Asm. Demond Meeks

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain offenses, replacing them with judicial discretion to determine appropriate sentences based on individual circumstances. It requires courts to provide written explanations for sentencing decisions and mandates that pre-sentence reports include analysis of incarceration costs to the state. Defendants gain expanded access to pre-sentence reports used in sentencing decisions, and judges must consider rehabilitation and community safety goals rather than fixed minimum terms. The law applies to felony sentencing under New York's penal and criminal procedure laws, directly affecting judges, defendants, and the state correctional system.

Authorizes the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to discipline certain employees for acts of serious misconduct; defines serious misconduct; establishes procedures for such disciplinary action; prohibits employees who have been removed for serious misconduct from being placed on the eligible list after such removal.

Establishes the "Supporting Families Together act"; repeals certain provisions of law relating to civil and criminal penalties for mandated reporters.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits in Maryland by clarifying who can sue, what damages are recoverable, and how any awarded money is distributed. It expands the list of eligible claimants to include domestic partners and individuals who stood in a parent-like role to the deceased, while also extending the time limit for filing claims related to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The legislation specifies that compensation may cover funeral costs, medical expenses, grief, and financial losses such as lost support or inheritance, with the court determining how these funds are split among the eligible survivors based on their specific relationship to the decedent. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for appointing administrators to pursue these claims when existing estate executors refuse to do so and details how legal fees and other costs are handled if the lawsuit is unsuccessful.

Establishes the statewide fibroid study program to study fibroids, the treatment of fibroids, potential barriers to the access of treatment for fibroids, and differences in symptoms and access to treatment for women of color.

Relates to the convening of a human services employee wage board; requires the commissioner of labor to convene a human services employee wage board comprised of twelve members; requires the wage board to hold hearings and report and make recommendations to the governor and legislature no later than December 31, 2027.

Requires school districts to conduct mandatory early screening for dyslexia for all children commencing in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten and continuing thereafter on an annual basis until each child successfully completes second grade; requires school districts to designate an individual to maintain complete and accurate records containing early screening reports for each child, and to provide resources and materials to the parent and/or guardian of any child who displays indications of dyslexia.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to cover specific asthma treatments and education. It mandates coverage for rescue inhalers, spacers, nebulizers, and related equipment for all policyholders, with additional school supplies for children under 19. Insurance must also cover asthma self-management education - taught by certified providers - during diagnosis, when symptoms change significantly, or for refresher sessions, including home visits when medically necessary. The coverage applies to all policies issued or renewed after the effective date, subject to standard deductibles and coinsurance. This directly affects people with asthma and their families who rely on insurance for treatment.

Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.

Waives the state's sovereign immunity in state and federal courts with regard to liability for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act; waives the immunity of all instrumentalities and political subdivisions of the state.