Sen. Dawn Gile

Maddy summarySB 895 transfers oversight of Maryland's school mapping data program from the Center to the Department of State Police. It requires public safety agencies producing school mapping data to meet specific technical standards, including compatibility with emergency response software, true north orientation, detailed building/grounds labeling (like hazard locations and room numbers), and verification via physical walkthroughs. The bill also modifies funding rules to allow the Safe Schools Fund to support this mapping program, previously restricted to other safety initiatives. This affects all local school systems required to create standardized digital maps for emergency responders.

Maddy summarySB 9 establishes an annual tax-free day on November 11 (Veterans Day) in Maryland starting in 2026. It exempts sales tax on items costing less than $2,000 purchased by veterans, provided they show valid ID (like a driver's license or government ID) indicating veteran status. The Comptroller may suspend this tax-free day at their sole discretion. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly benefiting eligible veterans making qualifying purchases.

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 962 prohibits individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack from holding specific government positions. The bill applies to those convicted regardless of subsequent pardons and bars them from serving on state boards/commissions, in executive government roles, or in special appointments. Appointing authorities must immediately remove anyone violating this law. It does not apply to standing committees or committees established under Title 2 of state law. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 273 expands eligibility for Maryland's Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program to include individuals currently eligible for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Benefit. This change directly affects family members of veterans or military personnel who qualify for Chapter 35 benefits but were previously excluded from the scholarship program. The bill adds a new verification method: applicants can submit a copy of their Chapter 35 eligibility certificate, or school officials can verify their Chapter 35 status if a certificate is unavailable. These updates simplify the process for qualifying individuals to access the scholarship, which supports education costs for dependents of military personnel, veterans, 9/11 survivors, and school employees injured or killed in line of duty.

Maddy summarySB 229 designates May as Maryland Native Plant Month by requiring the Governor to annually issue a proclamation. The proclamation urges educational organizations, environmental groups, and businesses to host events and activities celebrating native plants. It defines "native plant" as species naturally occurring in Maryland before colonial settlement or listed on the Maryland Plant Atlas. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and creates no new funding or regulatory requirements - only an annual recognition effort.

Maddy summarySB 446 requires ticket sellers (including venues, promoters, and secondary marketplaces like StubHub) to clearly disclose all fees and taxes at every step of a ticket purchase, not just at checkout. It bans selling "speculative tickets" (tickets not owned by the seller at time of sale) and gives consumers, artists, or venues the right to sue for violations. Successful lawsuits can recover up to $10,000 for first violations or $25,000 for repeat offenses. Sellers must also provide full refunds for counterfeit tickets, canceled events, or misrepresented tickets. The law updates Maryland’s ticket pricing rules to improve transparency and consumer remedies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes standards and requirements for fully autonomous vehicles operating on Maryland highways without a human driver. It defines key terms such as fully autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, and operational design domains to clarify what qualifies under the law. The legislation requires these vehicles to safely reach a minimal risk condition if the system fails and ensures that data collected by them is subject to Maryland's Online Data Privacy Act. Additionally, the bill updates existing commercial and transportation laws to include specific provisions for autonomous vehicle operations and data handling.

Maddy summarySB 695 regulates how businesses and government entities can use driver's license or ID card swiping. It prohibits swiping except for specific purposes like verifying identity during purchases, checking age for restricted goods, preventing fraud, or processing payments. Businesses may not store, sell, or share personal details (like license numbers) collected through swiping, except for limited data (name, address, date of birth, ID number) when used for fraud prevention or payment processing. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, with enforcement by the Attorney General. The bill applies to retailers, financial institutions, and government agencies handling such data.

Maddy summarySB 894 requires third-party litigation financiers (companies that fund lawsuits in exchange for a share of settlements) to obtain licenses under Maryland's consumer loan laws before providing financing. It mandates that all parties in a civil case must immediately disclose litigation financing contracts to other parties and insurers, regardless of whether a case has formally started. The bill also allows courts to consider financing details during discovery and classifies such financing as a loan subject to existing consumer lending regulations. These rules directly affect plaintiffs, attorneys, and financiers by increasing transparency in how lawsuits are funded.

Maddy summarySB 616 creates a Maryland registry requiring businesses that collect and sell personal data (like names, addresses, biometric information, or Social Security numbers) to register annually with the state Comptroller. It defines "data brokers" as entities selling "brokered personal data" but excludes credit bureaus, banks under federal law, and nonprofits assisting law enforcement. The law mandates registration for qualifying businesses to operate, focusing on transparency around how personal data is collected and sold. It specifically covers sensitive data types (e.g., facial recognition, DNA sequences) while clarifying exclusions to avoid overlapping with federal regulations.