Sen. Justin Ready

Maddy summarySB 837 prohibits Maryland insurance companies, health plans, and managed care organizations from requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or coverage restrictions for prescription drugs reviewed by the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). It specifically blocks these requirements if the PDAB has not determined the drug causes an affordability challenge, has made a policy recommendation about it, or has set an upper payment limit. The bill directly affects patients needing covered medications and insurers that must comply with these new coverage rules. It aims to streamline access to PDAB-reviewed drugs by removing common insurance barriers without altering the drugs' clinical use.

Maddy summarySB 899 creates legal immunity for federally licensed firearms dealers in Maryland who return firearms to owners at the end of a "firearm hold agreement." This private agreement allows dealers to temporarily hold a firearm at the owner's request, for a set period, and return it per the agreement terms. The bill states dealers cannot be sued civilly for injuries or deaths occurring after returning the firearm under such an agreement, except if the dealer acted unlawfully. It specifically excludes standard firearm transfers covered under other laws (§ 6-234 of the Criminal Procedure Article). The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 838 updates Maryland's regulations for cottage food businesses and home bakeries. It changes the definition of "cottage food product" to include nonpotentially hazardous foods (replacing "nonhazardous") and creates a new "home bakery" category. Home bakeries with annual revenue under $50,000 are exempt from Maryland Department of Health licensing, while still requiring specific labeling and sales rules (like direct sales at markets or to stores). This bill directly affects small home-based bakers who sell baked goods like bread, cakes, and pastries without needing full food safety licensing.

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 summaryThis bill requires Maryland county school boards to create parent and family engagement policies by the 2027-2028 school year, and mandates that individual public schools develop Parent-School Compacts starting in the 2028-2029 school year. The policies must be created in consultation with parents and include frameworks for collaboration, technical assistance like translation services, staff training, and annual evaluations to ensure effectiveness. School compacts will define the specific roles and responsibilities of school staff, parents, and students, including curriculum standards, parental support duties, teacher qualifications, and communication requirements. The State Department of Education will provide guidance and technical assistance to help schools implement these policies. Existing policies may be amended to meet the new requirements rather than requiring entirely new documents.

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 summaryThis bill establishes procedures for Maryland to appoint delegates and an advisory committee if an Article V constitutional convention is called. It sets specific qualifications for commissioners (e.g., 5 years Maryland residency, no federal lobbying in the past 5 years, no federal employment in the past 10 years), requires a formal oath, and outlines removal processes. The law would activate in the next General Assembly session after 34 states trigger the convention process under Article V. It is purely procedural and does not propose any constitutional amendments.

Maddy summarySB 584 requires utility companies to send certified mail notices to landowners at the time of applying for a certificate to build transmission lines. Landowners whose property is adjacent to or abutting the construction site must receive this notice, which explains their right to intervene in the approval process. Failure to provide the required notice can invalidate a public hearing or void the application for the certificate. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 583 requires the Deputy Secretary for Developmental Disabilities to provide public notice before changing the Self-Directed Services Manual and to accept public comments for at least 90 days. This applies to individuals using self-directed services - where people with developmental disabilities manage their own care choices and budgets - and the Developmental Disabilities Administration. The bill mandates that the Deputy Secretary cannot adopt any proposed manual changes until after the 90-day public comment period ends. It does not alter service content but adds a transparency step to the rulemaking process. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.