Sen. Justin Ready

Maddy summarySB 2102 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish an independent Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission, which would take over the process of drawing state legislative and congressional district maps from the General Assembly. The bill requires that all House of Delegates districts be single-member units and sets specific standards for map drawing, including prohibitions against considering political party affiliation or the residence of incumbent officeholders when creating boundaries. If the commission fails to adopt a plan or if the legislature rejects the proposed maps, the Supreme Court of Maryland would gain original jurisdiction to establish the final district plans. The legislation also mandates public hearings and transparency requirements for the redistricting process, with the constitutional changes subject to voter approval in the November 2026 general election.

Maddy summarySB 839 requires Maryland's Department of Health to conduct a survey of pharmacy dispensing costs in the state every three years starting in 2026. Within six months after each survey, the Department must establish a fee charged to pharmacies for dispensing drugs under the state's Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid). This fee will be based directly on the survey results, aiming to reflect actual dispensing costs. The bill applies specifically to pharmacies participating in Maryland's Medicaid program and takes effect October 1, 2026.

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.

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 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 806 requires health professionals applying for new licenses in Maryland to undergo a criminal history records check starting July 1, 2027. This applies to professions including nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and others regulated by specific state boards. Applicants must submit fingerprints and pay fees to a central repository, with results kept confidential and used only for licensing decisions. The bill also mandates a similar check for license renewals for professionals licensed before January 1, 2028, during their first renewal after that date.

Maddy summarySB 606 requires the Maryland Transportation Authority to analyze unused E-ZPass commuter trips from 2023-2025 and submit a report by September 2026. The report must include data on unused trips (numbers, costs, demographics) and recommend solutions like extending usage windows or offering rollovers to reduce forfeited funds. It also mandates a corrective action plan if over 25% of discount plans had unused trips during those years. The bill directly affects E-ZPass commuters, particularly low-income residents and those in communities with limited banking access, by addressing financial losses from unused prepaid trips. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 82 amends Maryland law to specifically prohibit creating, aiding, or possessing counterfeit leases or rental agreements with fraudulent intent. It directly affects individuals who attempt to defraud landlords or tenants through fake housing documents. The bill adds "lease" and "rental agreement" to the list of forgery targets (alongside checks, deeds, and other documents), making it a felony to create such counterfeits (up to 10 years in prison or $1,000 fine) and a misdemeanor to knowingly possess them (up to 3 years or $1,000 fine). The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 233 allows "Descendant Community Organizations" (groups with cultural ties or ancestors buried in a cemetery) to legally challenge proposals to sell, transfer, or repurpose cemetery land. The bill requires courts to consider the cemetery's role as a permanent sacred space for honoring the dead and preserving community history when reviewing such proposals. It amends Maryland law to clarify who can bring these legal actions and what courts must evaluate. The bill directly affects cemetery owners proposing land changes and descendant groups seeking to protect burial sites. It does not change burial practices or fees but adds a legal safeguard for cemeteries facing potential sale or redevelopment.

Maddy summarySB 465 modifies Maryland's evidence rules to allow certain out-of-court statements in second-degree assault cases when the defendant caused the witness's unavailability through wrongdoing. It permits statements made under oath, in writing with the declarant's signature, or recorded verbatim to be admitted if the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that the defendant engaged in wrongdoing to make the witness unavailable. Before admitting such a statement, the court must hold a separate hearing outside the jury's presence to verify the defendant's wrongdoing. This bill directly affects defendants charged with second-degree assault and prosecutors seeking to use specific witness statements in trial.