Del. Mary Lehman

Maddy summaryHB 321 extends the deadline for the Maryland Department of the Environment to submit a report studying the synthetic turf industry and disposal practices, moving it from July 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. The bill directly affects the Department of the Environment (responsible for conducting the study), synthetic turf producers, retailers, and users - including schools, local governments, and sports organizations. The study requires examining existing synthetic turf fields, industry practices, disposal methods, recycling rates, and proposing improvements for waste management. It does not create new regulations but delays a required report under existing law (Chapter 567 of the 2024 Acts).

Maddy summaryHB 429 establishes two grant programs to reduce food waste and promote composting. The On-Farm Organics Diversion Grant Program (under Agriculture) funds farmers, urban farmers, and related entities to implement on-farm composting, food rescue, and waste prevention. The Wasted Food Reduction Grant Program (under Environment) funds projects like food rescue infrastructure, community composting, and education to reduce wasted food statewide. Eligible projects must meet specific standards, such as producing certified compost and prioritizing underserved communities, with grants awarded annually starting July 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 578 requires Maryland's Secretary of Natural Resources to review and update regulations for endangered and threatened species by July 1, 2033, and every 10 years thereafter. It clarifies definitions like "foreseeable future" for species assessments and expands "harm" to include significant habitat degradation that affects breeding or feeding. The bill mandates delisting species under specific conditions and specifies required details for petitions to remove species from protected lists. These changes directly affect wildlife managers, landowners, and conservation efforts by strengthening habitat protections and streamlining species listing processes under Maryland law.

Maddy summaryHB 621 changes the qualifications for legal counsel appointed by Maryland county election boards. It requires that board counsel must be a registered voter in their specific county (previously required to be a registered voter in the entire state). This bill directly affects all 24 Maryland county election boards when hiring their legal counsel. The key change eliminates the statewide voter registration requirement, making it a local county residency requirement instead. The bill amends Sections 2-201(a)(1) and 2-205(a) of Maryland's Election Law.

Maddy summaryHB 1389 updates Maryland law to explicitly include female genital mutilation (FGM) under the legal definition of "abuse" for child protection purposes. This requires healthcare workers, educators, and others to report suspected FGM cases - just like other forms of child abuse - and increases penalties for violations. The bill also allows victims to file civil lawsuits and mandates the Maryland Department of Health to create educational materials about FGM. These changes directly affect mandated reporters, medical professionals, and individuals at risk of FGM.

Maddy summaryHB 413 modifies Maryland's Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission by reducing its legislative membership from two to one member each from the Senate and House of Delegates, while extending the commission's operational lifespan from 2026 to 2028. The bill alters the commission's structure to require one Senate appointee (with Irish affairs expertise) and one House appointee (with similar expertise), alongside existing members including the Secretary of State, higher education representatives, business leaders, and Irish-American community members. The commission must continue studying Maryland-Ireland trade promotion, report findings annually to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, and remain active until September 30, 2028. This change directly affects the commission's composition and duration without altering its core purpose of advancing bilateral trade and investment.

Maddy summaryHB 472 extends the expiration date for Maryland's theatrical production tax credit from 2027 to 2032. This credit allows theater producers to claim a reduction on their state income tax for qualifying production costs. The bill directly affects film and theater producers in Maryland who currently qualify for the credit. It modifies existing law (from 2022) to extend the credit's validity period by five additional years, ensuring the program remains active through 2032 without requiring new legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 (Keeping Affordable Housing Affordable Act) requires sellers of condominium units or homeowners association properties to provide buyers with specific financial disclosures 20 calendar days before closing - extending the prior 15-day deadline. It mandates written notice of any mandatory fee or payment increases exceeding 10% (or other major changes) after the seller learns of them. The bill affects condo/HOA sellers and buyers by ensuring transparency about future costs like maintenance fees, assessments, and reserve funds. Key provisions include standardized disclosure forms covering current budgets, outstanding dues, insurance, and facility details to help buyers understand long-term housing expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1311 requires Maryland's Department of Public Safety to help incarcerated individuals access federal Pell Grants and state student financial aid. It mandates that correctional facilities assist eligible incarcerated people in applying for these funds and explicitly states that financial aid established under Maryland law must be available to those meeting eligibility criteria. The bill affects incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities, directing the Department to collaborate with the Maryland Higher Education Commission and specific higher education institutions to facilitate access. This change takes effect July 1, 2026, without creating new funding but altering access procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 requires Maryland's State Administrator of Elections to create a uniform process for counting absentee ballots with federal contests if a federal court order overrides state rules about ballot deadlines. It ensures that non-federal contests on valid absentee ballots (postmarked by election day) are still counted under state law. The bill also mandates clear voter notices about federal vs. state ballot deadlines, urging early mailing or drop-off, using methods like social media and sample ballots. This applies only to federal elections in 2026 and 2028.