Maddy summarySB 658 amends Maryland law to clarify how the Department of Human Services (DHS) manages federal benefits (like SSI or VA benefits) for children in its custody. It requires DHS to first seek an alternative representative payee (e.g., a family member or guardian) for these benefits, only serving as payee if no suitable candidate is available, and to document all efforts. The bill mandates that DHS use at least 40% of a child’s benefits for unmet needs (like disability services or hobbies) at ages 14-15, 80% at 16-17, and 100% at 18-20 - ensuring funds are reserved for the child’s future needs rather than reimbursing the state. It also requires DHS to periodically review if another payee could better serve the child’s interests and to comply with federal asset limits when conserving funds (e.g., via PASS accounts or special needs trusts).
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 652 prohibits unlicensed online gambling operations in Maryland, targeting operators, financial transaction providers (like payment processors), and platform hosts that facilitate illegal gambling. It defines "illegal" as activity not authorized by law and excludes licensed online sports wagering under existing law. The bill empowers the Attorney General and local prosecutors to issue cease-and-desist orders requiring operators to block access from Maryland within 10 days, with penalties including fines or imprisonment for noncompliance. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, creating new enforcement tools against illegal online gambling.
Maddy summarySB 935 creates a new $1,000 annual income tax deduction for Maryland taxpayers who donate food or cash specifically designated for food purchases to qualifying charitable entities. It directly affects Maryland residents who make such donations to defined organizations like food banks, homeless shelters, or religious groups providing free food to those in need. The bill requires taxpayers to submit proof of donations with their tax return and establishes criteria for entities to qualify as "qualified charitable entities" through Comptroller registration. The provision takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2029, unless renewed.
Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill updates election laws to require voters to present specific proof of identity at polling places before receiving a regular ballot. To qualify, a voter must show a valid government-issued photo ID or, if that is unavailable, a non-government photo ID along with a current document like a utility bill or bank statement that lists their name and address. If a voter cannot provide the required identification, the election judge will instead issue a provisional ballot for later verification. The legislation also reinforces existing rules that prohibit anyone from suggesting how a voter should mark their ballot and restricts who can assist voters with disabilities or language barriers.
Maddy summarySB 545 prohibits land surveyors and property line surveyors from conducting surveys on private property during Maryland's deer firearms hunting season without the property owner's written permission. The bill amends Maryland law to require this written consent during the specific hunting season outlined in the Natural Resources Article. Violations could result in fines up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or additional penalties of up to $5,000 per violation imposed by the licensing board. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, directly affecting surveying professionals and property owners during hunting season.
Maddy summarySB 750 (Ash's Law) creates a legal exception to Maryland’s animal abandonment law for people caring for community cats under Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. It defines "community cats" (free-roaming cats cared for by neighborhood residents) and "community cat caregivers" (those providing food/shelter under TNR), requiring local governments to adopt TNR policies that: - Prohibit registration requirements for caregivers, - Allow reclaiming impounded cats without proof of ownership, - Mandate returning eartipped cats (identified via ear notch) to their original location. The law preempts conflicting local rules and directly affects community cat caregivers, animal shelters, and local governments implementing TNR programs.
Maddy summarySB 383 allows private career schools in Maryland to advertise programs and collect student contact information before receiving full approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission. It directly affects private career schools - non-college institutions training students for specific jobs - and requires them to disclose in all ads that their operating approval is pending. Key provisions mandate schools to include this disclosure and share basic details like opening dates and programs in advertisements. The Secretary of Higher Education will establish the approval process for schools seeking this advertising permission. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 373 would require the Governor to withdraw Maryland from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a regional program limiting power plant emissions. The bill repeals and amends Maryland law that previously mandated state participation in RGGI and redirected funds from RGGI allowance sales to the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. It removes requirements for the state to report on emissions reductions plans if RGGI participation ends. This legislation directly affects Maryland's state government and energy policy by ending the state's involvement in the multi-state emissions trading program. The bill does not alter current emissions regulations but changes how funds from RGGI would be handled if Maryland withdraws.
Maddy summarySB 201 modifies Maryland's requirements for approving new overhead transmission lines over 69,000 volts. It requires applicants to include specific details in their applications and mandates the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before approving projects. The bill also adds new reporting obligations for owners/operators of existing transmission lines. It defines "advanced transmission technologies" to include grid-enhancing tools, high-performance conductors, and energy storage used for transmission. These changes directly affect electric companies planning or operating high-voltage transmission infrastructure in Maryland.
Maddy summarySB 454 requires school resource officers (SROs) to carry firearms while present on the premises of the school to which they are assigned. This bill amends Maryland law (specifically Section 7-1508 of the Education Article) to mandate this requirement, directly affecting all SROs working in public schools. The key provision replaces prior language with a clear directive that SROs must carry firearms on school grounds, while also maintaining existing training requirements focused on de-escalation, disability awareness, and implicit bias. The bill does not change who qualifies as an SRO but specifies the firearm-carrying obligation during school operations.