Sen. Cory McCray

Maddy summarySB 378 updates Maryland's funding formula for regional library resource centers and county public libraries, increasing per-resident funding from $8.75 (2022) to $11.58 (2032 and beyond) for regional centers, and from $17.10 (2022) to $22.37 (2032 and beyond) for county libraries. It requires each public library to offer at least one new service, such as early childhood literacy programs, digital equity initiatives, or mental health support, by partnering with community organizations. The bill also mandates that libraries adopt written policies meeting state standards to receive state funding, with the Comptroller withholding funds for non-compliance. These changes affect all 23 Maryland county library systems and their regional resource centers, directly impacting how they allocate state funds and deliver services. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 410 adjusts Maryland's funding formula for public libraries by increasing per-resident allocations for both regional resource centers and the State Library Resource Center. It raises the regional funding rate from $9.59 per resident in 2025 to $9.79 in 2026 and $9.99 annually starting in 2027. For the State Library Resource Center, it increases funding from $1.97 per resident in 2024 to $2.07 for 2025-2027, then gradually rising to $2.64 per resident by 2032 and beyond. These changes directly affect all regional libraries receiving state funding and the statewide State Library Resource Center. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 461 amends Maryland's Heat and Eat Program under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to require households seeking this benefit to include at least one elderly or disabled individual. This change directly affects households applying for the Heat and Eat Program, which provides expanded food access to SNAP-eligible households. The bill modifies Section 5-506 of the Maryland Annotated Code to add this eligibility requirement (subsection (c)(1)(II)) and specifies that a standard utility allowance ($21/year) will be applied to shelter deductions for SNAP eligibility. The policy change takes effect October 1, 2026, and aims to target assistance toward households with elderly or disabled members.

Maddy summarySB 858 establishes the Audit and Finance Compliance Unit within Maryland's Department of Budget and Management. The unit directly affects all Executive Branch state agencies by monitoring their progress in resolving audit findings from the Office of Legislative Audits. Key provisions require the unit to create a public dashboard on its website showing agency audit status (including resolution timelines and repeat findings), form a specialized team to assist agencies with four or more repeat audit issues, and report quarterly to the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee. The dashboard must launch by October 1, 2027, and track corrective actions for all agencies annually.

Maddy summarySB 964 requires contractors and subcontractors working on Maryland public works projects to employ a specific percentage of qualified apprentices or experienced workers, replacing previous options to pay apprenticeship programs instead of hiring. It applies to all state-funded construction projects and newly includes the University System of Maryland and Baltimore City Community College. The Secretary of Labor must set an annual apprenticeship percentage target for projects, with limited waivers allowed for specific circumstances. The bill amends existing procurement laws to enforce these hiring requirements as a core part of public works contracting.

Maddy summarySB 762 modifies Maryland's grant program for racetrack facilities by allowing racing licensees (like Rosecroft Raceway and Ocean Downs) to receive capital construction grants without providing a matching fund. Instead, if they accept a grant without a matching fund, they must commit to conducting live racing in the state for at least 10 years after construction. The bill also requires the State Racing Commission to recapture funds if licensees fail to meet live racing commitments or other requirements, such as submitting detailed capital improvement plans. These changes update existing rules that previously required matching funds and specified minimum live racing days (60 for Rosecroft, 40 for Ocean Downs). The bill aims to streamline grant access while ensuring long-term facility investment and live racing operations.

Maddy summarySB 606 requires the Maryland Transportation Authority to analyze unused E-ZPass commuter trips from 2023-2025 and submit a report by September 2026. The report must include data on unused trips (numbers, costs, demographics) and recommend solutions like extending usage windows or offering rollovers to reduce forfeited funds. It also mandates a corrective action plan if over 25% of discount plans had unused trips during those years. The bill directly affects E-ZPass commuters, particularly low-income residents and those in communities with limited banking access, by addressing financial losses from unused prepaid trips. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 558 establishes Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program within the Department of Natural Resources. The program provides $2 million annually (starting fiscal year 2028) from the Transportation Trust Fund to fund oyster propagation and replenishment projects. These projects specifically offset damage to the state's oyster population caused by transportation activities at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, including dredging, pier/bridge construction, and shipping channel maintenance. The funding must be included in the governor's annual budget bill. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 947 establishes a new Board of Directors to govern Baltimore Core Transit Service (including local buses, light rail, subway, and paratransit) within the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). It replaces the existing Baltimore Regional Transit Commission with this board, which includes five governor-appointed members (requiring representation from riders, accessibility users, transit providers, and union employees), plus mayoral and county executive appointees. The board will approve major service plans and policies for Baltimore transit operations, while the MTA must contract with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to study creating a dedicated rail authority. This reform directly affects Baltimore-area transit users, MTA operations, and local government oversight of regional transit services.

Maddy summarySB 538 modifies Baltimore City's raffle laws to allow organizations affiliated with both Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Football League (NFL) teams based in Baltimore to conduct raffles. Specifically, it removes a sunset date for MLB-affiliated organizations and explicitly adds NFL-affiliated organizations to the list of eligible groups. The bill requires these organizations to operate within Baltimore City and spend most funds locally on charitable, civic, or youth athletic purposes. This change expands existing raffle authorization under Maryland law without altering permit requirements or prize limits.