Dear Friends,
Another session of the Maryland General Assembly has come to a close, after the chambers adjourned at midnight on Tuesday, April 12. As set forth by the Maryland Constitution, the General Assembly may only carry on its session for a period not longer than 90 days. Although this time limit presents a challenge, the House of Delegates and the Senate passed significant bills to better our communities here in Maryland.
As your Delegate for District 33, I continued to serve on the Health and Government Operations Committee, as well as the Public Health and Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee and the Long-Term Care Subcommittee. These positions allow me to confront issues in the state relating to healthcare, health professions, State government operations and organization, and health facilities, issues of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the first time, this Session I was proud to serve you as Vice Chair of the Anne Arundel County Delegation and Chair of the Public Health Subcommittee in Delegation.
Further, not only did I resume my memberships on the Latino Caucus, the Veteran's Caucus, and the Women's Caucus, I am thrilled to announce I was elected by my colleagues to serve as 2nd Vice President of the Women's Caucus. This position will enable me to continue the work of Women and Girls in the first women's legislative caucus ever established in the United States.
My membership on the Self-Direction Workgroup allowed me to contribute to and co-sponsor the Self-Direction Act of 2022, which expands, optimizes, and improves self-direction programs in Maryland to meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable populations.
Additionally, as a direct result of my bill, House Bill 368, which I sponsored in the 2021 Legislative Session, the Oral Health Task Force continues to meet regularly to examine oral healthcare in the state and determine gaps in access.
The legislation passed in this 444th Session ranges from mental health access expansion, to essential climate legislation, to family leave, and criminal justice reform. I am pleased to report as a result of the continued support of my community, I worked diligently to pass six of my bills, which will be or have already been signed into law.
Following is a summary of the work accomplished during the 90 days of the 2022 Maryland General Assembly legislative session.
THE BUDGET AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
OPERATING BUDGET
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget passed with a record $2.4B in the Rainy Day Fund for emergencies and allots for more than $650M to fund priorities across the state such as education, support for Marylanders with the greatest need, employee benefits, and cost of living increases.
Specifically, the FY2023 operating budget consists of:
$800M for future Blueprint education funding
Over $50M set aside for families to afford child care
An increase of nearly $150M in funding for crime prevention and victim services
Over $100M in funds to create more affordable rental housing
$202M for providers serving vulnerable populations
$35M toward benefits for cash assistance recipients
$27M to expand Medicaid dental benefits for adults
$50M for grants for arts and tourism organizations
$47M for implementation of cannabis reform
$30M provided to serve 1,350 youth on the Autism Waiver waiting list
$9M to address climate impacts
$10M to launch paid family leave
$36M to support economic development and revitalization efforts
TAX RELIEF
Gas Tax Holiday
To address rising inflation costs affecting Marylanders, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 1486/Senate Bill 1010 to pause taxation on gas for a 30-day holiday. This emergency legislation helped ease the financial burden on everyday Marylanders. I co-sponsored the bill, and it was signed into law on Friday, March 18.
Retirement Tax Relief
This session, we prioritized relief for retired Marylanders and passed the Retirement Elimination Act of 2022. House Bill 1468 and Senate Bill 405 provide a nonrefundable credit against the State income tax for Marylanders who are at least age 65 and whose income does not exceed $100,000 ($150,000 if married filing jointly).
Income Tax Subtraction Union Dues
House Bill 172 will permit union members across Maryland to deduct their union dues from their state taxes. Our union members deserve every penny; union dues are a routine expense for working people.
Sales Tax Exemption on Diapers
House Bill 282 cuts the sales tax on diapers to help make these items more affordable for Maryland families.
Sales Tax Exemption on Baby Products
House Bill 288 helps families afford basic necessities by cutting the sales tax on baby products such as car seats, baby bottles, and bottle nipples.
Sales Tax Exemption on Medical Devices
House Bill 364 makes medical products more affordable by cutting the sales tax on thermometers, pulse oximeters, and blood pressure monitors – critical for 1.5M Marylanders with high blood pressure.
Sales Tax Exemption on Oral Hygiene Products
House Bill 492 helps families afford everyday household and oral health items by cutting the sales tax on dental hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash making them more affordable and accessible.
BILLS TO BE CONTINUED
Although these bills did not pass during the 2022 Legislative Session, we expect to see similar legislation next year and I plan to support their passage through the legislative process.
