Maddy summarySB 464 establishes a 10-member Commission to review Maryland's current expungement laws and processes, focusing on improving efficiency and equity. The Commission includes representatives from state government (like the Public Defender and State Court Administrator), legal advocates, workforce organizations, crime victims' groups, and two individuals with criminal records currently ineligible for expungement. It must examine existing laws, compare them with other states, and propose a streamlined, broader-expungement system by December 31, 2027. The bill expires automatically on June 30, 2028, without requiring further legislative action. This process directly affects how Maryland might reform its criminal record clearance system for residents.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 301, the Veterans' Discounts Act, authorizes Maryland state agencies to waive certain fees set by law for veterans. It requires these agencies to adopt specific regulations before implementing fee waivers, ensuring consistent application. The bill affects veterans seeking reduced fees for services like business licenses, professional registrations, and recreational permits managed by various state departments. It amends multiple sections across Maryland’s code (including Agriculture, Business Regulation, and Natural Resources) to establish this waiver framework. The law creates a formal process for fee reductions but does not specify which fees or veterans qualify.
Maddy summarySB 270 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to analyze the full costs to ratepayers of different electricity generation options, including natural gas, nuclear, and offshore wind (specifically 8,500 MW capacity). The analysis must compare costs under three scenarios: natural gas alone, nuclear alone, and offshore wind with energy storage, while accounting for wind's intermittency and reliability costs. It mandates using a standardized cost model to identify the most cost-effective energy sources for ratepayers. The Commission must submit findings and policy recommendations to relevant legislative committees by December 1, 2027. This bill directly affects Maryland electricity consumers by informing future energy policy decisions.
Maddy summarySB 620 modifies Maryland's sentencing for handgun violations by expanding the list of prior convictions that trigger enhanced penalties. It adds certain convictions from other states, federal courts, or tribal courts to the list that count toward stricter sentencing under Section 4-203(c) of the Criminal Law. Specifically, if a person has prior convictions (including out-of-state or federal offenses that would violate Maryland's handgun laws), they face longer mandatory minimum sentences for subsequent violations. This directly affects individuals with prior criminal records who are convicted of carrying, wearing, or transporting a handgun in Maryland.
Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 928 (Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act) requires all county school boards to create and implement policies by the 2027-2028 school year that limit students' use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the academic school day. The policy must prohibit personal device use except for specific exceptions, including special education plans, health needs, emergencies, educational purposes, language translation tools, and caregiver responsibilities. School boards must engage parents and staff in developing the policy, store devices securely during school hours, and use tiered disciplinary measures (not suspensions/expulsions) for violations. Annual reports on policy impacts, including equity data and stakeholder feedback, must be submitted to the state education department starting in 2027.
Maddy summarySB 565 prohibits the Maryland Stadium Authority from selling Shamrock Farms (a specific property at 4926 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD 21797) except under defined conditions. It authorizes Carroll County Commissioners to purchase the property for $4,480,000 (adjusted for inflation) by July 1, 2029, with payment allowed in five annual installments using county funds or donations. The bill requires Carroll County to notify the Authority of its purchase intent by July 1, 2029, and transfers all rights and zoning authority over the property to Carroll County upon sale. This directly affects the Maryland Stadium Authority and Carroll County, setting specific terms for the property transfer.
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 222 establishes strict qualifications for individuals appointed by Maryland courts to conduct child custody evaluations. It requires custody evaluators to be licensed professionals (such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, or marriage and family therapists) with specific training and experience in areas like child development, domestic violence, trauma, and family dynamics. The bill mandates completion of court-approved training, ongoing continuing education, and demonstrated expertise in key topics before appointment. Courts may only waive these requirements for existing court employees with at least 14 years of prior experience who complete additional training. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 615 requires condominiums, homeowners associations, and cooperative housing corporations in Maryland to conduct regular reserve studies and budget for major repairs. It mandates an initial reserve study within 30 days before a key meeting, followed by updates every five years, with specific deadlines based on the community’s location and establishment date (e.g., Prince George’s County communities established after 2020 must comply by 2026). The bill also allows members (not just the board) to declare financial hardship, extending relief periods, and requires boards to add funds to reserve accounts if they deviate from required funding levels for capital components. This directly affects community associations managing shared property, ensuring they plan for future costs like roof replacements or elevator repairs. The law amends Maryland’s real property and association statutes to standardize these financial planning requirements.
Maddy summarySB 619 requires commercial properties using solid waste containers (like dumpsters for municipal trash) to hire licensed cleaning services for monthly sanitization. The law mandates using approved disinfectants, high-pressure washing, and odor/residue removal, with providers maintaining records for 12 months. It excludes single-family home waste containers and allows up to $250 penalties for non-compliance after a written notice and 3-month correction period. The Maryland Department of the Environment will enforce this and provide guidance to local health departments. The requirements take effect October 1, 2026.