Crossover

 General Assembly Passes Crossover Date

 

            The legislative crossover date has come and gone.   Crossover is the date on which a bill has to pass one of the two legislative houses to be heard and passed by the other house.  Over three thousand bills have been introduced but only a few hundred have passed one of the two legislative houses.  Almost all the bills that have not passed either the House or the Senate have very little chance of passing (there are some ‘leadership’ bills that still may pass even if they have not yet passed one of the two houses).  I have listed below a bunch of bills that are still ‘in play’ in case you want to contact a legislator to support the bill.  At the end of this newsletter is a short summary of how you can advocate for legislation. The session ends on April 7^th.  

The big discussion in Annapolis continues to be the impact of the budget crisis and the impact of cutbacks by the Federal Government.  Normally the budget is passed by one of the houses (this year the House of Delegates) and sent to the other house by Crossover.  This year legislators are still debating on which programs to cut and how to raise revenue to make up a $3.2 billion deficit.  I will try and focus on what is in the budget in a future newsletter.

 

Bills That Are Still Alive

            If a bill has not passed either the House or the Senate by crossover day, there is very little chance that they will be passed and become law.  Here are some of the bills that I’m following that passed one of the Houses and have a chance of passing.

 

Criminal Justice

 

HB 853 – Maryland Second Look Act – Incarcerated individuals who have served at least 20 years in prison who were convicted of crimes when they were between 18 and 25 years old could file a motion to reduce their sentence.  The court can reduce tat person’s sentence if that person isn’t a danger to the public. Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee

 

SB648 – Medical Parole Life Imprisonment – Enables the parole board to make the final decision whether or not to grant medical parole to an individual serving a life sentence without it going to the Governor for a possible veto.  Judiciary Committee

 

HB 260 – Drug Paraphernalia – Prohibitions and Penalties This bill reduces penalties for offenses involving drug paraphernalia and controlled paraphernalia. Additionally, the bill repeals the prohibitions on a person possessing controlled paraphernalia or using controlled paraphernalia to administer a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). – Judicial Proceedings

 

HB 610 – Expungement – No Finding and Case Terminated without Finding This bill expands eligibility for an expungement to include a charge that was (1) disposed of by the court with a no finding designation or (2) included in a case that was designated by the court as having been terminated without finding.  Senate Judicial Proceedings

 

Education

 

HB207  Undocumented Students – Out of State Tuition Exemption Eligibility - This bill reduces the number of years (from three to two) for which an individual or an individual’s parent or guardian must file a Maryland income tax return prior to the academic year in order to qualify for an exemption from paying the out-of-state tuition rate under the Maryland Dream Act..  Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment

 

HB 504 – Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act (Blueprint for the Future) – This bill introduced on behalf of the Administration originally delayed some of parts of the Blueprint legislation.  Specifically it delayed the increase in non-teaching time for education, a freeze on the increase in spending for community schools, and the increase in per child spending.  The House version of the legislation took out all those changes and left the Blueprint intact.  Referred to Education, Energy, and the Environment.

 

Elections

 

SB 2 - Special Election to Fill a Vacancy in Office – It would mandate a constitutional amendment to vote on whether a vacancy for Delegate or Senator in the first year of the term would trigger a special election to fill the vacancy on the dates of the Presidential primary and general election.  Referred to Ways and Means committee.

 

SB 633/HB 906 Stop Scam PACs Act - This bill requires people that solicit for a candidate or a political party and use the candidate’s name, image, or likeness in the solicitation to include a specified disclaimer on the solicitation. The bill also requires people that solicit for what appears to be a charitable purpose to include on each solicitation a statement that contributions or donations to the person are not necessarily used for charitable purposes and are not tax-deductible. Referred to House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Committee on Energy, Education and the Environment.