Income Tax Subtraction Modification - Military and Public Safety Retirement Income House Bill 461:
HB461 would have increased the amount of subtraction modification under the Maryland income tax for retirement income received as a result of military service or due to an individual's employment as a correctional officer, a law enforcement officer, or a fire, rescue, or emergency services personnel.
Anne Arundel County – Property Tax Credit – Disabled or Fallen Law Enforcement Officers and Rescue Workers, Surviving Spouses, and Cohabitants House Bill 697:
HB697, if passed, would have expanded the eligibility for law enforcement officers who have retired due to a service-related disability to receive a property tax credit upon moving to Anne Arundel County.
CAPITAL BUDGET
This year’s capital budget is one of the largest in State history. Working with the Administration to target spending toward one–time infrastructure investment, the capital budget provides $1.5 billion in funding for our most important priorities, including $50M for legislative bond initiatives. The General Assembly also pre-authorized funding for nearly $600M for projects in future years.
Crownsville Patient Hospital
The Board of Public Works recently approved transfer of the Crownsville State Hospital grounds, a site of historical significance to the African American community, to Anne Arundel County, paving the way for the site to finally become more than just an abandoned, crumbling eyesore. We have an exciting opportunity to create a welcoming space which will serve the whole of Anne Arundel County. The General Assembly approved to award $30,500,000 for the acquisition, planning, design, construction, repair, renovation, reconstruction, site improvement, and capital equipping of the Crownsville Memorial Park. It is past time to invest in this historic site and create a legacy of which this County can be proud.
The Maggie McIntosh Art Fund - House Bill 1469
House Bill 1469 establishes the Maggie McIntosh Arts Fund to provide grants to help Baltimore City public schools purchase art supplies for their classrooms. The Maggie McIntosh School Arts Fund is a special fund administered by Arts Every Day and must be used to expand the arts curriculum for students in schools in Baltimore City that are eligible for concentration of poverty grants (CPGs). Beginning in fiscal 2023, $250,000 annually must be allocated from the remaining money in the State Lottery Fund after other specified distributions are made.
Local Bond Initiatives
In total, through legislative bond initiatives we secured over $10M for projects in Anne Arundel County and roughly $2.5M is allotted to District 33. Below are some highlights of the bond initiatives I sponsored this session.
Anne Arundel County Food Bank
The Anne Arundel County Food Bank, Inc. (AACFB) is a countywide non-profit dedicated to ensuring Anne Arundel County residents have access to food and basic necessities. The AACFB distributes free, nutritious food and other resources to over 110 community providers across the County while also helping to deliver emergency services.
This year, I sponsored a bond initiative to secure $500,000 for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. This funding will enable the AACFB to continue and expand upon their invaluable service and contribution to our County for those most in need.
Crownsville Patient Cemetery: "Say My Name"
From 1911 through 2004, the Crownsville Hospital Center operated as a State psychiatric hospital. The Maryland General Assembly established Crownsville Hospital on April 11, 1910 in an act designating the Hospital as "The Hospital for the Negro Insane of Maryland." The African-American patients who died within the Hospital were buried on the property. Many of the gravesites are not properly identified and have been disturbed due to construction and other projects. After extensive research, the site has identified over 1,600 patients buried in the cemetery.
This Session, I sponsored the bond initiative to secure funding for the Crownsville Hospital Patient Cemetery Memorial. This will include a memorial to list all the patients, including birth date, death date, and state of origin. This long-overdue initiative is meant to restore dignity, honor, and respect for the patients and their families.
Howard L. Turner (Post 276) of the American Legion
The American Legion Post 276 is dedicated to serving veterans, families, and local charities such as Women’s Shelters, Boys and Cub Scouts, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Disabled Veterans Organization. Post 276 consists of over 1,000 members made up of Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion.
This year, we secured $50,000 to ensure Post 276 can continue to provide services and facilities for groups to host meetings, trainings, fundraisers, and other community events.
