Sen. Cory McCray

Maddy summaryMaryland's SB 962 prohibits individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack from holding specific government positions. The bill applies to those convicted regardless of subsequent pardons and bars them from serving on state boards/commissions, in executive government roles, or in special appointments. Appointing authorities must immediately remove anyone violating this law. It does not apply to standing committees or committees established under Title 2 of state law. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 946 updates Maryland's Historic Revitalization Tax Credit program by removing a rule that previously blocked tax credits for rehabilitation costs already funded by state or local governments. It expands eligibility by allowing credits for projects in designated areas with strong economic development potential and revises how "substantial rehabilitation" is defined to give more time for spending. The bill affects business entities (including nonprofits and condo/co-op projects) rehabilitating certified historic structures by treating each structure as a separate credit-eligible project and creating a reserve fund for supplemental credits. These changes aim to make the tax credit more accessible for commercial historic preservation efforts while streamlining application processing.

Maddy summarySB 979 shortens the time limit for local authorities to enforce consumer protection laws in Maryland. It requires that lawsuits or fines for violations of local consumer codes must be filed within 3 years of when authorities knew or should have known about the violation. This directly affects local consumer protection agencies and businesses that may violate these codes. The bill amends Maryland law to create this 3-year window for enforcement actions.

Maddy summarySB 699 prohibits health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and HMOs in Maryland from charging patients more for covered physical therapy services than they charge for an annual physical or wellness visit under the same health plan. The bill requires these entities to clearly state all coverage rules, limits, and exclusions for physical therapy in their plan documents. It applies to all individual, group, and blanket health insurance policies issued in Maryland, effective January 1, 2027. This policy change directly affects health plan providers and ensures consistent cost-sharing for physical therapy compared to routine wellness visits.

Maddy summarySB 887 establishes collective bargaining rights for greenhouse workers in Maryland, requiring employers in controlled-environment agricultural operations (like greenhouses) to allow employees to form or join unions. The bill creates new procedures for union elections, certification of representatives, and good-faith bargaining, overseen by the Secretary of Labor. It also mandates employer-provided rest breaks during extreme heat conditions to prevent heat-related illness, aligning with existing heat safety standards. This law directly affects greenhouse workers and their employers, adding specific protections not previously covered under Maryland labor law.

Maddy summarySB 537 establishes Maryland's Youth Delinquency Prevention Fund to provide grants to community programs focused on preventing youth delinquency, suicide, substance abuse, and supporting youth development. The fund, administered by the Office, receives state budget appropriations and interest earnings, and is designated as a non-lapsing special fund (meaning it doesn't expire or revert to the General Fund). It requires annual reports detailing grant distribution, recipient demographics (by age, race, geography, and ethnicity), services provided, and unspent funds. The fund specifically supports community-based programs like youth service bureaus and aims to supplement, not replace, existing youth funding.

Maddy summarySB 372 establishes Maryland's New Markets Development Program to incentivize private investment in low-income communities. It creates a refundable tax credit against state income tax and certain insurance taxes for investors who make qualified equity investments in Maryland-based community development entities serving low-income areas. The credit provides 5% of the investment amount for the first three years and 8.75% for the next four years, totaling seven years. This directly affects investors, community development entities, and qualifying low-income businesses that receive capital to support job creation and economic development in underserved areas.

Maddy summarySB 327 repeals specific sections of Maryland's criminal law that prohibited certain drug-related items. It removes prohibitions on "drug paraphernalia" and "controlled paraphernalia" defined in sections 5-619 and 5-620, including items like syringes, gelatin capsules, and diluents (e.g., lactose, quinine) used with controlled substances. The bill also modifies related definitions in sections 5-101(h), (p), and (i)-(q). This repeal would eliminate criminal penalties for possessing these items under the repealed sections, directly affecting individuals who might have previously faced charges for such possession. The change removes existing legal barriers but does not create new allowances for drug use.

Maddy summarySB 289 removes a fiscal year 2027 deadline that previously limited how long Maryland schools could use personnel and per-pupil grants for fine arts instructional programs under the Concentration of Poverty School Grant Program. The program provides funding to schools with high concentrations of low-income students to cover staff costs and per-pupil resources. This bill repeals the time restriction, allowing eligible schools to continue using these grants for fine arts education beyond 2027 without a set expiration. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 288 adjusts how Maryland calculates capital grants distributed from highway user revenues to local governments. It increases Baltimore City's share from 8.3% to 12.2% starting in fiscal year 2026, raises county allocations from 4.8% to 15.2% beginning in 2027, and modifies municipal percentages (to 3.0% then 2.4% after 2027). These changes apply to funds in the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account, which includes fuel taxes and vehicle-related fees. The bill directly affects Baltimore City, counties, and municipalities receiving transportation capital grants.