 

Environment

 

HB 270/SB116 – Data Center Impact Analysis –requires the Maryland Department of Legislative Services to conduct an impact analysis of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of data centers. Under existing practices, all electricity customers pay for the expansion of the grid! Data centers are straining our grid and increasing costs for everyone. Referred to Senate Education, Energy and Environment / House Finance Committee

 

Senate Bill 149 -  RENEW Act, requires the State to study the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions by the largest polluters to Maryland’s environment and the cost to taxpayers for resulting resiliency and remediation activities. Referred to the House Environment and Transportation Committee

 

 

Health

 

HB 424  / SB 357 Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Authority for Upper Payment Limits (Lowering Prescription Drugs for All Marylanders Act) – Mandates the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to determine whether it is in the best interest of the State to set Upper Price Limits for all purchases and payor reimbursements of prescription drug products in the State   Senate Finance Committee/ House Government Operations

 

HB 905 – Safe Staffing Act Requiring  hospitals licensed in the State to establish and maintain a clinical staffing committee and to implement a clinical staffing plan.  Senate Finance Committee

 

Immigration

 

SB 828 – Protecting Sensitive Locations Act which would require the Attorney General to set guidelines for what Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers can and cannot do in entering schools, public libraries, health facilities, and shelters unless they obtain a warrant from a state or federal judge. – House Judiciary Committee

 

SB 977 – Restrictions on Access to Information - This bill prohibits a law enforcement agency and a unit of State or local government from entering into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or similar agreement that requires

collaboration or information sharing with a federal agency for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law.  House Judiciary Committee

 

Labor

 

HB 211 Ability of Graduate Students to Negotiate – This bill allows Graduate Assistants who are teaching at one of the University of Maryland System institutions to form unions and bargain with their university.  They currently do not have that right.  Senate Finance Committee

 

SB 750 – Collective Bargaining Adjunct Faculty – The bill allows adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland System to negotiate collective bargaining agreements. House Appropriations Committee

 

HB 233 (Maryland Worker Freedom Act) The bill states that workers cannot face repercussions for refusing to attend a meeting called by management on “the decision to join or support a political party or potential civic, community, fraternal, or labor organization”.  These are called captive audience meetings and are a tool used by employers to defeat union organizing drives.  The bill was prompted by the prospect of the Trump Administration rolling back similar regulations by the National Labor Relations Board.  Senate Finance Committee

 

HB 582 Limiting Exemptions from Overtime Pay – The bill raises the threshold of salaried employees who eligible for overtime to $58,000 from $35,000.  This was a proposal put forward by the Federal Department of Labor but blocked by the courts.  It would impact only workers in Maryland.  Senate Finance Committee

 

HB 159 – Arbitration Process for State Employee Negotiations – Allows a neutral person to decide on a settlement when there is a conflict during negotiations that cannot be resolved.  Senate Finance Committee

 

Renters

 

HB 273 Limit on Late Fess for Renters This bill prohibits a landlord (for residential leases) from charging a penalty for the late payment of rent that exceeds 5% of the amount of unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment was delinquent. Referred to Senate Judicial Proceedings

 

HB 872 / SB 606 Tenants' Right of First Refusal - Tenants have the right of first refusal to purchase a residential rental property if the property owner (1) intends to accept a third-party purchase offer for an amount that is at least 10% lower than the lowest price offered to the tenant during an exclusive negotiation period, or (2) receives a third-party offer without public notice. If a third party delivers an offer to purchase to the owner, the owner must notify the third party of a tenant’s right of first refusal. Referred to Senate Judicial Proceedings / House Environment and Transportation

 

HB 767 – Tenant Possessions Recovery Act – Tenants facing eviction would be entitled to a 10-day grace period to allow them to collect their personal belongs from their previous residence. Referred to Judicial Proceedings

 

HB 1076 – Notice of Landlord Entry – Requiring a landlord to provide a tenant with certain written notice in a certain manner at least 48 hours in advance of when the landlord intends to enter a leased premises, except in the event of a certain emergency.  Referred to Judicial Proceedings

 

SB 856 – Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act requiring a landlord to perform a mold assessment and mold remediation within 45 days after receipt of a written notice regarding the detection of mold Referred to House Environment and Transportation Committee

 

HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR BILLS

When there is a Committee Hearing on A Bill Scheduled, it is important to contact members of the Committee.  The General Assembly website lists all the committees, the members of each committee and their contact information.  Go to the main page (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite) and click on the Committees tab.

 

Call or send an email to your legislators using the contact information found.   Here is where you can find out who are your Delegates and Senator:  https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District.

 

If you would like to include a short description of the bills, you can include the descriptions shown above. You are also encouraged to include any details of why you think this bill is important.

