforces the rules. The bill aims to cap payments at community-standard rates for similar care, effective October 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 8 establishes the Maryland Civic Excellence Program, a voluntary initiative for public school systems in Maryland to recognize student civic engagement. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, participating schools must award a "Seal of Civic Excellence" to students who pass a government assessment, earn A or B grades in U.S. history, modern world history, and American government, and complete 75 hours of community service (including at least 30 hours on a civic project). Schools may also earn a "Center of Civic Excellence" designation if 50% or more of their graduating students receive the seal. Participating school systems must submit annual reports on the program starting in 2027.
Maddy summarySB 1002 exempts video lottery operators and sports wagering facility licensees from Maryland's security guard certification requirements. The bill amends Maryland law (specifically Sections 19-101(m) and related provisions) to remove these entities from the legal definition of "security guard employer," meaning they no longer need to ensure security guards are certified by the State Police. This change directly affects businesses operating video lottery terminals (like casino-style games) and licensed sports betting venues. The exemption applies to security guards employed directly by these facilities, not security guard agencies or other employers.
Maddy summarySB 697 requires the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) to base any premium discounts it offers to drivers on the driver's income level and to ensure those discounts are supported by actuarial analysis (meaning they must align with statistical risk assessment). This change directly affects MAIF and drivers who receive discounts, as it mandates income-based calculations instead of other methods. The bill also requires MAIF to provide evidence that discount structures are actuarially sound. The new rules will take effect on October 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 446 increases the maximum deductible amount unit owners must pay when damage originates from their unit, raising it from $10,000 to $25,000. The bill requires condominium councils to annually notify each unit owner in writing about their deductible responsibility and the specific amount. Any deductible cost exceeding $25,000 becomes a common expense shared by all owners. This change directly affects residential condominium unit owners in Maryland whose units cause damage, modifying how insurance deductibles are allocated after covered incidents. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 475 prohibits Maryland health insurance carriers from requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits for health care services included in a "two-sided incentive arrangement" between the carrier and eligible providers. Eligible providers include licensed physicians or groups of health care practitioners (such as accountable care organizations) who voluntarily participate in these value-based contracts. The bill also establishes specific rules for these arrangements, including limiting recoupment to 50% of excess costs and requiring quarterly cost disclosures to providers. This directly affects how insurers interact with participating providers for covered services under these specific contracts.