ANNAPOLIS UPDATE. . .

Today is "Crossover Day" in the Maryland General Assembly.  Today, each Chamber (House and Senate) must send to other Chamber those bills it intends to pass favorably. Opposite Chamber bills received after today are subject to referral to the respective Rules  Committees. By the end of the day, we should have a good idea of what legislation will move forward during this session.   In anticipation of today, legislators moved a number of bills last week and over the weekend. Here are some highlights.

* An amended version of Governor Larry Hogan's Small Business Relief Tax Credit bill passed second reading in the Senate. Amendments changed the bill's definition of small business from 50 employees to 25 and changed the definition of a "qualified employee." 

* An amended version of legislation that prohibits employers from inquiring about a candidate's salary history passed second reading in the House. The amended bill would prohibit employers from ever asking or seeking information about a candidate's past earnings. If this bill moves, it will create a problem for Montgomery County employers because it differs from the existing County law.

* Legislation that would have changed the threshold for employees who qualify for overtime pay (to mirror what was proposed at the Federal level by the Obama Administration) died in the Economic Matters Committee by a 18-4 vote. Montgomery County Delegates Charles Barclay and Jeff Waldstriecher were among the four who supported moving the bill forward.

* Legislation that prohibits employers from seeking contract waivers from employees filing sexual harassment complaints passed the House and was sent over the the Senate.

* A bill that would have required employers who provide employee parking to make cash payments to those who do not need parking died in committee.

* Legislation that will provide dedicated Metro funding and place certain requirements on the Metro Board is moving through both Chambers.

Members interested in seeing a copy of these bills or would like more information should contact Jane Redicker.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR - GSSCC County Executive Candidate Forum

The upcoming mid-term election will be a critical one and provides a unique opportunity for voters in Montgomery County. Because a term-limits law was approved in the last election, voters will elect a new County Executive and have the opportunity to elect four brand new At-Large County Council candidates. (Only one incumbent is eligible to run for this office.) Local government matters to business. As Norman Augustine, formerly of Lockheed-Martin, who led a state panel to identify ways to improve Maryland's business climate, said, "You can be for jobs and against employers." GSSCC plans to provide members several opportunities to assess candidates' views on business in the upcoming election. One of these opportunities will be a members-only County Executive Candidates Forum, scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, at Montgomery College. The forum will feature those candidates whose races are contested in the June 26 primary. Mark your calendar and click here for more information or to register.