 

Dear (legislator),

My name is _________ and my address is ______________.  I am writing to let you know that the following bill(s) is(are) important to me and to all Marylanders.  I would like to request that you be a champion for these bills and help them get passed quickly. 

Each of these bills is important for Maryland and I support them and would like your help in getting them passed.  If you are not on the relevant committee, I would appreciate your voting for them during the session.  If you are on the relevant committee, I hope you will fight for them and support the sponsors as much as possible.

Thank you for your consideration,

(name)

ReplyForward Add reaction

Some Bills Are Making Progress - Budget Worries Still Dominate the Discussions in Annapolis

Bills are now being voted on by the House of Delegates and the Senate.  For a bill to be passed it must be voted on by one of the two legislative bodies by March 17th in order to be voted on by the other body in a timely manner.  But the big discussion in Annapolis continues to be the impact of the budget crisis and the impact of cutbacks by the Federal Government.   The Moore Administration has proposed over $2 billion in cutbacks and state officials are fearing that Federal cutbacks in Medicaid reimbursements will increase the deficit.   At the end of this newsletter is a short summary of how you can advocate for legislation.

Bills Moving Through the Legislature

Here are a few of the bills that made progress in the last two weeks.  They were voted favorably by one of the two legislative bodies.  The bills now have to have hearings in the other chamber and then passed by the other body in exactly the same manner.  If the bills in the House and Senate are different, the two chambers have to meet and resolve the differences.  If you’re interested in advocating for any of the bills, I have listed the Committee to which the bill has been referred.


Education

HB207  Undocumented Students – Out of State Tuition Exemption Eligibility - This bill reduces the number of years (from three to two) for which an individual or an individual’s parent or guardian must file a Maryland income tax return prior to the academic year in order to qualify for an exemption from paying the out-of-state tuition rate under the Maryland Dream Act..  Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment

Elections

SB 2 - Special Election to Fill a Vacancy in Office – It would mandate a constitutional amendment to vote on whether a vacancy for Delegate or Senator in the first year of the term would trigger a special election to fill the vacancy on the dates of the Presidential primary and general election.  Referred to Ways and Means committee.

HB 270 – Data Center Impact Analysis –requires the Maryland Department of Legislative Services to conduct an impact analysis of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of data centers. Under existing practices, all electricity customers pay for the expansion of the grid! Data centers are straining our grid and increasing costs for everyone. Referred to Senate Education, Energy and Environment

Health

HB0424 Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Authority for Upper Payment Limits (Lowering Prescription Drugs for All Marylanders Act) – Mandates the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to determine whether it is in the best interest of the State to set Upper Price Limits for all purchases and payor reimbursements of prescription drug products in the State   Senate Finance Committee


Labor
 
HB 233 (Maryland Worker Freedom Act) The bill states that workers cannot face repercussions for refusing to attend a meeting called by management on  “the decision to join or support a political party or potential civic, community, fraternal, or labor organization”.  These are called captive audience meetings and are a tool used by employers to defeat union organizing drives.  The bill was prompted by the prospect of the Trump Administration rolling back similar regulations by the National Labor Relations Board.  Senate Finance Committee

HB 582 Limiting Exemptions from Overtime Pay – The bill raises the threshold of salaried employees who eligible for overtime to $58,000 from $35,000.  This was a proposal put forward by the Federal Department of Labor but blocked by the courts.  It would impact only workers in Maryland.  Senate Finance Committee

Renters

HB 273 Limit on Late Fess for Renters This bill prohibits a landlord (for residential leases) from charging a penalty for the late payment of rent that exceeds 5% of the amount of unpaid rent due for the rental period for which the payment was delinquent. Referred to Senate Judicial Proceedings

HB 872 Tenants' Right of First Refusal - Tenants have the right of first refusal to purchase a residential rental property if the property owner (1) intends to accept a third-party purchase offer for an amount that is at least 10% lower than the lowest price offered to the tenant during an exclusive negotiation period, or (2) receives a third-party offer without public notice. If a third party delivers an offer to purchase to the owner, the owner must notify the third party of a tenant’s right of first refusal. Referred to Senate Judicial Proceedings


Some Bills That Have Been Introduced and Have not Been Voted On

Here are some other important bills that have not been voted on yet by either legislative body (and I have  not previously mentioned).


