On March 11, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 1536 – Maryland Enforcement Limits and Transparency (MELT) Act.  This bill alters how county employees, private contractors, and various members of the public interact with federal agents and agencies while attempting to knowingly comply with immigration and customs enforcement. Additionally, the bill establishes new private and public rights of action that can be brought in the…

On March 5, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judiciary Committee in support of HB 1105 - Statute of Limitations - Prosecution or Enforcement of Local Consumer Protection Codes.  This bill establishes a timeline of three years for a local jurisdiction to file a claim against an entity in violation of a local consumer protection code. By establishing a three-year window to file claims, the measure is intended to give local consumer protection…

On March 4, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 921 - Traffic Control Signal Monitoring and Speed Monitoring Systems - Exemptions From Liability - Vehicle Rental Companies. This bill repeals the exemptions for a vehicle rental or leasing company from liability for citations issued by a red-light camera or speed monitoring system in Maryland. Public safety is enhanced by all motorists being subject to…

On February 18, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 526 - Civil Actions - Settlement Agreements - Payment and Release.  This bill requires the settling defendant in a tort action for money damages to provide a proposed release to a plaintiff within 10 days and to pay all sums due to a plaintiff under a settlement agreement within 15 days. Additionally, it establishes the accrual…

On February 12, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 256 – Motor Vehicles - Speed Monitoring Systems - Safety Corridors (Vulnerable Road User Protection Act of 2026).  This bill authorizes the State Highway Administration (SHA) to establish a “Safety Corridor” program aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and individuals using mobility devices in segments of highways identified…

On February 12, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 249 – Vehicle Laws - Automated Enforcement - Reciprocal Agreements, Arrangements, and Declarations.  This bill authorizes the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator to establish reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions for the enforcement of certain traffic safety violations. HB 249 is a practical tool to improve roadway safety by setting a new standard for safety and accountability throughout…

On February 11, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 466 – Civil Actions - Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Vulnerable Individuals - Comparative Negligence.  The bill would create a new comparative fault standard in Maryland and upend the state’s well-established and carefully balanced contributory negligence standard, without any corresponding adjustments to other components of Maryland’s longstanding balanced approach to tort claims. This legislation would upend Maryland's longstanding contributory…

On February 10, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 346 – Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act) with amendments.  The bill establishes a path toward granting attorney’s fees in any case asserting a State constitutional claim. In practice, the bill would likely lead to an increase in litigation and costs for the State and local governments and create an unbalanced system that…