Sen. Bill Ferguson

Maddy summarySB 767 would allow Baltimore City and Maryland counties or municipalities to create a property tax credit for commercial buildings rented at fair market value to small businesses located in two specific zones: Arts and Entertainment Districts (under Title 4, Subtitle 7 of the Economic Development Article) or designated Main Street Maryland communities. Local governments would set the credit amount, duration, eligibility rules, and application process through their own ordinances. The credit applies to property taxes on qualifying buildings and takes effect for tax years beginning after June 30, 2026. This bill directly affects small businesses renting commercial space in these designated areas and the local governments managing property tax policy.

Maddy summarySB 642 modifies Baltimore City's alcoholic beverage licensing rules. It allows the transfer of a specific Class B-D-7 license from Baltimore's 40th district to the 46th district (coterminous with the 46th legislative district), and permits license holders in the 46th district to serve donated alcohol from manufacturers/wholesalers at nonprofit events under strict conditions (e.g., nonprofit rental, tax compliance). The bill also extends the expiration of one license (for 1600 block of Eastern Avenue) until July 1, 2027, to facilitate renewal and transfer to a new location. These changes directly affect businesses operating in Baltimore City's 40th and 46th alcoholic beverage districts. The bill takes effect June 1, 2026, with Section 2 expiring May 31, 2028.

Maddy summarySB 776 establishes the Commission on the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children to investigate a historical detention facility in Prince George’s County that operated for over a century. The commission will research the institution’s history, identify children buried in an unmarked cemetery on its grounds (primarily African American boys who died in state care), and provide public accountability. It requires the Attorney General to chair the commission, which includes appointed members from state agencies, historical experts, community representatives, and at least one descendant of those buried. The commission must promote healing through truth-telling and community input while conducting forensic, archaeological, and historical research to the highest professional standards. This bill directly affects Maryland’s state government, descendants of those buried, and historically marginalized communities impacted by the institution’s legacy.

Maddy summarySB 323 (Youth Charging Reform Act) removes restrictions that previously prevented Maryland juvenile courts from handling cases involving youth aged 16 and older accused of serious crimes. It repeals provisions that excluded such cases for offenses like murder, robbery, gun crimes, and aggravated violence, expanding juvenile court jurisdiction to include these charges. Now, youth 16+ facing these specific allegations will be processed in juvenile court instead of being automatically sent to adult court. This change affects juvenile courts, prosecutors, and youth aged 16+ charged with the listed offenses under Maryland law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maryland law enforcement officers to remove face coverings during official duties, with limited exceptions for religious garb, inclement weather, or safety equipment (like gas masks). It mandates the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to create a model policy, which all agencies must adopt. Officers violating the rule face civil penalties (up to $2,000) but not criminal charges. The law specifically excludes undercover operations and does not apply to face coverings used for health protection or religious reasons. It directly affects all state and local law enforcement officers performing public safety duties.

Maddy summarySB 204 establishes the Maryland Civic Excellence Program within the State Department of Education to recognize public school students who demonstrate proficiency in civics and civic literacy. Local school systems can choose to participate, using state-developed guidelines (to be finalized by 2027-2028) to determine student eligibility. Participating schools may award a "Seal of Civic Excellence" and attach it to students' high school diplomas. The program requires annual reports from participating schools starting July 2028, and schools may collaborate with civic organizations to support implementation. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 770 establishes the Maryland’s Future Board within the Department of Commerce to create a long-term economic vision for the state. The board must develop, evaluate, and revise a "Visionary Plan" by a specific deadline, focusing on future trends like AI, robotics, and equitable growth, and recommend projects to the Governor and General Assembly. It also creates a nonlapsing "Maryland’s Future Fund" where interest earnings are reinvested to support the plan. The board requires diverse membership (including entrepreneurs, academics, and community leaders) reflecting Maryland’s demographics, with appointments from the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker.

Maddy summarySB 858 establishes the Audit and Finance Compliance Unit within Maryland's Department of Budget and Management. The unit directly affects all Executive Branch state agencies by monitoring their progress in resolving audit findings from the Office of Legislative Audits. Key provisions require the unit to create a public dashboard on its website showing agency audit status (including resolution timelines and repeat findings), form a specialized team to assist agencies with four or more repeat audit issues, and report quarterly to the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee. The dashboard must launch by October 1, 2027, and track corrective actions for all agencies annually.

Maddy summarySB 831 strengthens Maryland's child labor protections by establishing civil penalties for employers who violate child labor laws (replacing some misdemeanor penalties with fines), directly affecting employers and minors. It prohibits employers from supporting organizations that avoid federal labor law oversight (like those exempt from the National Labor Relations Act) and allows private employees to petition the Public Employee Relations Board for resolution of certain workplace issues. The bill also bans state government agencies from seeking federal waivers of the Fair Labor Standards Act. These changes impact employers, minors, private employees, and state employees across Maryland.

Maddy summarySB 772 requires the Maryland Department of Health to create and maintain a public database of employment training and job placement programs. The database will help residents find opportunities that can lead to eligibility for Medicaid (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), including program details, application steps, and direct contact options. The Department must update the database every 30 days and assist individuals in enrolling in listed programs. Other state agencies, including the Department of Labor and Department of Human Services, must recommend programs for inclusion. This bill directly affects Maryland residents seeking to improve employment prospects while maintaining access to critical health and nutrition benefits.