Criminal Justice

HB 545 SB 398 Expungement of Cannabis Possession Cases. The bill addresses the cumbersome and often inaccessible process of manual expungement requests for cannabis possession cases that have concluded over 3 years ago! The bill mandates that the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Judiciary complete these expungements by July 1, 2027, and continue to expunge newly eligible cases on a monthly basis thereafter. Referred to the Judiciary and Judicial Proceedings Committees.

Environment

SB0882 HB1088 Coal Dust Cleanup and Asthma Remediation Act helps to mitigate the environmental and health impact of coal transportation in Maryland by imposing a coal transportation fee of $13 per short ton transported in the state. The revenue generated from this fee will be used to establish the Fossil Fuel Mitigation Fund, which will support activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Referred to the Environment and Transportation, the Economic Matters, and the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committees.

HB0 960 Ratepayer Freedom Act prohibits investor-owned gas and electric companies from recovering costs associated with lobbying and political activities through rates. It also mandates that these companies report these costs to the Public Service Commission to ensure transparency and accountability  Referred to the Economic Matters Committee.

Gun Control

HB1158 Civil Actions Against Firearm Industry Members - Private Right of Action allows individuals harmed by the unlawful or unreasonable conduct of firearm industry members to seek civil action, providing them with a means to recover financially and emotionally Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Health 

HB1328 SB 926 End-of-Life Option Act authorizes terminally ill individuals to request aid in dying, establishing requirements and prohibitions for the process. This bill provides a compassionate option for those suffering, allowing them control over their end-of-life decisions and ensuring the process is safe and regulated.   Referred to the Judiciary, Judicial Proceedings, and the Health and Government Operations Committees.

Immigration

HB1222 Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement (Maryland Values Act) prohibits the involvement of Maryland state and local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement activities, which erodes trust and safety within immigrant communities. HB1222 ensures state resources are used for public safety priorities and prohibits local governments from entering immigration enforcement agreements, promoting a more inclusive and just Maryland  Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

HB 1476 Prohibition on Disclosure of Employee's Immigration Status –Authorizes the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to investigate and fine employers who use employees' immigration status as a tool to evade accountability for labor, benefit, or tax law violations. The bill prevents employers from using employees' immigration status as a threat in an effort to hide their own illegal activities. Referred to the Economic Matters Committee.

HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR BILLS

When there is a Committee Hearing on A Bill Scheduled, it is important to contact members of the Committee.  The General Assembly website lists all the committees, the members of each committee and their contact information.  Go to the main page (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite) and click on the Committees tab.

Call or send an email to your legislators using the contact information found.   Here is where you can find out who are your Delegates and Senator:  https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District.

If you would like to include a short description of the bills, you can include the descriptions shown above. You are also encouraged to include any details of why you think this bill is important.

Dear (legislator),
My name is _________ and my address is ______________.  I am writing to let you know that the following bill(s) is(are) important to me and to all Marylanders.  I would like to request that you be a champion for these bills and help them get passed quickly.  
Each of these bills is important for Maryland and I support them and would like your help in getting them passed.  If you are not on the relevant committee, I would appreciate your voting for them during the session.  If you are on the relevant committee, I hope you will fight for them and support the sponsors as much as possible.
Thank you for your consideration,
(name)

Over 3,000 Bills Are Having Committee Hearings Budget Crisis Looms Over Everything

                                Over 3,000 Bills Are Having Committee Hearings

Budget Crisis Looms Over Everything

 The Maryland Legislative Session lasts 90 days and the legislative process in Annapolis has basically four stages.

In the first part of the session, legislators introduce bills and the Governor, and the General Assembly Leadership present their priority packages.  Phase 1 ended the first week of February when we passed the deadline for the timely introduction of legislation.   Over 3,000 bills and resolutions were introduced. 

In the second phase, House and Senate Committees have hearings on every bill introduced. (Not every state mandates hearings on every bill.  It is in the Maryland constitution.)  This occurs during February when Committees in both chambers meet for long hours to receive public testimony on each bill.

