Maddy summarySB 343 modifies Maryland law to clarify how county school boards fund post-college and career readiness (post-CCR) pathways for students meeting college and career readiness (CCR) standards. It requires counties to provide free access to specific pathways (like International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, or career-technical programs) for all eligible students, but allows boards to establish income-based eligibility for the college-preparatory pathway (Section 7-205.1(g)(2)). Crucially, students from families earning below 400% of the federal poverty level must receive these pathways at no cost, regardless of income guidelines. The bill directly affects public high school students meeting CCR standards and ensures equitable access to pathways without cost barriers for low-income families.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 392 requires Maryland's Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) to create a grant and loan program funding research, product development, and manufacturing for Long COVID treatments. The program establishes the Maryland Long COVID Research Fund (a permanent, nonlapsing fund) and mandates MTDC to contract with an independent scientific review committee to evaluate and recommend funding for proposals. It directly affects public and private entities in Maryland conducting Long COVID research, requiring them to meet criteria set by MTDC for review and oversight. The bill defines Long COVID using the National Academy of Sciences' 2024 standard and ensures funds support treatment innovation through structured application and progress reviews.
Maddy summarySB 304 prevents Maryland auto insurers from raising premiums, adding fees, or removing discounts for private vehicle insurance when a driver has an accident with a free-roaming wild animal (like a deer) and wasn't at fault. It directly affects car insurance policyholders who experience such unavoidable collisions. The law specifically prohibits insurers from using these accident types as a reason to penalize customers through price increases or loss of discounts. The rule takes effect October 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 453 clarifies and strengthens prohibitions on specific contract terms in Maryland state contracts, directly affecting state agencies and contractors entering into agreements with the government. The bill bans provisions that would limit the state’s liability for damage to its property (like buildings or equipment), require binding arbitration, name specific courts for disputes, or automatically renew contracts without future funding. If a contract includes any prohibited term, that term is void and the contract is enforced as if the term never existed. The law applies to all state contracts except those related to racing facilities and takes effect October 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 590, titled the "Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act," updates Maryland's penalties for reckless, negligent, and aggressive driving. It directly affects drivers convicted of dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding 30+ mph over the limit (now a 6-point offense), reckless driving (max $1,000 fine or 60 days jail), and negligent driving (max $750 fine). The bill adds specific traffic violations - like running red lights, tailgating, or passing in no-passing zones - as elements that can trigger "aggressive driving" charges when committed in combination (two or more offenses during a single driving event). Key changes include removing outdated sections, renumbering penalty provisions, and clarifying that aggressive driving convictions carry a maximum $1,000 fine. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill renames Maryland's Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program to honor former Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. It updates the program's official name throughout state law to "Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program" without changing the program's structure, funding, or operations. The renaming applies to all references in Maryland's Natural Resources and State Government codes, including funding provisions and program administration details. The program - administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and focused on environmental conservation projects - remains unchanged in its purpose and implementation.
Maddy summarySB 911 increases Maryland's property tax exemption for blind individuals and their surviving spouses from $15,000 to $40,000 on their primary residence. The bill defines a "blind individual" as someone with a permanent visual impairment meeting specific medical criteria and clarifies that the exemption applies to the assessed value of a dwelling house (including the lot and necessary structures). Surviving spouses who haven't remarried become eligible for the exemption after the blind individual's death. The bill also specifies that individuals cannot claim both this exemption and another specific property tax exemption, though they may use it alongside other available exemptions.
Maddy summarySB 451 requires Maryland's Department of Labor to allow adult learners to take all components of the General Educational Development (GED) exam in their preferred language, rather than only in English. This directly affects adults seeking high school diplomas through examination, particularly non-native English speakers and English language learners under 21 with interrupted education. The bill also mandates the Department to study offering the exam in additional languages and report findings to legislative committees by December 2026. These changes aim to make the diploma-by-examination process more accessible for diverse language learners.
Maddy summarySB 358 requires Maryland's Governor to include $450,000 annually in the state budget for the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library starting in fiscal year 2026. It mandates the library to submit its annual operating budget to the State Library Agency by June 1 each year. The bill directs the library to conduct needs assessments for deaf patrons, develop staff training on deaf culture, create a coordination website, and form partnerships with deaf organizations and county libraries. This directly affects the library's operations, county library systems, and deaf and hard of hearing residents across Maryland.
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.