Priority Bills Introduced and Hearings Scheduled

Read Full Newsletter Here: Feb. 2, 2026 Digest

Over the weekend we had our 20th Annual Legislative Kickoff; out of an abundance of caution, the event was held virtually. While Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd had enthusiastically accepted our request to be our Keynote speaker, she had to pull out due to a house fire the weekend before the kickoff. Rev. Dr. Fred Muir, who was leading the centering and worship, did an incredible job explaining UULM-MD's origin story and humble beginnings. He then shifted into how our organization could bring systemic change to the state of Maryland.  While Rev. John Crestwell lead the opening prayer and music. 

Rev. Dr. Muir was followed by a recognition of the founding members of our organization, by Rev. Sue Browning and Rev. Karen Lee Scrivo, many of whom are still active in the organization: Rev. Dr. Fred Muir, Betty McGarvie Crowley, Jan Bird, and Steven Buckingham. 

Steve Buckingham laid out our agenda for the upcoming Legislative Session, and laid the groundwork for some of the main issues that will need to be addressed in the upcoming session. This year, we head into the General Assembly with a $1.4 Billion dollar deficit. This, on top of the reduction in the federal workforce, will make this session interesting. Recent data shows that Maryland lost more federal jobs than any other state—over 25,000 this past year. Efforts to find state jobs for professional federal employees cannot keep up up with the demand. In addition, the subsidies have been eliminated for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), causing health insurance costs to increase dramatically, making it unaffordable for many Maryland residents. Furthermore, the reduction in SNAP benefits (what people used to call food stamps) has put a strain on the food banks and state programs to keep people fed.

These factors and many others will require creative but realistic solutions at the state level.

Finally, our Issue Team Leads introduced their speakers who included: The Honorable Phil Caroom, MA4JR,  Ramón Palencia-Calvo, Senior Director Chispa Maryland, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Jen Pauliukonis, Executive Director, Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention,  Vincent DiMarco- Health Care for ALL, Cathryn Jackson, Public Policy Director, CASA de Maryland.

To Quote Steve "What a difference a year makes!"

Priority Bills Introduced and Hearings Scheduled

After more bill introductions last week, we have a clearer picture of the bills we have made a priority in 2026, and House and Senate committees have scheduled many for hearings. In addition, two of our priority immigration measures have already been voted out of committee:

SB 1 – Public Safety - Law Enforcement Officers - Prohibition on Face Coverings – Passed Judicial Proceedings with amendments to make it an emergency measure (effective on the Governor’s signature) – Passed the Senate on Second Reading after defeating six weakening amendments from its opponents –

Final vote on Third Reading expected Tuesday, February 3.

SB 245– Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements – Prohibition  –  Passed the Senate on Second Reading with amendments to make it an emergency measure – Final vote on Third Reading expected Tuesday, February 3.

HB 444 - Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements – Prohibition – (companion bill)  Passed Judiciary Committee with amendments to make it an emergency measure – Vote on Second Reading expected Tuesday, February 3.