Sen. Dawn Gile

Maddy summarySB 491 defines "honorable discharge" for Maryland state benefits to include discharges solely based on sexual orientation or gender identity, discharges related to statements/acts about orientation/identity (if prohibited at the time), or discharges tied to PTSD/TBI diagnoses or disclosed sexual trauma at VA facilities. This change directly affects veterans applying for Maryland state programs like housing, education, or employment benefits. Veterans must now submit documentation explaining their discharge basis to qualify under this expanded definition. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 617 creates a new limited license category for eyelash extension services under Maryland's cosmetology licensing system. It updates definitions in state law to explicitly include "providing eyelash extension services" in the scope of both "practice cosmetology" (Section 5-101(n)(v)) and "provide esthetic services" (Section 5-101(o)(iii)). This allows the State Board of Cosmetologists to issue a specific limited license for eyelash extensions, covering services like applying primers, adhesives, extensions, and sealants. The bill directly affects cosmetologists and technicians seeking to legally offer eyelash extensions in Maryland.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the name of a Habitat for Humanity affiliate to "Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, Incorporated" to qualify for an existing property tax credit in Anne Arundel County. It amends Maryland tax law to replace the previous organization name in the provision allowing county/municipal tax credits against property taxes for real property owned by this specific nonprofit. The credit applies to properties owned by the renamed organization, with local governing bodies setting the credit terms. The change affects only this organization's eligibility for the current tax credit program, not the credit's structure or scope. The bill takes effect June 1, 2025, for taxable years after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 131 authorizes Anne Arundel County or its municipalities to offer a property tax credit against personal property taxes for supermarkets that complete eligible construction (new stores or major renovations) in designated "food desert retail incentive areas." To qualify, supermarkets must meet specific criteria, including having major food departments, deriving over 50% of sales from food, and dedicating over 50% of floor space to food sales. The county must define food desert areas, and the credit cannot exceed the actual personal property tax owed, with local governments able to set additional limits or requirements. The bill takes effect June 1, 2025, for taxable years after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 49 requires businesses offering automatic renewals (like subscriptions) to clearly display renewal terms - including price changes and cancellation methods - before purchase. It mandates that consumers can cancel easily through the same channel used to sign up (e.g., a simple app button or email link), without delays or extra steps. Businesses must also send advance notice before renewing and cannot automatically charge credit cards for these services. This directly affects consumers who use subscription services and the businesses selling them, treating violations as unfair business practices under Maryland law.

Maddy summarySB 689 requires banks and credit unions to include a specific provision in conventional home mortgage loans, allowing one borrower to assume the other’s mortgage share when a divorce decree is granted. It mandates that financial institutions disclose this assumption option in writing to loan applicants before the application is finalized. The bill applies only to conventional mortgages (not government-insured loans) and affects divorcing borrowers seeking to transfer property ownership. Key provisions include requiring the assumption clause in loan contracts and ensuring written disclosure prior to loan approval.

Maddy summarySB 307 increases the scholarship award for student members of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education from $8,000 to $15,000. This change applies to students who complete a full term on the board and can use the scholarship toward higher education costs. The bill amends Maryland's Education Code (Sections 3-2A-01 and 3-2A-07) to update the scholarship amount, effective June 1, 2025. It directly affects student board members by providing greater financial support for their education. The policy change is limited to the scholarship amount, with no other provisions altering board composition or compensation for other members.

Maddy summarySB 431, the Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act, creates new programs to expand apprenticeships in Maryland. It allows the State Board of Plumbing to waive journey plumber license exams for those completing approved apprenticeships and authorizes the Secretary of Labor to waive exams for other licenses after approved training. The bill establishes the Maryland Apprenticeship Incentive Pay Per Apprentice Program, which provides payments to employers for each apprentice they train, funded by a new nonlapsing special fund. These changes directly affect apprentices, employers offering training, and licensing boards by reducing barriers to entry and incentivizing employer participation in registered apprenticeship programs.

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.