March 6, 2022
Dear Friends -
As the remaining time in Annapolis grows shorter, hearing, voting, and floor sessions are getting longer -- and more frequent. We are having many in-depth discussions about legislation and making often difficult decisions about bills that are ready to move forward, and those that need more work. Read on to learn about this week's legislative updates, D16 news and reminders, and a calendar of relevant events.
Finally, just a reminder that my office is always here to help you. If we can ever be of any assistance, do not hesitate to reach out: (410) 841-3453 or Sara.Love@house.state.md.us.
Take care,
Sara
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Week in Review: Bills Moving Forward
Two of my bills passed out of committee and are headed to the House floor for discussion:
Environment – PFAS Chemicals – Prohibitions and Requirements (George “Walter” Taylor Act) HB 275 passed unanimously on March 4 out of the House Health and Government Operations Committee. (Its cross-file, SB 273, passed unanimously in the Senate on March 1, and headed to the House.) This bill prevents the sale of certain products containing dangerous PFAS chemicals, and is the first step towards a safer Maryland for firefighters and all residents across the state.
Natural Resources - Wildlife Trafficking Prevention HB 52 passed 23-2 out of the House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 4. (Its cross-file, SB 381, passed unanimously in the Senate on March 4, and headed for the House.) This bill protects imperiled wildlife species including elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and great apes by preventing the sale in Maryland of products made from these animals.
Other bills that moved forward include:
Public Safety - Untraceable Firearms (Ghost Guns), HB 425, banning ghost guns in Maryland, received a favorable vote in the House Judiciary Committee on March 4 and now goes to the House floor for discussion. Ghost guns - untraceable firearms that can be bought online in parts and assembled at home - are considered the fastest-growing gun safety problem facing our country. The bill sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Jones and Delegate Leslie Lopez (and crossfiled by D16 Senator Susan Lee) is an important step in making our communities safer.
Protecting Women's Reproductive Health: Declaration of Rights - Right to Reproductive Liberty, HB 1171, (sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Jones), Abortion Care Access Act HB 937 (sponsored by D16 Delegate Ariana Kelly), and Access to Abortion Care and Health Insurance Act HB 952 (also sponsored by D16 Delegate Ariana Kelly) all passed out of the House Health and Government Operations Committee on March 4 and are headed to the House floor for debate. This three-piece legislative package protects abortion care access in Maryland, even if the Supreme Court severely restricts or overturns Roe v Wade.
"Family Budget Booster" Bills: On March 3 and March 4, the House passed a total of 6 bills designed specifically to help families financially by eliminating the Maryland sales and use tax on necessities such as baby bottles, baby bottle nipples, and infant car seats (HB 288); diapers (HB 282); certain medical devices (HB 364); diabetic care products (HB 1151); and oral hygiene products (HB 492); as well as tax incentives to businesses to hire workers who have trouble finding work (HB 2). All of these bills are now heading to the Senate.
In Other Legislative News...
Here are a few other House bills that you may find interesting based on constituent inquiries and media coverage:
General Provisions – Standard Time – Year–Round Daylight Saving Time HB 126 sponsored by Delegate Brian Crosby passed out of the House, was sent to the Senate, and was referred to the Senate Health, Education & Environmental Affairs Committee on February 18. If passed by the Senate and enacted, the Bill would make Daylight Saving Time permanent only when all the surrounding states enact the same legislation and the federal government amends its time code. (Meanwhile, please remember that Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 13!)
Gasoline-Powered Leaf Blowers - Sale, Offering for Sale, and Use -- Prohibition HB 934, sponsored by Delegate Linda Foley and heard in the House Economic Matters Committee on February 25, would ban the sale of gasoline-powered leaf blowers throughout the state by 2024, followed by a ban of all usage by the start of 2025. Gas blowers emit hydrocarbons at rates up to nine times higher than those generated by electric blowers. It’s estimated that using a commercial leaf blower for one hour emits as much pollution as driving a 2016 Toyota Camry from D.C. to Miami. Gas-powered blowers produce double the number of decibels and have a lower sound frequency than electric leaf blowers. This blower noise will cause birds, frogs, pollinating insects and other creatures to vacate an area, affecting the ecosystem, and can be heard 23 houses away. Additionally, the noise and toxic fumes generated by gas-powered blowers impact the health and safety of workers who use them on the job.
