MD HB448

Establishes standardized definitions across Maryland law for terms including "veteran," "active duty," "uniformed services," "service member," "military family," and "reserve component" by referencing federal definitions in 37 U.S.C. § 101 and 38 U.S.C. § 101

Requires the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families to develop coordinated policies for assisting veterans, service members, and their families through life transitions, including securing benefits earned through military service

Expands State veterans' cemetery eligibility to include "qualified reserve members" who completed their service obligation but don't qualify for national cemetery burial, with a burial fee equal to the National Cemetery Administration's annual plot allowance

Updates Election Law provisions to allow candidates serving in the uniformed services (not just traditional military) to file candidacy certificates by mail when unable to appear in person

Adds reporting requirements for the Secretary to include issues concerning service members, particularly active service members, in the annual report to the Governor and General Assembly; effective October 1, 2025