Sen. J.B. Jennings

Maddy summarySB 2102 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish an independent Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission, which would take over the process of drawing state legislative and congressional district maps from the General Assembly. The bill requires that all House of Delegates districts be single-member units and sets specific standards for map drawing, including prohibitions against considering political party affiliation or the residence of incumbent officeholders when creating boundaries. If the commission fails to adopt a plan or if the legislature rejects the proposed maps, the Supreme Court of Maryland would gain original jurisdiction to establish the final district plans. The legislation also mandates public hearings and transparency requirements for the redistricting process, with the constitutional changes subject to voter approval in the November 2026 general election.

Maddy summarySB 607 increases the Maryland income tax deduction for retirement income received by retired public safety employees. It phases in higher deduction amounts over time: starting at $15,000 for 2025-2025 tax years, rising to $20,000 by 2030. The bill specifically affects retired correctional officers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and paramedics who meet the eligibility criteria (age 55+ and retired from qualifying public safety roles). The change takes effect July 1, 2026, and is implemented through incremental annual increases in the deductible amount.

Maddy summarySB 309 expands Maryland's sales tax exemption for precious metal bullion or coins by removing two current requirements: a $1,000 minimum sale price and the need for sales to occur at the Baltimore Convention Center. The bill clarifies that the exemption applies to refined precious metal products (like gold or silver bars) and coins used as currency, excluding jewelry or art made from precious metals. This change directly affects buyers purchasing investment-grade bullion or coins, making the exemption available for more transactions regardless of price or location. The policy update takes effect July 1, 2026, broadening access to the tax break for eligible purchases.

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 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 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 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 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.