Sen. William Folden

Maddy summarySB 151 creates a $3,000 refundable Maryland income tax credit for residents who live with and care for a parent aged 70 or older. To qualify, individuals must reside with the parent for at least six months, provide care, not be claimed as a dependent, and have income under $92,000 (single) or $143,000 (joint). The credit is refundable, meaning taxpayers can receive cash if the credit exceeds their state income tax liability. The bill takes effect for 2026 tax years and includes annual income adjustments for inflation.

Maddy summarySB 211 would repeal Maryland's estate tax by removing specific sections of the state tax code, including provisions governing estate tax calculations and revenue distribution. This bill directly affects Maryland residents who inherit property from deceased individuals, as it would eliminate the tax obligation on estates exceeding the current threshold. Key provisions include repealing Sections 2-801 and 2-802, the "Subtitle 8" revenue distribution section, and all sections under "Subtitle 3" (7-301 through 7-309) of the Maryland Tax Code. The repeal would take effect July 1, 2026, applying to individuals who die after June 30, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 117 amends Maryland law to allow surviving spouses of fallen public safety officers or judicial officers - including those who have remarried - to qualify for a property tax credit on their primary residence. The bill directly affects local governments (like Baltimore City or county councils), which must administer the credit, and surviving spouses who meet eligibility criteria. Key provisions require the dwelling to be owned by the surviving spouse at the time of the officer's death, and local governments define specific details like credit amount and officer classifications. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after June 30, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 104, the "Fair Districts for Maryland Act," reforms how Maryland draws legislative and congressional district lines. It requires all legislative districts to be divided into three single-member delegate districts and establishes an independent Redistricting Commission to create these maps, replacing the previous process involving the Governor and General Assembly. The bill bans consideration of political party affiliation, past voting patterns, or individual residences when drawing districts, and gives the Maryland Supreme Court original authority to review plans if the Commission fails to act. This directly affects all Maryland voters by changing how district boundaries are determined, aiming to create more equitable maps based on population and community boundaries rather than political strategy.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands domestic violence protections by allowing police to make warrantless arrests if they have strong evidence that someone battered a person they dated within the past year. It updates the legal definition of "victim of domestic violence" to include individuals injured by someone they had a sexual relationship with in the last year, not just spouses or cohabitants. Key provisions require police to have probable cause, evidence of injury, and a report filed within 48 hours to make such arrests. The law directly affects victims in dating relationships and law enforcement practices in Maryland, taking effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 27 adds a 7-day waiting period for most firearm sales, rentals, or transfers in Maryland, requiring a 7-day delay after an application is submitted. It directly exempts law enforcement officers (current or retired in good standing) and individuals with a valid permit to carry a handgun under Maryland law from this waiting period. The bill modifies existing law to clarify that these specific groups can complete transactions immediately without the standard delay. This applies to all regulated firearm transactions governed by Maryland's Public Safety laws, without changing the general waiting period for other buyers.

Maddy summarySB 105, known as the Real Time for Violent Crime Act or Geri's Law, proposes establishing a system to notify the public in real time when violent crimes occur in their communities. The bill directly affects residents and law enforcement agencies by creating a notification framework that would alert individuals about nearby violent incidents as they happen. Key provisions include setting up a centralized database for crime reporting and mandating that local authorities share this information with the public through various communication channels. The legislation aims to increase community awareness and safety by providing timely information about violent criminal activity.

Maddy summarySB 740, the "SFC Matthew Fast Act for Warrior Healthcare," requires all health care facilities in Maryland to screen every patient for military connection and document whether they are a "warrior community member" (defined as a service member, veteran, spouse, child, or stepchild of military personnel) in their medical record. Facilities must identify these patients as a vulnerable population and follow The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care equity. Starting in 2026, the state health department must annually report to the Governor and legislature on meeting the needs of military-connected patients. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, aiming to improve health care equity through standardized screening and reporting.

Maddy summarySB 669 modifies Maryland's Rape Kit Testing Grant Fund to prioritize testing untested sexual assault evidence kits collected before October 1, 2020. The fund will now specifically provide resources for law enforcement agencies to test these backlog kits, fund the Attorney General's office to assist investigations, and support a statewide victim notification hotline operated by the Sexual Assault Coalition. Key provisions require the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy to distribute annual funding until all pre-2020 kits are processed, with minimum funding levels unless federal grants cover the same purpose. The bill prohibits using the fund for the existing Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Tracking System. This directly affects victims of past sexual assaults, law enforcement agencies, and state offices handling sexual assault cases.

Maddy summarySB 455 allows licensed security guard agencies in Maryland to apply for the appointment of special police officers to protect property owned or leased by their clients. This directly affects security companies and their clients (such as businesses or property owners), expanding eligibility beyond existing categories like government entities or schools. The bill requires applicants to complete 80 hours of approved training covering criminal law, constitutional procedures, and use of force. It amends Maryland’s Public Safety law to explicitly include security agencies as qualifying applicants under section 3-303(a)(5).