Sen. Katie Hester

Maddy summarySB 598 requires Maryland electric companies to submit cost containment plans to the Public Service Commission by January 1, 2027, and every three years thereafter. These plans must detail how the companies will reduce costs through "nonwires solutions" (like distributed energy resources and grid-enhancing technologies) and "demand flexibility" programs to avoid expensive infrastructure upgrades. The bill specifically mandates that plans address reducing peak electricity demand and integrating renewable energy while maintaining grid reliability. This directly affects all Maryland electric distribution and transmission companies operating under the Public Service Commission.

Maddy summarySB 299 requires Maryland county boards of education to allow therapy dogs in public schools, subject to specific policies. The bill mandates that each county adopt a policy covering therapy dog certification, handler guidelines, school access rules, parent/student notifications, and accommodations for allergies or discomfort. Therapy dogs must be accompanied by a certified handler and meet defined emotional support criteria for students. This law applies directly to all public schools in Maryland, effective July 1, 2026. It establishes concrete requirements for school policies but does not specify outcomes or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows homeowners whose property value decreases due to an overhead transmission line built within 300 feet of their residence to sue for damages. It specifically permits property owners to recover attorney fees if they win their case and requires utilities or government entities to pay the homeowner's legal costs if a court later finds the property was overvalued during condemnation. These provisions apply to transmission line projects under Maryland's condemnation laws, amending Sections 12-104, 12-105, and 12-107 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The law aims to address compensation gaps for residential property owners affected by utility infrastructure projects.

Maddy summarySB 840 requires Maryland’s Power Plant Research Program to identify 5-10 suitable sites for new electricity generating facilities (over 3,000 megawatts total capacity) by October 2027, prioritizing locations with the highest potential generation. The Governor’s Energy Subcabinet must then assess these sites and recommend specific locations to the Maryland Stadium Authority by December 2027. The Authority must complete feasibility studies for those sites by June 2028, evaluating how each facility would provide affordable, clean energy meeting Maryland’s environmental goals and emissions standards below the PJM regional average. This bill directly affects the Stadium Authority, the Power Plant Research Program, and the Energy Subcabinet by establishing a structured planning process for future electricity infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 850 requires Maryland electric and gas companies (including midsize cooperatives after 2026) to design energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response programs that demonstrably lower residential customer bills. It mandates the Public Service Commission to establish caps on certain assessments and set deadlines for eliminating unpaid utility costs. The law ensures programs must include measurable bill savings for households, not just energy reductions, and requires annual reports tracking energy savings and emissions reductions from these programs. This directly affects all residential utility customers in Maryland by linking program requirements to tangible cost savings.

Maddy summarySB 826 creates a tax credit for Maryland investors who fund qualified early-stage companies developing emergent technology like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or cybersecurity. Investors must contribute at least $25,000 in cash to a Maryland company meeting specific criteria, with the credit covering a percentage of that investment. The state establishes an Angel Investor Tax Credit Reserve Fund to manage the program, requiring investors to make qualifying investments within a set timeframe after certification. This credit directly affects individual investors and Maryland-based tech startups in designated fields, aiming to boost local investment in emerging technology sectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maryland's Department of Health to replace its outdated Medicaid mainframe system with a modern, modular system by 2028. The new system must maintain all current Medicaid functions - including provider enrollment, claims processing, and data reporting - while improving security, accuracy, and performance. The Department must integrate the replacement with the Medicaid Enterprise System by January 2027 and fully transition all applications from the old system by January 2028, decommissioning the legacy system afterward. This change directly affects the Department’s internal operations, not Medicaid beneficiaries or providers, and aligns with federal requirements for Medicaid IT systems.

Maddy summarySB 827 regulates chatbot design, operation, and safety in Maryland, directly affecting chatbot developers, operators (like companies offering AI assistants), and all users - including minors. Key provisions require clear warnings before use, enhanced privacy protections for minors, strict rules for handling user data (including de-identifying personal information), and treating chatbots as "products" for liability claims. Violations are enforced as unfair trade practices under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, with additional penalties. The bill also mandates the Behavioral Health Administration to create educational materials about behavioral health services.

Maddy summarySB 616 creates a Maryland registry requiring businesses that collect and sell personal data (like names, addresses, biometric information, or Social Security numbers) to register annually with the state Comptroller. It defines "data brokers" as entities selling "brokered personal data" but excludes credit bureaus, banks under federal law, and nonprofits assisting law enforcement. The law mandates registration for qualifying businesses to operate, focusing on transparency around how personal data is collected and sold. It specifically covers sensitive data types (e.g., facial recognition, DNA sequences) while clarifying exclusions to avoid overlapping with federal regulations.

Maddy summarySB 602 establishes the Algorithmic Addiction Fund in Maryland to use settlement funds from cases where social media algorithms harmed children. The fund, administered by the Maryland Department of Health, is financed by civil penalties from settlements related to social media harm and earns interest. It directly supports children by funding prevention programs (like school digital literacy campaigns), treatment services for mental health impacts (such as depression and anxiety), research, and evidence-based interventions. The fund is non-lapsing, meaning unused money rolls over annually, and all spending must align with the state budget.