We Also Worked to Fund the Following Projects in District 33:
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds: $50,000
Benfield Elementary School: $60,000
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis: $300,000
Kingdom Kare Veterans Resource Support Center: $850,000
Pascal Crisis Stabilization Center: $350,000
Senior Dog Sanctuary: $100,000
Severna Park American Legion Post 175: $55,000
South Shore Recovery Club (SSRC) parking lot: $28,970
Waugh Chapel Swim Club: $250,000
SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATION
CHILD CARE
Time to Care Act of 2022 - Senate Bill 275:
Senate Bill 275 establishes the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Fund to provide up to 12 weeks of benefits to covered workers who need to take extended time away from work to care for themselves or a loved one. This will allow workers to take paid time off for events like the birth or adoption of a child, caring for an aging family member, or caring for themselves during a medical emergency without having to endure additional hardship.
Child Care Stabilization and Child Care Expansion Grant Programs - House Bill 89:
House Bill 89 prioritizes family childcare providers and providers most in need for the State’s $50M stabilization grant.
Therapeutic Child Care Program - HB 725:
House Bill 725 establishes the Therapeutic Child Care Program for childcare providers that support students with developmental disabilities. The grant program will help provide up to $45k for each child with severe developmental disabilities.
The Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund - House Bill 993:
House Bill 993 establishes a $35M revolving loan fund available to childcare providers participating in the scholarship program. The loans will be at no interest and can be used for expansion, new construction/acquisition, and renovations of childcare facilities.
ENVIRONMENT
2022 Climate Solutions Now - Senate Bill 528:
This monumental legislation strengthens Maryland’s commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change by setting goals to reduce greenhouse gases and meet net-zero statewide emissions by 2045-- making our state a leader against climate change.
To address issues of climate equity for communities disproportionately affected by climate change, Climate Solutions Now requires the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to further assess the disparities and determine an appropriate course of action. It is important to remember that these communities are distinct, diverse, and located across the state.
Further, Senate Bill 528 establishes four workgroups under the purview of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change to help advance these goals:
Just Transition Employment and Retraining Work Group – improve workforce development, training, and job creation connected to increasing energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction
Energy Industry Revitalization Workgroup – study and advise on opportunities and challenges for small businesses in transition to using renewable energy
Energy Resilience and Efficiency Workgroup – identify opportunities to improve the state’s energy infrastructure, modernize energy transmission, and viability of battery backup
Solar Photovoltaic Systems Recovery, Reuse, and Recycling Workgroup – review systems and programs in the state to decommission, dispose, and recycle solar panels
Electric School Bus Pilot Program - House Bill 696:
House Bill 696 establishes a 3-year electric school bus pilot program to begin transitioning
Maryland’s 7,300 school buses from diesel to electric buses. The Climate Solutions Now Act promotes the expansion of electric school buses by requiring county boards of education to purchase electric school buses if there is available federal, state, or private funding and ensures MDE works with county boards and private school bus contractors to develop a sufficient electric school bus infrastructure.
The bill also establishes the Electric School Bus Pilot Program, which partners with investor-owned utilities to facilitate public school bus fleets to transition from dirty diesel fuel buses to clean electric buses at no additional cost. This will help improve air quality for our kids, drivers, and neighbors, improve electric grid reliability, and reduce costs for ratepayers.
Clean Cars Act of 2022 - House Bill 1391:
House Bill 1391 extends the Clean Cars program for zero-emission and fuel cell electric vehicles that cost $50,000 or less.
Oyster Restoration - House Bill 1228:
House Bill 1228 is oyster restoration legislation that provides funding for the state to make infrastructure upgrades that will help the state achieve its goal of producing 5 billion baby oysters by 2025. The bill also provides economic incentives to retain and reuse oyster shells.
The Great Maryland Outdoors Act - Senate Bill 541:
Senate Bill 541 provides better support to the Maryland Park Service and makes critical improvements based on the recommendations by the State Parks Investment Commission.
During the pandemic, patronage to Maryland’s state parks increased by 45%; parks were unable to support the increased capacity because of decades of under-funding. This bill corrects this issue by providing nearly $68M to address backlogged maintenance projects and repairs and new land acquisition to expand parks for better public access, historic preservation, flood mitigation, and enhanced staffing. It also includes $20M for transportation improvements, parking availability, and trail connectivity.
Additionally, the bill leverages power between county and state parks for better partnerships to create a pipeline to hire and retain diverse staff and improve oversight to the park.
