Final List of Priority Bills That Passed!

When the General Assembly adjourned “sine die” last night at midnight, 30 of UULM-MD's 67 priority bills had passed (45%). In terms of issues (rather than individual bills), the record is even better: 20 of 36 issues (56%).

Climate Change - of 12 issues supported, six passed:

• SB 144 and HB 169 - Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs - Energy Performance Targets and Low-Income Housing

• HB 9 and SB 19 - Equity in Transportation Sector - Guidelines and Analyses

• SB 781 - Offshore Wind Energy - State Goals and Procurement (Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources Act)

• SB 222 - Environment - Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment and Producer Responsibility for Packaging Materials

• HB 794 - Baltimore Regional Transit Commission – Establishment

• SB 908 - Electricity - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program and Property Taxes

Criminal Justice - of the 5 measures supported, none passed, however:

• HB 201 – Capital Budget – includes $3 million to build the first Pre-Release Unit for Women required by HB 801/SB 684 passed in 2020 with UULM-MD support (with the prior Governor’s veto overridden in 2021)

Gun Violence - of the 6 issues supported, 3 passed:

• SB 858 – Firearm Safety - Storage Requirements and Youth Suicide Prevention (Jaelynn's Law)

• HB 824 - Public Safety - Regulated Firearms - Possession and Permits to Carry, Wear, and Transport a Handgun

• SB 1 – Criminal Law - Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting Firearms - Restrictions (Gun Safety Act of 2023)

Healthcare – 8 of the 9 measures supported passed:

• Including the following reproductive rights measures:

  • HB 705 and SB 798 - Declaration of Rights - Right to Reproductive Freedom - will now go to the voters in 2024 to approve as an amendment to the Maryland Constitution

  • HB 812 and SB 786 - Health - Reproductive Health Services - Protected Information and Insurance Requirements

  • HB 477 and SB 341 - Public Senior Higher Education Institutions - Reproductive Health Services Plans – Requirements

  • SB 859 and HB 808 – Reproductive Health Protection Act

• Also passed were:

  • SB 460 and HB 283 – Maryland Medical Assistance Program – Gender–Affirming Treatment (Trans Health Equity Act)

  • HB 279 and SB 202 - Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Upper Payment Limits

  • HB 814 and SB 601 - Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Pilot Program - Sunset Extension

  • SB 26 and HB 111 - Maryland Medical Assistance Program, Maryland Children's Health Program, and Workgroup on Low-Income Utility Assistance

Immigration - of the 3 measures supported, two passed:

• HB 193 and SB 211 - Probation Before Judgment – Probation Agreements

• SB 806 – Maryland Health Benefit Exchange and Maryland Department of Health - Health Care and Dental Care Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants – Report

Medical Aid in Dying – did not pass.

All of our supporters did a terrific job this year advocating for our shared values, and each of us should be proud of our efforts. I think our State, its people, and its environment will be much better off because of it.

We will keep you apprised of bill signing sessions in case you want to get into the groups pictures. Later, we will provide a more complete explanation of the measures that passed and when they will go into effect.