Sen. Dawn Gile

Maddy summarySB 949 establishes rules for operating fully autonomous vehicles (level 4 or 5 systems) on Maryland highways without a human driver. It requires these vehicles to achieve a "minimal risk condition" if the system fails, display manufacturer certification labels, and meet federal safety standards. Transportation companies using autonomous vehicles must submit law enforcement interaction plans (detailing communication, towing, and recognition protocols) and proof of security to the state administration. The bill directly affects manufacturers, ride-hailing services, and other ground transportation companies operating autonomous fleets in Maryland. It treats the automated driving system as the legal "operator" for compliance with vehicle laws and crash reporting.

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 summaryMaryland's SB 346 establishes a refund program for beverage containers to boost recycling and reduce litter. It requires all redeemable containers sold in the state to display refund information, includes the refund value in both wholesale and retail prices, and mandates retailers to show this on customer receipts. Producers must register with the state, pay fees, and join a stewardship organization to manage the program, while counties can create redemption facilities to help meet recycling targets. The law aims to increase container reuse and recycling rates, reduce pollution from discarded containers, and fund public water refill stations through a new grant program. This directly affects beverage producers, retailers, consumers, and local governments managing redemption sites.

Maddy summarySB 659 requires Maryland's Commissioner of Financial Regulation to create consumer protection rules for electronic money transfers initiated by banks and credit unions operating in the state. These regulations must align with federal standards for electronic funds transfers under 15 U.S.C. § 1693(a)(7). The law applies to all financial institutions conducting domestic electronic transfers in Maryland and takes effect October 1, 2025. It focuses on standardizing protections without specifying additional elder-focused measures beyond the federal baseline.

Maddy summarySB 460 exempts the sale of cut flowers from Maryland's sales and use tax, effective July 1, 2025. This directly affects retailers selling cut flowers (like florists or grocery stores) and customers purchasing them, while maintaining existing exemptions for uncut/living flowers, sod, and nursery products. The bill adds a specific provision to Maryland's tax code (Section 11-201(c)) to clarify that cut flowers are not subject to sales tax, removing ambiguity from prior rules. It does not change tax treatment for other floral products or agricultural sales.

Maddy summarySB 426, the Procurement Reform Act of 2025, reorganizes Maryland's state procurement system by giving the Chief Procurement Officer more authority to delegate tasks and manage contracts. It modifies thresholds for public notices, reports, and small business preferences, and requires contractors over a certain value to submit workforce diversity plans. The bill establishes a new preference for businesses with "good labor practices," transfers the Employment Works Program to a new office, and clarifies rules for expedited contracts and apprenticeship requirements. These changes directly affect state agencies, contractors, and small businesses participating in Maryland procurement.

Maddy summarySB 530 expands the statewide application of speed monitoring systems in residential districts by revising Maryland’s vehicle laws. It requires all speed limit signs on highways within residential districts (defined as areas adjacent to residences for at least 300 feet) to display clear signage indicating speed monitoring systems are active. The bill also mandates public notice of system locations, real-time speed displays at certain sites, and ensures signage complies with state traffic control standards. Existing permitted locations (like Indian Head Highway, I-83, and specific school zones) remain unchanged under this statewide rule. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 549, the "Stop Silencing Survivors Act," creates legal immunity for individuals who in good faith disclose information about alleged sexually assaultive behavior. It protects such disclosures from liability, presuming good faith unless proven otherwise (e.g., with actual malice or reckless falsehoods), and requires courts to award attorney fees to successful defenders. The bill directly affects people making disclosures (e.g., employers, schools, or colleagues reporting allegations) and those facing lawsuits over such disclosures. It amends Maryland’s Courts and Judicial Proceedings code to establish these protections, focusing on concrete legal changes rather than outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow dentists and dental hygienists licensed in Maryland to practice in other states that join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact without needing full re-licensing. It creates a "Compact Privilege" that streamlines interstate practice, avoiding duplicate requirements like separate exams or background checks. The compact requires practitioners to follow each state's scope of practice rules and maintains each state's authority to regulate and discipline professionals. It aims to improve access to dental care in underserved areas, address workforce shortages, and support military families relocating across state lines. Maryland would join an existing multi-state agreement, with oversight provided by a dedicated Commission.

Maddy summarySB 406 requires Maryland's Medicaid program and certain private health insurers (including nonprofit health plans and health maintenance organizations) to cover orthoses - custom-designed devices treating neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions - starting January 1, 2026. The law mandates annual coverage for the devices themselves, repairs, and replacements when medically necessary due to physiological changes or device damage (not misuse), with no higher copays than other medical benefits. It prohibits separate lifetime dollar limits for orthosis coverage and aligns medical necessity standards with Medicare guidelines, covering activities like daily living, job tasks, and physical therapy. This applies to all Medicaid enrollees and individuals covered under qualifying health insurance policies in Maryland.