Sen. Cory McCray

Maddy summarySB 459 requires Maryland state government units to spend at least 50% of their total budget for print and digital advertising contracts directly with qualifying local news organizations. It defines "local news organizations" as entities producing original local content, employing full-time Maryland-based staff, meeting circulation or audience requirements (e.g., 33% Maryland audience for digital outlets), and disclosing ownership. The law excludes advertising for tourism promotion or employee recruitment. It applies to all state government advertising contracts starting October 1, 2026, aiming to support local journalism through government spending.

Maddy summarySB 898 requires Maryland’s Medical Assistance Program to reimburse applied behavior analysis (ABA) services provided by registered behavior technicians (RBTs) to Medicaid recipients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The bill prohibits the state health department from mandating a specific certification (e.g., from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board) as a condition for reimbursement, except for a 150-day transition period during which RBTs must obtain certification. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries with autism and RBTs who deliver ABA services under supervision of certified professionals, streamlining access to care without immediate certification barriers. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies prospectively only.

Maddy summarySB 765 creates an "Heirs Protection Program" administered by Maryland's State Tax Sale Ombudsman to protect heirs who inherit homes from property tax sales. It allows heirs (including those not yet recorded as title holders) to become the legal owner of an inherited dwelling, preventing tax sales and enabling them to remain in their homes. The bill establishes an Heirs Protection Fund financed by state and county governments to support the program, including outreach, grants, and information dissemination. It also expands eligibility for homeowner and homestead tax credits to include qualifying heirs who haven’t yet updated land records, under specific conditions. These changes aim to prevent displacement of families after a homeowner’s death.

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 698 prohibits operating or towing any vehicle in Maryland if snow or ice remains on specified exposed surfaces - including the hood, windshield, roof, windows, trunk, truck cab, or trailer top - when that accumulation poses a threat to people or property. It imposes tiered fines: $25-$200 for non-commercial vehicles (with escalating penalties for repeat offenses) and $75-$1,000 for commercial vehicles. The law also increases penalties to $200-$1,000 for non-commercial or $500-$1,500 for commercial vehicles if the snow/ice violation contributes to an accident causing property damage, injury, or death. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and defines "exposed surfaces" to cover all relevant vehicle areas where snow/ice could fall or obstruct vision.

Maddy summarySB 668 renames Maryland's "Children's Cabinet Fund" to the "Children's Cabinet Interagency Fund" and requires the Governor to annually appropriate specific funds for grants to local management boards. It mandates $3 million more for fiscal year 2028 than 2027 and $2 million more for fiscal year 2030 than 2029. Local management boards receiving funds must develop community partnership agreements coordinating with state and local child and family service plans, and use the money for evidence-based programs addressing youth development, prevention services, and out-of-home care needs. This bill directly affects local boards, children, and families by structuring state funding to support coordinated, community-driven services.

Maddy summarySB 587 requires the Governor to include a mandatory $1 million annual appropriation for the Maryland Patient Safety Center Fund in the state budget, starting with fiscal year 2027. This fund subsidizes the designated Patient Safety Center’s costs to develop statewide patient safety initiatives, reduce preventable harm, and improve equitable healthcare. The Center must coordinate with healthcare providers and patients, and the Commission administers the nonlapsing fund, which includes interest earnings and must be reported to legislative committees annually. The bill directly affects the Center, the Governor, and the Commission, ensuring consistent funding for patient safety efforts without replacing other state appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 982 allows mutual insurance holding companies in Maryland to convert their structure to become mutual insurers (companies owned by policyholders rather than shareholders). To do this, companies must create a detailed plan of conversion approved by their board, 75% of voting members, and the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. The plan requires existing policies to remain in effect, membership interests to transfer to the new mutual insurer, and the converted company to maintain sufficient funds for policyholder protection. This bill amends Maryland’s insurance laws to establish these requirements and streamline the conversion process.

Maddy summarySB 58 allows Baltimore City or Maryland counties to offer property tax credits to owners who convert former gas stations into retail, residential, or mixed-use properties. The credit is specifically intended to help cover costs for removing old underground gas tanks and cleaning up soil or water contamination from those tanks. Local governments can set the credit amount and duration, and the state will reimburse them 50% of the lost property tax revenue. This directly affects property owners and developers planning to redevelop former gas station sites into other commercial or housing uses.

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.