In the third phase, the House and Senate Committees vote on bills and if the vote is favorable, they are debated and voted on by the Senate and /or the House of Delegates.  This phase ends on March 11^th, Crossover Day.   That is the deadline for a bill to be passed by one house to be heard in a timely manner by the other chamber of the legislature.

In the last phase each chamber of the legislature has to hear the bill voted on by the other chamber.  Both chambers have to vote on the exact same version of the bill, and this has to be done by midnight of the 90^th day of the Session (Sine Die) which this year is Monday April 7^th.

Bills passed by both chambers are sent to the Governor for his signature. He has 30 days to sign or veto a bill.  If a bill is vetoed (doubtful with a Democratic Governor and legislature) it can be over-ridden by the legislature when they go back in session the next year or with a special session

Budget Deficit Casts Big Shadow over Annapolis

This legislative session is unique in that the looming budget deficit Maryland of over $3 billion is what everybody is talking about.  Governor Moore has proposed over $2 billion in budget cuts and $1 billion in new revenue.  In addition, there is the possibility of massive cuts in Federal grants and programs which could raise the deficit up to $6 billion and the impact of the layoffs and firings of Federal workers who live in Maryland.  There are approximately 160,000 federal civilian jobs in our state.   The legislature has to pass a balanced budget by the end of the legislative session.  Both chambers are expected to vote on the budget by March 31^st. 

            Governor Moore’s Budget will have House and Senate hearings on his budget on.  Many of the changes will be in the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025 (HB 352). There will be an important hearing on that bill on February 27^th at 1 PM and February 28^th at noon.   You can watch the televised hearing at the MGA Website:  https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0352     

Some Important Bills

            One important bill that has already made progress in that it was voted favorably by the House of Delegates was:

HB 211 Delegate Foley – This bill allows Graduate Assistants who are teaching at one of the University of Maryland System institutions to form unions and bargain with their university.  They currently do not have that right.  A companion bill has been introduced to allow University Professors to have the same right.

                Over the last few years, I have been working with the Maryland Legislative Coalition (https://mdlegislative.com ).  We regularly review the bills that have been introduced and then let people know about them and how they can advocate for them.  I will be copying their material from now on rather than rewriting what’s already been done.

Criminal Justice

SB0827 HB1107 Juvenile Law - Confinement and Restrictive Housing - Limitations mitigate the negative impacts of restrictive housing, i.e., solitary confinement, on minors by limiting its use and ensuring humane conditions, which promotes better rehabilitation and reduces recidivism rates. Committees: Senate Judicial Proceedings and House Judiciary

 

HB0836 County Police Accountability Boards - Investigation of Complaints of Police Misconduct authorizes county police accountability boards to exercise investigatory and subpoena powers, allowing them to conduct independent investigations of police misconduct concurrently with law enforcement agencies. This bill aims to transform PABs from advisory boards to accountability boards, providing them with the necessary tools to conduct investigations free from interference. Committee: House Judiciary

Education  
HB0986 New Teachers - Retention Program would compel each county board of education to establish a new teacher retention program. By supporting new teachers through mentorships and more, this bill aims to improve student outcomes and create a more stable and effective educational environment. House Ways and Means Committee.

Elections

SB0633 HB0906 Campaign Finance - Political Organizations - Disclosures on Solicitations (Stop Scam PACs Act) mandates that organizations’ fundraising using a candidate's name, image, or likeness must disclose that the candidate was not involved and that donations may not be tax-deductible. Violations incur both civil and criminal penalties, and the offending entity would be temporarily prohibited from soliciting donations. Committees: Education, Energy, and the Environment plus Ways and Means

Environment  
HB0069 Environment - Plastic Products - Postconsumer Recycled Content Program states plastic beverage containers must contain at least 50% postconsumer recycled content by 2033. Rigid plastic containers must contain at least 40% postconsumer recycled content by 2034. By setting minimum recycled content among other requirements, the bill checks a lot of boxes by aiming to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and reduce waste sent to landfills and incinerators. House Environment and Transportation Committee.