Ghost Gun Ban - HB 425/SB 387:
This legislation bans unregistered, untraceable "ghost guns" and creates a plan to register guns that can be sold in kits of loose parts and do not have a serial number. The bill requires the Secretary of State Police to maintain a system to register firearms imprinted with serial numbers and prohibits a person from purchasing, receiving, selling, offering to sell, or transferring an "unfinished frame or receiver" or a firearm unless it is registered and imprinted with a serial number.
Solidarity with the Government and People of Ukraine - House Resolution 8:
House Joint Resolution 8 declares that the State stands in solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine as they resist the unprovoked invasion of their territory by the Russian Federation. It is the duty of all free peoples to resist tyranny, whatever form it may take.
Protecting Voting Rights - Senate Bill 158:
This emergency legislation requires the State Board of Elections and local boards of elections to provide at least the same number of in-person precinct polling locations as the 2018 election.
After it was made clear that local boards intended to conduct a mass consolidation of election day polling places, the General Assembly took action quickly to prevent any chance of voter suppression. While states across the country have experienced anti-democracy legislation in recent years, Maryland will continue to be a leader and ensure equal access to the ballot and expand voting opportunities.
Juneteenth National Independence Day - House Bill 227:
House Bill 227 makes Juneteenth a state holiday. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when hundreds of thousands of enslaved people in Texas found out they were free-- 2.5 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
General Provisions – Commemorative Days – Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day - HB 479/SB 05:
House Bill 479 requires the Governor to annually proclaim the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. The proclamation must urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day through informative programs and activities.
HEALTH
Expanded Dental Coverage for Adults on Medicaid - House Bill 06/Senate Bill 150:
This legislation expands access to dental care by allowing adults with Medicaid to get dental coverage beginning January 1, 2023. This will expand dental coverage to the nearly 800,000 Marylanders without dental care.
Public Health – Maryland Suicide Fatality Review Committee - House Bill 48/Senate Bill 94:
HB48 establishes the Maryland Suicide Fatality Review Committee to identify and address the factors contributing to suicide deaths and facilitate system changes in the State to prevent suicide.
Home– and Community–Based Services Waiver – Participation and Applications - House Bill 80/Senate Bill 28:
This legislation requires the Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services Waiver (Community Options Waiver) to include a cap on participation and a plan for waiver participation of at least 7,500 individuals. If the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) maintains a waiting list/registry for the waiver, each month MDH must send a waiver application to at least 600 individuals on the waiting list/registry.
Environment – PFAS Chemicals – Prohibitions and Requirements - House Bill 275/Senate Bill 273:
The bill bans the use of intentionally added PFAS in firefighting foam and requires manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) to notify the purchaser if the PPE contains PFAS. The bill also requires containment of discharge of any foam with intentionally added PFAS and prohibits the incineration or landfilling of such foam. Further, this legislation will prohibit the sale or distribution of rugs, carpets, or foods with intentionally added PFAS.
Additionally, the bill requires the Maryland Department of the Environment to report to the General Assembly on testing of waters for PFAS and plans to educate Marylanders on PFAS, minimize Marylanders’ exposure to PFAS, assess environmental justice and health equity as they relate to PFAS, clean up historical release of PFAS, and minimize future releases of PFAS.
Extended Provider Fee for State Reinsurance Program - House Bill 413/Senate Bill 395:
House Bill 413 reauthorizes the reinsurance assessment fee for large insurance companies, which is used to make healthcare insurance more affordable. This assessment is projected to raise $695M in state funds from 2024-2028 and is expected to generate $1.5 to $2.5 billion in federal pass-through funds over that period.
Since the reinsurance program was established by the General Assembly in 2018, it has dramatically reduced the cost of insurance in the individual market and ensured that large insurers pay their fair share into Maryland’s healthcare system.
Developmental Disabilities Administration – Self–Directed Services (Self–Direction Act of 2022) - House Bill 1020/Senate Bill 868:
House Bill 1020 requires the Developmental Disabilities Administration to establish and provide training materials to coordinators of community services (CCSs) specifically on the self-directed services model of receiving services. As part of developing a "person-centered plan of service," a CCS must educate the recipient on all models of service available to the recipient, as specified.
Insulin Cost Reduction Act - House Bill 1397/Senate Bill 353:
Over half a million adults in the state have diabetes. This legislation requires insurers, non-profit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations to limit the amount a covered individual is required to pay in copayments or coinsurance for a covered prescription insulin drug to no more than $30 for a 30-day supply.
