Sen. Johnny Salling

Maddy summarySB 707 amends Maryland's Mental Health Law to clarify the definition of "danger to the life or safety of the individual or of others" for involuntary admission and emergency evaluations. It specifies that this danger includes four key scenarios: causing bodily harm, engaging in conduct likely to result in criminal justice involvement, inability to meet basic needs (food, shelter, medical care) creating serious risk, or substantial deterioration in judgment preventing informed treatment decisions. The bill directly affects individuals with mental disorders who may be assessed for involuntary care, as well as healthcare providers making those determinations under the law. This definition replaces the current standard in Maryland Code, Section 10-601, and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 777 requires Maryland’s Department of Labor to allocate funds from the Hospital Employees Retraining Fund to local workforce development boards when hospitals close, downsize, or merge. It mandates that these boards be included in state workforce programs and receive funding for the State’s quick response program to assist workers affected by job losses. The bill also requires local boards to provide grants to employers through the Apprenticeship Career Training in Our Neighborhoods Program. These changes directly affect local workforce boards, hospitals facing operational changes, and workers needing retraining or job placement support.

Maddy summarySB 403 exempts sales tax on in-person book fairs held at Maryland elementary and secondary schools. It applies to sales by schools, parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), or other nonprofit groups operating these events on school premises. The exemption covers sales where students, staff, or PTO members act as agents for vendors, with all net proceeds used solely for the school's educational benefit. This bill adds a new tax exemption provision (Section 11-204(b)(9)) to Maryland’s tax code, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how Maryland law enforcement officers in the state pension system can earn retirement credit for military service. It allows credit only if military service wasn't already counted in another retirement system (with exceptions for Social Security, railroad retirement, or certain federal programs). The bill caps total military credit at 5 years, specifies 4 months of credit per year for National Guard/reserve service (max 36 months total), and limits service academy credit to 16 months. It also prohibits individuals from receiving military credit more than once.

Maddy summarySB 621 amends Maryland's State Fire Prevention Code to allow trash and recyclable materials awaiting scheduled collection to be placed in corridors and exits under specific regulations. It requires the State Fire Prevention Commission to adopt rules incorporating two specific sections (30.7.5 and 31.7.5) of the National Fire Protection Association's 2024 Life Safety Code. These changes directly affect buildings and businesses subject to the fire code, particularly regarding temporary storage of waste materials. The bill does not apply to existing installations unless deemed a public safety hazard by the Commission.

Maddy summarySB 440 extends the expiration date of Maryland's theatrical production tax credit from 2027 to 2032. This credit allows theater producers to claim a refundable tax credit against state income tax for qualifying production costs within the state. The bill amends existing law (Chapter 258 and 259 of the 2022 Acts) to change the sunset date from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2032, without requiring further legislative action. It directly affects theater companies and productions that meet the credit's eligibility criteria in Maryland.

Maddy summarySB 262 expands Maryland's income tax deduction for teachers by adding prekindergarten teachers to the list of eligible educators who can deduct up to $250 annually for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. The bill amends tax code sections to include prekindergarten classroom teachers employed full-time in state programs as "eligible teachers," alongside existing K-12 teachers. This deduction applies only to supplies used by students or for teaching preparation, and excludes expenses already deducted federally. The change takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 7 repeals the expiration date for the Douglas J. J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship, removing the June 30, 2030 cutoff that previously prevented new awards after that date. This change allows the scholarship to be awarded indefinitely to eligible veterans, active service members, or their dependents who meet Maryland residency and educational requirements. The bill also removes restrictions on renewing scholarships for recipients who received their initial award before 2030. The scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition, fees, and room/board at Maryland public universities, requiring a 2.5 GPA and 5 years of full-time study. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 618 amends Maryland's ethics law to allow members of the General Assembly, candidates for the Assembly, and newly elected members (member-elects) to earn income from specific state or local government jobs under limited conditions. It creates four exemptions: educational instruction, merit-system positions, human services roles, and career progression from pre-existing government employment relationships. The Joint Ethics Committee must approve these exemptions, but the bill explicitly excludes law enforcement, fire/rescue jobs, and relationships established before candidacy. This change directly affects legislators and candidates seeking income from government employment while serving. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 961 modifies Maryland's tax credit for hunters donating processed deer meat. It removes the previous $300 annual limit on the credit, allowing hunters to claim the full credit for eligible expenses without the cap. The bill maintains a $75 per deer processing expense limit and requires donations to go to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations. Hunters must still comply with hunting laws, and donation programs must report donor information to the Comptroller annually. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.