Gun Control

HB0180 Public Safety - Gun Violence Victim Relocation Program creates a program that offers assistance and support to eligible victims and their families to ensure their safety and well-being through relocation. The purpose is to ameliorate immediate threats and psychological impacts, while providing a chance for victims to escape violent environments and rebuild their lives in a secure setting. Committee: House Judiciary

Health Care
SB0614 HB1020 Fair Medical Debt Reporting Act promotes fair credit practices by protecting consumers from the adverse effects of medical debt on their credit reports. The bill helps ensure medical debt does not disproportionately affect individuals' ability to access credit and financial opportunities, which would compound the impact of a health event. Committee: Health Government Operations

Housing

SB0856 Mold - Landlord Requirements and Regulations (Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act) requires landlords to perform mold assessments and remediation within 45 days after receiving notice. These measures are designed to protect tenants' health by ensuring prompt and effective mold remediation, which is particularly important for vulnerable populations like children. Committees: Judicial Proceedings and Education, Energy, and the Environment

Immigration
SB0828 Protecting Sensitive Locations Act would require the Attorney General to develop guidelines for immigration enforcement at sensitive locations. Given the current environment, we need a bill to protect vulnerable individuals and communities by limiting immigration enforcement activities at locations such as schools, medical facilities, places of worship, childcare centers, and other locations designated by the Attorney General. Committee: Senate Judicial Proceedings

SB0977 Maryland Data Privacy Act would compel law enforcement agencies and units of state or local government to deny access to personal information and photographs unless presented with a valid warrant issued by a federal or state court. It also mandates the Attorney General to enforce these provisions and outline disciplinary actions for state employees who violate the act. Committee: Senate Judicial Proceedings

HB1431 State and Local Agencies - Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law - Restrictions on Access to Information (Maryland Data Privacy Act) mandates that state and local agencies deny access to personal data for federal immigration enforcement without a valid warrant and prohibits the use of facial recognition technology for this purpose. By ensuring that personal data remains protected, the bill provides an additional layer of security and fosters trust among Maryland residents, particularly within immigrant communities. Committee: House Judiciary

          Revenue

HB 1014/SB 859: Fair Share for Maryland Act is designed to address our budget shortfall in an equitable manner. Here’s what the Act aims to achieve:

·         Close corporate tax loopholes most other states have addressed, leveling the playing field for small businesses.

·         Fix our upside-down tax system by ensuring the wealthiest 1% of Marylanders contribute their fair share in taxes.

·         Expand working family tax credits, providing more support to hardworking families.

·         Generate $1.6 billion per year in new revenue, significantly boosting our state’s financial health.

Committees: House Ways and Means/Senate Budget and Taxation

 

Transportation

HB0517 SB0401 MARC Rail Authority Act of 2025 would create a dedicated authority to manage and improve the MARC rail service, WHERE NONE EXISTS! The bill also authorizes the MARC Rail Authority to issue revenue bonds to finance railroad facilities. Improved MARC rail services can reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a convenient and sustainable transportation option for commuters.  Committee: House Environment and Transportation

HB0958 SB0855 The Maryland Railway Safety Act of 2025 includes requirements that a freight train must have a crew of at least two individuals or face fines of $10,000 to $25,000. A train operating on main lines in Maryland may not exceed 8,500 feet in length, unless granted an exception, or face a $10,000 penalty. That’s over a mile and a half! The bill also mandates the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to set up and oversee a system for reporting the transportation of hazardous materials and waste by rail. House Environment and Transportation Committee

 

HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR BILLS

 

When there is a Committee Hearing on A Bill Scheduled, it is important to contact members of the Committee.  The General Assembly website lists all the committees, the members of each committee and their contact information.  Go to the main page (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite) and click on the Committees tab.

 

Call or send an email to your legislators using the contact information found.   Here is where you can find out who are your Delegates and Senator:  https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District.

 

If you would like to include a short description of the bills, you can include the descriptions shown above. You are also encouraged to include any details of why you think this bill is important.

 

Dear (legislator),

My name is _________ and my address is ______________.  I am writing to let you know that the following bill(s) is(are) important to me and to all Marylanders.  I would like to request that you be a champion for these bills and help them get passed quickly. 

Each of these bills is important for Maryland and I support them and would like your help in getting them passed.  If you are not on the relevant committee, I would appreciate your voting for them during the session.  If you are on the relevant committee, I hope you will fight for them and support the sponsors as much as possible.

Thank you for your consideration,

(name)