Sen. Johnny Mautz

Maddy summarySB 608 requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Plan) and certain health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and health maintenance organizations to cover single-gene and multigene pharmacogenomic testing starting July 1, 2027. This applies specifically when a treating provider orders the test for patients with depression or anxiety who are considering a medication change, dose adjustment, or addition with a known gene-drug interaction. The bill limits prior authorization requirements to ensure timely access, mandating clear pathways, minimal documentation, and sufficient time for submissions without creating unnecessary delays. Noncompliance could result in penalties of up to $10,000 per violation plus $1,000 daily until resolved. The law aims to improve medication safety and effectiveness by making this genetic testing accessible for targeted patient groups.

Maddy summarySB 917 clarifies the scope of practice for audiologists in Maryland by updating the legal definition of "practice audiology." It directly affects licensed audiologists by explicitly including the ordering and performing of in-office, non-radiographic scanning or imaging of the ear for auditory or vestibular conditions. The bill adds this specific imaging authority to existing duties like diagnosing ear conditions and fitting hearing aids, while clarifying that audiologists cannot perform surgeries, cochlear implant procedures, or prepare radiographic imaging. The change takes effect October 1, 2026, and aims to align legal definitions with current clinical practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to permanently define Maryland's state flag as the version adopted in 1904, which features the Calvert and Crossland family coats of arms. The legislation would update state laws to align with this constitutional definition and remove previous statutory language about the flag. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, the change would make the 1904 flag design the official state symbol under the Maryland Constitution. The bill does not alter the flag's appearance but clarifies its legal status and ensures future consistency in how the flag is recognized.

Maddy summarySB 751 exempts "farm area motor vehicles" from Maryland's standard vehicle security requirements. Specifically, it defines these vehicles as those owned by farmers and operated only on their farm or within a 25-mile radius, removing them from rules requiring proof of security (like insurance or registration documents) when used for farm-related purposes. The bill amends Maryland’s Transportation Code to clarify this exemption in Sections 13-935 and 17-102, directly affecting farmers who operate vehicles within this defined radius. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 912 exempts certain historic vehicles from Maryland's mandatory emissions inspections. It applies specifically to vehicles that were registered as historic under Maryland law before July 1, 2025, but lost that status solely due to a 2025 law change (Chapter 604). Owners must certify the vehicle’s prior historic registration date to qualify for the exemption. The bill modifies existing emissions inspection rules (Maryland Code, Transportation Article § 23-206.2) to create this specific exception, effective July 1, 2026. This directly affects owners of qualifying historic vehicles who would otherwise face inspection requirements.

Maddy summarySB 913 amends Maryland's vehicle tinting law to allow out-of-state physicians licensed to practice medicine to issue medical exemptions for window tint darker than the standard 35% light transmittance requirement. It directly affects Maryland drivers with medical conditions (like light sensitivity) requiring darker tint, who previously needed an exemption from a Maryland-licensed physician. The bill removes the 2-year expiration limit for medical exemptions, allowing indefinite validity if a physician certifies a permanent condition. This change simplifies the process for out-of-state medical providers and individuals with ongoing health needs, while maintaining the core 35% light transmittance rule for non-exempt vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 969 requires Maryland health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations to cover the full duration of long-term antibiotic treatment (over 4 weeks) for Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses when ordered by a licensed physician for treatment purposes. It prohibits these entities from imposing limits on treatment length or denying coverage solely because the treatment is labeled "unproven," "experimental," or "investigational." The law applies to all health insurance policies issued, delivered, or renewed in Maryland on or after January 1, 2027, directly affecting patients diagnosed with these conditions and their insurers. This ensures consistent coverage for extended antibiotic therapy without arbitrary restrictions based on treatment classification.

Maddy summarySB 976 increases the annual salary for the judge of Wicomico County's Orphans' Court from $11,600 to $16,000, effective July 1, 2026. The bill amends Maryland's Annotated Code (Article - Estates and Trusts, Section 2-108(v)(1)) to set this new salary amount, paid quarterly. It applies only to judges serving terms beginning after the effective date, not to current judges in office before July 1, 2026. This is a direct compensation adjustment for one specific judicial position in Wicomico County.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to verify that the state owns railroad corridor property in fee simple through a title search before developing it for recreational use. It amends existing laws to clarify procedures for acquiring and using abandoned railroad corridors for trails, including requirements for public hearings and coordination with other state agencies. The legislation applies specifically to the Department of Natural Resources when it plans to convert abandoned rail corridors into public recreational spaces.

Maddy summarySB 896 updates Maryland's vehicle registration fee structure for multiple vehicle classes, directly affecting all vehicle owners in the state. It increases annual fees for passenger cars (e.g., from $50.50 to $80.50 for lighter vehicles after July 2025), for-hire vehicles (e.g., rideshares from $150 to $180), ambulances/funeral vehicles (from $100 to $130), and motorcycles (from $35 to $65). Truck fees are revised based on gross weight, with a new $63.75 base fee for smaller trucks under 7,000 lbs and updated rates for construction vehicles. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, as specified in the bill.