End the Wait Act - House Bill 1403/Senate Bill 636:
This bill requires the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to "End the Wait" by developing a plan to reduce the waitlists for seven specified waiver programs in the state by 50%. The bill also requires MDH to develop a plan to reduce the registry for the Autism Waiver and provide services to at least 50% of individuals determined eligible. This will get people the critical care they need.
Maryland Medical Assistance Program – Emergency Services Transporters – Reimbursement - House Bill 44/Senate Bill 295:
This bill modifies the requirements for Medicaid reimbursement to an emergency service transporter for services provided in response to a 9-1-1 call. Reimbursement must be provided for (1) medical services provided to a Medicaid recipient in response to 9-1-1 call-in situations when the recipient is not transported to a facility and (2) mobile integrated health services.
ANIMAL CARE
Declawing Cats Prohibition - House Bill 22/Senate Bill 67:
HB22 prohibits declawing, tendonectomy, or any procedure that prevents the normal functioning of an animal’s toes, unless it is done specifically to benefit the animal.
Declawing is an elective procedure that requires an amputation, which can result in long-term complications leading to chronic pain. The American Veterinary Medical Association acknowledges that declawing and tendonectomy are not medically necessary and further states that it "is not recommended."
Petition for Costs for Care of Seized Animal - House Bill 1062/Senate Bill 877:
This bill allows a public official required to protect animals to petition the District Court to order the owner of an animal, that has been seized for its own protection, to pay for the reasonable costs of caring for the animal as opposed to the cost falling to Maryland taxpayers.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
Legal Cannabis Constitutional Amendment - House Bill 1:
House Bill 1 puts a referendum for legalized cannabis on the 2022 General Election ballot. If passed, the referendum will allow individuals 21 or older to use and possess cannabis in the state.
Cannabis Reform - House Bill 837:
House Bill 837 addresses criminal justice and public health issues relating to cannabis legalization, while building the foundation to create social equity in the recreational cannabis industry. Should Marylanders vote for legalized cannabis, this bill would allow Marylanders to possess up to 1.5 ounces of recreational cannabis without penalty and automatically expunge the conviction of anyone previously found guilty of simple possession of marijuana.
Child Interrogation Protection Act - House Bill 269/Senate Bill 53:
This legislation extends access to counsel to children during an interrogation. It prohibits officers from interrogating children until an attorney has been consulted and requires law enforcement to make an effort to notify the parent, guardian, or custodian, unless there is a threat to public safety. This ensures due process for children and equal treatment across the board. These actions will help prevent coerced false confessions and prevent juveniles from wrongful convictions.
Juvenile Justice Reform - Senate Bill 691:
Senate Bill 691 makes changes to the juvenile justice process by implementing recommendations of the Juvenile Justice Reform Council (JJRC). The bill limits the circumstances under which a child is subject to jurisdiction of the juvenile court. It further creates a permanent Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform and Emerging and Best Practices to research evidence– and research–based practices to improve child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, mental health services for children, and prevention and intervention services for juveniles.
ITEMS ON MY LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
PASSED BOTH CHAMBERS: TO BE LAW
Electronic Transfer of Emergency Petitions - House Bill 32:
House Bill 32 authorizes the electronic transmission of approved petitions for emergency evaluation. By allowing these petitions to be transferred electronically, it expedites the transfers, therefore enabling a faster response to a request. It is imperative that we respond to these emergencies as quickly as possible to provide immediate care for the evaluee. Additionally, this will remove and alleviate the requirement of a peace officer having a paper copy or original copy of the petition, which allows for easier transmission through the court system.
Commission to Establish a Maryland Women Veterans Memorial - House Bill 167:
Currently, in Maryland there is no memorial specifically honoring the Maryland women who have served and continue to serve in all branches of our military. HB 167 would establish a commission to finally create a dedicated Maryland Women Veterans Memorial in the state. It is past time that we honor the service, dedication, honor, and sacrifice of these valiant women who have served in our armed forces.
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact – Sunset Extension and Reporting - House Bill 180:
In 2018, the Maryland General Assembly passed landmark legislation to enable Maryland to opt-into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. The compact streamlines and expedites the physician licensure process to allow physicians to become licensed in multiple states.
