Sen. Jason Gallion

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 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.

Maddy summarySB 275, the Modernization of Military Laws Act, updates Maryland's legal definitions and processes affecting veterans, active service members, and military families. It standardizes key terms like "uniformed services" and "veteran" across state laws, expands the veteran definition to include certain health service members, and requires the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families to create policies supporting military life transitions. The bill modifies election rules to simplify candidacy filings for service members unable to file in person, adjusts cemetery and housing discrimination protections, and updates state government procedures to better serve military-connected individuals. These changes aim to streamline access to rights and benefits for military personnel and veterans within Maryland's legal framework.

Maddy summarySB 278 expands Maryland's definition of "uniformed services" to include members of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), previously limited to only the armed forces. This change updates how "veteran" status is defined in state law, ensuring these service members qualify for state benefits. The bill requires Maryland's tax and pension programs to apply equally to all uniformed services, eliminating prior exclusions for non-military personnel. It directly affects service members in the Public Health Service and NOAA, granting them parity in state tax relief, pensions, and other benefits.

Maddy summarySB 282, the "Recreational Equality for Service Members Act," expands access to recreational benefits for active-duty service members, veterans, and their vehicles. It modifies Maryland law to exempt these individuals from paying certain entrance fees when entering state parks (under Section 9-901) and prevents fishing licenses in tidal waters from lapsing during active duty (Section 1-405). The bill also broadens the definition of "veteran" to include members of the Public Health Service and NOAA Commissioned Corps, aligning with federal definitions. These changes directly affect uniformed service members, veterans, and their families seeking access to state parks and fishing opportunities.

Maddy summarySB 276 updates Maryland's education laws to include all uniformed services members (not just military personnel) in eligibility for educator certification. It revises definitions to clarify that "veteran" includes those discharged within one year of applying for certification, and expands "eligible spouse" to cover spouses of uniformed services members. The bill creates an expedited process for service members, veterans discharged within one year, and their spouses to obtain teaching licenses, requiring only a valid out-of-state license and meeting basic qualifications. This affects applicants for educator certificates across Maryland's public schools and aligns state law with broader federal definitions of uniformed services.

Maddy summarySB 279, the "Employment and Insurance Equality for Service Members Act," expands protections for service members and veterans by broadening definitions and regulations across Maryland law. It updates terms like "uniformed services" to cover all military personnel (not just the armed forces) and requires businesses, insurance providers, and labor laws to apply equally to all service members and veterans. Key changes include new provisions for veteran-owned small business loans, updated insurance regulations, and revised employment protections to prevent discrimination. The bill directly affects service members, veterans, and businesses operating under Maryland’s licensing and insurance rules.

Maddy summarySB 1047 restricts fundraising activities by Maryland state elected officials during regular legislative sessions. It prohibits the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, and State legislators (or their representatives) from receiving contributions, hosting events, or soliciting funds for federal, state, or local candidates or campaign committees while the legislature is in session. Exceptions include activities solely related to an official’s own election campaign, gubernatorial public financing under specific rules, and accepting electronic contributions made before the session began. Violations result in civil penalties paid into the Fair Campaign Financing Fund.

Maddy summarySB 534 requires local election boards in Maryland to pay election judges only *after* they serve on election day or early voting day, rather than upfront for training. It sets minimum compensation at $250 per day for new judges and $350 per day for returning judges (an additional $100), plus $50 for completing required training. Public school students can now earn service-learning graduation hours while also receiving election judge pay. The bill changes existing election law to ensure payments align with actual service and affects local election boards, all election judges, and eligible public school students. It takes effect 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.