Rep. Veronica Turner

Maddy summaryHB 810 establishes a two-year pilot program within Maryland's State Department of Assessments and Taxation to explore using blockchain technology for real property ownership records. The program, limited to up to three counties, will create a blockchain registry allowing property owners to opt in and receive digital titles that law enforcement and courts can verify in real time to resolve disputes like squatting. It requires the Department to coordinate with courts, police, and the Attorney General to develop secure systems, test smart contracts for title transfers, and educate users. The pilot must begin by January 1, 2027, and conclude with a final report by December 31, 2028, before the program automatically expires on July 1, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 816 changes the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund's purpose to require that it provide financial security "at affordable rates" for eligible residents who cannot obtain insurance from regular companies. It authorizes the Fund's Executive Director to establish an affordability program that may bypass standard rate regulations under Maryland insurance law. This program would help lower insurance costs for qualifying drivers by allowing the Fund to set rates based on affordability rather than typical industry factors. The bill amends specific sections of Maryland's insurance code to implement these changes, effective October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 919 establishes the Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) Grant Program through the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The program provides grants directly to minorities residing in historically redlined neighborhoods and underrepresented communities who aim to become real estate appraisers. Its key mechanisms include closing appraisal gaps in these communities, diversifying the appraisal field, and supporting individuals pursuing PAREA certification. The Maryland Higher Education Commission will administer the grants starting July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 894, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, automatically designates qualifying transit-oriented developments (near rail stations with at least hourly service Monday-Friday 8am-6pm) as enterprise zones, granting tax incentives without separate approval. The bill requires the Maryland Development Corporation to prioritize redevelopment projects near transit in its loan programs and delays certain development fees for residential housing projects. It also changes local land use regulations near transit stations by altering municipal authority to restrict development in these areas.

Maddy summaryHB 738 establishes a legal mechanism for Maryland property owners to transfer real estate automatically to designated beneficiaries upon death, bypassing probate court. It creates "transfer-on-death deeds" (TODDs) with specific requirements for creation, revocation, and recording in county land records, while exempting these deeds from certain property transfer taxes. The bill directly affects Maryland homeowners who wish to simplify estate planning for real property, including those with existing life estate deeds that meet specific conditions. Key provisions include standardized forms for TODDs, retroactive application to qualifying pre-existing deeds, and updated recording rules for county clerks.

Maddy summaryHB 474, the "Clear Before You Drive Act," prohibits drivers in Maryland from operating or towing vehicles with accumulated snow or ice on exposed surfaces - including windshields, roofs, windows, and truck trailers - that poses a safety threat. It directly affects all vehicle operators, requiring snow/ice removal before driving, with fines starting at $25 for first-time noncommercial vehicle violations and escalating to $200 for repeated offenses. The bill also imposes higher penalties - $200-$1,000 for noncommercial or $500-$1,500 for commercial vehicles - if snow/ice contributes to accidents causing property damage, injury, or death. Key provisions mandate pre-drive snow removal and establish tiered fines based on vehicle type and offense history.

Maddy summaryHB 573 updates Maryland's fair housing laws to prohibit discriminatory housing practices based on *effect* - not just *intent*. It explicitly states that actions creating segregated housing patterns or disproportionately harming protected groups (based on race, disability, sexual orientation, etc.) are illegal, regardless of whether the actor intended harm. The bill requires the Department of Housing to adopt regulations ensuring local governments and housing authorities actively "affirmatively further fair housing" through assessments in comprehensive planning. This directly affects housing providers, landlords, local governments, and housing authorities by expanding prohibited conduct and mandating proactive fair housing measures.

Maddy summaryHB 623 creates Maryland's Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize colleges providing strong support for military-connected students, while updating the existing Purple Star Schools Program. The bill directly affects military-connected students (including service members, veterans, and their spouses/dependents) and colleges, including both public/private higher education institutions and private career schools. Key provisions require colleges to appoint a military liaison to assist new military-connected students with transitions, and maintain an easily accessible website with resources on relocation, enrollment, academic planning, and support services. The Maryland Higher Education Commission will administer the program and establish minimum criteria for colleges to earn Purple Star designation.

Maddy summaryHB 634 (LEAD Act of 2026) requires Maryland police training programs to include specific instruction on interacting with individuals with dementia or autism. It directly affects all entrance-level and in-service police training curricula across state, county, and municipal departments. Key provisions mandate training in six areas: locating wandering individuals, searching near water, sensory-aware approaches, reunification, documentation, and interagency coordination. The law amends Maryland's Public Safety Code to add these requirements, effective October 1, 2026. It focuses on practical, life-saving protocols rather than broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 864 (Maryland Workforce Apprenticeship Utilization Act) requires contractors and subcontractors on Maryland public works projects to employ a minimum percentage of qualified apprentices or journeyworkers instead of paying fees to apprenticeship programs. The bill expands this requirement to cover construction projects for the University System of Maryland and Baltimore City Community College. It repeals current provisions allowing contractors to pay fees in lieu of hiring apprentices and directs the Secretary of Labor to set an annual apprenticeship hiring percentage for each project. This policy change directly affects contractors bidding on public construction projects valued above specific thresholds, aiming to increase on-the-job training opportunities in skilled trades.