HB 685

FUNDS/FUNDING: Establishes the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program to enhance workforce training programs to meet employer demand in certain industry sectors (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)

TOPS: Provides relative to TOPS-Tech (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS/ASST: Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (EN +$3,411,000 GF EX See Note)

TRANSPORTATION DEPT: Urges and requests that the Department of Transportation and Development to convene a diagnostic review team to evaluate the proposed reactivation of the Norfolk Southern Railway originating at the Alabo Street Wharf

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: Increases the compensation cap for the wrongful conviction compensation law. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

PRIVACY: Creates the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force

ETHICS/DUAL OFFICEHOLDG: Provides for exceptions to the dual officeholding laws for volunteer firefighters and judicial branch employees

PUBLIC CONTRACTS: Provides for the procurement of materials and goods. (8/1/26)

ETHICS/CODE: Provides for retroactivity of certain provisions of Act No. 492 of the 2024 Regular Session

UTILITIES: Urges and requests the Public Service Commission to study incorporating Louisiana One Call as a state agency

ETHICS: Provides with respect to disclosure of certain information by members of boards or commissions

PROCUREMENT CODE: Provides relative to the Louisiana procurement code. (gov sig) (EN -$25,000 SG EX See Note)

Require electronic recordings of all parole board hearings

Public Information Act - Public Records - Nonprofit Organizations

Procurement - Advertising - Local News Organizations (Local Newspapers for Maryland Communities Act of 2026)

State Procurement - Security Services - Contract Modification

Education - Agreements, Procurement Contracts, and Memoranda of Understanding - Reporting and Publication

Maryland Public Ethics Law - Officials of the Legislative Branch - Gifts of Food and Beverages