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Crisis in Ukraine. I stand firmly in support of Ukraine. As local opportunities become available to assist displaced families, I will let you know. Meanwhile, you can contribute to international efforts through verified nonprofit organizations listed here and elsewhere.
Help for Families Affected by Laytonsville Road Fire. A March 3 fire and explosion devastated the Friendly Garden Apartments on Laytonsville Road in Silver Spring, causing serious injuries, displacing residents, and destroying multiple apartments. You can donate funds to provide relief to these families for transportation, clothing, supplies for children, and other essentials. Learn more here.
Fridays with Friedson. Join Councilmember Andrew Friedson on Zoom this Friday, March 11, 11am - 12pm to ask your questions and share your thoughts about what is going on in -- and what is planned for -- Montgomery County, and specifically in Council District 1 (Bethesda, Cabin John, Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights, Garrett Park, Glen Echo, Kensington, Martin's Additions, North Bethesda, Potomac, Poolesville, and Somerset.) Register here to receive the Zoom link.
E-Z Pass Finally Gets Easier. In an attempt to relieve the many problems and frustrations with its E-Z Pass, the Maryland Transportation Authority announced on February 24 the adoption of a "customer assistance plan" that includes a civil penalty waiver for those who pay their unpaid tolls by November 30, a cessation of forwarding names of customers with overdue accounts to the Motor Vehicle Administration and the state’s collections office, and an increase in customer service agents to reduce wait times. You can read more about this here.
Women’s History Month Contest. In recognition of March as Women’s History Month (and the organization's 50th anniversary), the Commission for Women invites residents ages 5 and up to participate in its fifth annual “Girl Power Contest" by submitting a short story, poem, drawing, or medium of their choice that addresses two key questions: 1) What do you see as the three biggest accomplishments women have achieved over the last 50 years? 2) What three accomplishments do you believe would make the biggest impact over the next 50 years? For more information and to submit an entry by March 31, go here.
Montgomery County Quiet Skies: According to the Montgomery County Quiet Skies update, the U.S. government and the private sector are clearing the way for many new aircraft overhead in the coming years, such as drones and "urban air mobility." For those of you who would like to provide quick input to NASA requesting that they consider the impact of increased noise pollution, air pollution, and visual pollution on over-flown communities, here are a few simple steps:
Public Service Reminder
Noise pollution continues to be an important public health concern. Not only can noise interfere with normal residential and business activities, persistent exposure can also result in psychological stress and, at high enough levels, damage to hearing. In 2012, noise enforcement authority was transferred from the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) to local jurisdictions. Under the Montgomery County Noise Law, it is unlawful to create a noise disturbance (based on decibel levels) anywhere during quiet hours (weekdays 9pm - 7am, weekends & holidays 9pm - 9am). (Note: The nuisance provision prohibits some noise disturbances anywhere at any time. Noises associated with motorized vehicles are regulated under the State Motor Vehicle Code by the Police.) Types of noise include interior news, music & PA systems, yard maintenance & leaf blowers (see information about leaf blower legislation above!), emergency standby electric generators, trash collection, parking lot noise, and construction noise. For more information on specifics, including how to comply and how to file a complaint, see the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection's Noise Control page.
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Calendar
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Monday, March 7, 7:30am, Bethesda Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club with candidates for States Attorney Tom Degonia and Perry Paylor. Email keller.johnw@gmail.com for the zoom link.
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Monday, March 7, Final Date for Introduction of Bills in the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) without suspension of the Rules
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Tuesday, March 8, International Women's Day
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Friday, March 11, 11am - 12pm, Virtual Friday with Friedson, Register here to receive the Zoom link.
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Tuesday, March 13, Daylight Saving Time (Turn your clocks forward one hour -- and read above about legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent!)
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Tuesday, March 15, 7:30am, Bethesda Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club with candidates for Maryland Attorney General Congressman Anthony Brown and Former Judge Katie O'Malley. Email keller.johnw@gmail.com for the zoom link.
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Monday, March 21, Opposite chamber bill crossover date in the MGA: each chamber (Senate and House) must send the other chamber those bills it intends to pass favorably.
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Monday, April 4, Budget bill must be passed by both chambers of the MGA. (Passing the Budget Bill each session is the only constitutional requirement for the MGA!)
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Monday, April 11, MGA 90th Day — ADJOURNMENT “SINE DIE”
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