One of the major barriers to health-care across the country is the shortage of physicians. Limiting the time it takes for physicians to get licensed addresses the shortage that has only been exacerbated by COVID-19. Without the Compact, Marylanders can lack the necessary care they need, and often face longer wait times and farther travel to see a physician. Additionally, the Compact has helped physicians expand the use of tele-medicine, which has proved an essential component in our health-care industry now more than ever.
House Bill 180 will accomplish two things. First, it will extend the impending termination date of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Second, the bill will expand upon the annual report the State Board of Physicians is required to submit to allow for more transparency and accountability in making sure the Compact is accomplishing what it is intended to do.
Community Action Agencies - Provision of Feminine Hygiene Products - House Bill 588:
Period poverty is a real issue for many women and girls. Limited access to menstrual products can lead to lost work and wages, adverse health effects, and impact the autonomy and mental well-being of those in need. Additionally, populations in need of menstrual products are overwhelmingly communities of color. Lack of access to these essential health products is not just a health issue but one of racial equity. While there are state and federal programs such as WIC and SNAP for food, formula, and medications, currently there are no financial resources to aid in the purchase of menstrual products.
HB 588 establishes a pilot program across the state for women and girls in need to have access to hygiene products from their local community action agencies. Menstrual health should not be a luxury for only those who can afford it. It is my hope that a pilot will allow community action agencies and local health departments to examine the feasibility, cost, and functionality for a large-scale program across the entire state.
Psychiatric Hospital Admissions Equity Act - House Bill 684:
Decisions made around medical care need to be based on medical necessity, not convenience or budgetary concerns. The policy is not currently enacted, but the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) in the past has had policy requiring hospitals to check for open psych beds at at least five other hospitals before allowing psych patients to be transferred to Sheppard Pratt. Medicaid admissions to institutions for mental disease have been limited to account for economic impacts, rather than based on medical criteria.
These policies result in delays for Medicaid patients who need imminent, specialized care. Barriers to hospital admissions are detrimental to patient care and cause further disparities between Medicaid recipients and privately-insured populations.
House Bill 684 prohibits MDH from ever limiting or restricting admission of a Medicaid recipient for inpatient care unless the decision is based on medical necessity.
Public Awareness Campaign Workgroup - House Bill 1389:
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 75% of workplace assaults reported annually occurred in healthcare settings. Workers in healthcare settings are 4x more likely to be victims of workplace violence than workers in other settings.
House Bill 1389 would require a workgroup to create a public awareness campaign to prevent violence in healthcare settings. This workgroup would provide information on (1) the magnitude of the incidence of workplace violence in healthcare settings in Maryland, (2) the consequences of the workplace violence in healthcare settings in Maryland, (3) the need for the public to respect and protect Maryland’s healthcare providers from workplace violence, and (4) the need to recognize and accommodate the needs of patients with mental health, substance abuse, and disabilities.
TO BE CONTINUED: PASSED ONE CHAMBER
It is a privilege to serve you as your representative for District 33 in Anne Arundel County during another legislative session in the Maryland General Assembly. We may have passed six bills this session, but the 90-day time constraint prevented additional legislation from passing both chambers.
Below is a summary of the bills that did not successfully pass, which I intend to sponsor again in the 2023 Legislative Session.
Behavioral Health System Modernization Act - House Bill 935
As a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee, I am a strong advocate for increasing access to mental health: it is one of the main pillars of my platform. This session, I led charge for one of the most expansive mental health bills in the history of this state.
House Bill 935 is an expansive evidence-informed, paramount piece of legislation to overhaul and refine Maryland’s behavioral health system to meet the growing demand for mental health and substance use services here in Maryland. The legislation will:
Expand comprehensive community-based treatment with Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), by establishing CCBHCs across the entire state.
Improve health outcomes and treatment quality by expanding the delivery of individualized, data-driven, measurement-based care in behavioral health settings and by enhancing care coordination in primary care settings.
Strengthen the behavioral health workforce by supplying peer support networks and certified peer recovery specialists.
Improve care for our children and youth with behavioral health needs by increasing the availability of comprehensive home- and community-based wraparound services for children, youth, and families.
Reduce our reliance and strain on law enforcement and emergency departments by enhancing our network of crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization facilities.