Sen. Johnny Salling

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maryland's Department of Information Technology to post the statewide IT master plan on its website within 6 months of a new governor's inauguration. If the department misses this deadline, it must notify the governor and specific legislative committees (including Education, Energy, and Environment committees) within 10 days, explaining the delay and providing a new posting date within 3 months. The bill focuses on transparency and accountability for the IT plan's release, with no substantive changes to IT policy.

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 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 82 amends Maryland law to specifically prohibit creating, aiding, or possessing counterfeit leases or rental agreements with fraudulent intent. It directly affects individuals who attempt to defraud landlords or tenants through fake housing documents. The bill adds "lease" and "rental agreement" to the list of forgery targets (alongside checks, deeds, and other documents), making it a felony to create such counterfeits (up to 10 years in prison or $1,000 fine) and a misdemeanor to knowingly possess them (up to 3 years or $1,000 fine). The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 233 allows "Descendant Community Organizations" (groups with cultural ties or ancestors buried in a cemetery) to legally challenge proposals to sell, transfer, or repurpose cemetery land. The bill requires courts to consider the cemetery's role as a permanent sacred space for honoring the dead and preserving community history when reviewing such proposals. It amends Maryland law to clarify who can bring these legal actions and what courts must evaluate. The bill directly affects cemetery owners proposing land changes and descendant groups seeking to protect burial sites. It does not change burial practices or fees but adds a legal safeguard for cemeteries facing potential sale or redevelopment.

Maddy summarySB 305 extends funding for nonprofit organizations providing automotive repair training and reentry services to formerly incarcerated individuals in Maryland. It extends the grant period from fiscal years 2026-2028 to 2026-2029, authorizing $1 million annually for qualifying nonprofits that train at least 50 individuals yearly in auto repair and achieve a 50% job placement rate for participants. The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention administers the grants, requiring nonprofits to submit annual reports on fund usage, participant numbers, and employment outcomes. This bill directly affects nonprofits meeting specific service criteria and supports employment pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Maddy summarySB 710 exempts retirees from Maryland's Correctional Officers' Retirement System from having their retirement benefits reduced if they return to work as correctional officers or parole/probation staff in specific state correctional facilities. The bill amends pension law to remove the earnings offset requirement for these retirees when reemployed by the Division of Corrections, Division of Pretrial Detention, or Patuxent Institution for up to four years. This directly affects correctional officers who retired from the system and are rehired in authorized roles within state correctional facilities. The change ensures their retirement payments remain unchanged during this reemployment period, unlike the standard rule that reduces benefits for most other retirees returning to work.

Maddy summarySB 582 prohibits creditors from sending checks or negotiable instruments for loans to individuals who haven’t applied for or requested credit. It directly affects consumers who receive unsolicited loan offers and creditors who send them. The bill states that recipients aren’t liable for the check amount unless they actually cash it, and violators face misdemeanor penalties with fines up to $500. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and amends Maryland’s Commercial Law (Section 14-1330).

Maddy summarySB 638 amends Maryland law to adjust funding rules for the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. It removes previous limits on grant coverage (previously capping at 50% of project costs), allowing the Authority to fund more of certified heritage area management projects. The bill also reduces the portion of Program Open Space funds that can cover the Authority’s operating expenses from 10% to 7%, while increasing the maximum transferable funding to the Authority’s Financing Fund. This directly affects local jurisdictions, heritage area management entities, and the Authority itself by changing how they access and use state funds for preservation and development.

Maddy summarySB 579 requires Maryland counties with volunteer fire companies to provide no-cost preventive cancer screenings to volunteer firefighters, based on guidelines from the International Association of Fire Fighters. Volunteer fire companies must maintain and annually submit updated lists of their members to the county, which must then keep these records. Counties can meet this requirement by offering annual exams including cancer screenings or applying for specific grants to fund innovative screening technologies. The bill directly affects volunteer firefighters and counties, creating a structured process for access to preventive care without cost to the firefighters.