Read Full Digest Here: Feb. 24, 2025 Digest
We now have 37 priority measures comprised of 64 bills (due to companion bills filed in each chamber), and as of Friday, the exact halfway point of the session, 32 of the bills have been heard in at least one house, with 22 left to be heard in committee. Nine of these have had their companion bills already heard in the other house. Only 19 of our priority measures have not had a hearing in either house.
Of those measures already heard, eight have been brought to a vote in committee with two (that we opposed) voted down, and six bills voted out favorably. Three of these have now completely passed the House, one has passed the Senate, and one healthcare measure has had both bills passed by their respective chambers.
Status Update:
Last week, HB 297\SB 5 – Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Pilot Program - Sunset Repeal –SB 5 passed the Senate unanimously without change, but the House added amendments that would restrict the Maryland Health Exchange to implement the program only if funds are available in the Exchange Fund. Note: The two chambers will need to agree to the same version of the measure in order for it to become law. In Maryland, the same bill has to pass the House and the Senate before heading to the Governor. (ie: the Senate Bill has to pass BOTH the House and the Senate without changes, or the Senate must amend their bill to match the House's bill and pass them both)
Other Bills that have fully passed one chamber include:
Climate Change: HB 270 - Data Center Impact Analysis and Report - Passed the House (125-8)
Criminal Justice: SB 443 - Trafficking Regulated Firearms - Felony Classification - Passed the Senate
(45-0)
Healthcare: HB 424 - Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Authority for Upper Payment Limits (Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for All Marylanders Now Act) - Passed the House (94-38)
Immigration: HB 207 - Higher Education - Undocumented Students - Out-of-State Tuition Exemption Eligibility – Passed the House (98-39)
on Friday
One more priority bill was voted out of the Judicial Proceedings Committee and needs approval on its second reading in the Senate, currently scheduled for February 25:
SB 444 - Public Safety - Gun Buyback Programs - Destruction of Firearms
Coming Up This Week
Eleven (11) priority bills will be heard this week. Including measures related to Climate Change (2 measures – 3 bills), Criminal Justice Reform (3 bills), Gun Violence (1 bill - that we oppose), Healthcare (1 bill), and Immigration (3 bills).
The remaining eleven priority bills are scheduled for next week.
Anyone interested in providing testimony can do so in writing and/or verbally in person or remotely, as long as they are signed up in advance. Contact our Coordinator, Ashley Egan, at info@uulmmd.org if you want her to assist you in making your voice heard.
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