I was expecting a quick hearing. House Bill 428 would require disclosure if a component of an election system – hardware or software, had been manufactured in a foreign country. Identical legislation passed the House last year. However, as I noted in my testimony today, this Senate committee amended the legislation to provide for cost …more >
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been nominated to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Several Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee hope to be nominated for President by the Republican Party. Their questions for Judge Jackson were directed more to the Republican base than to her. Thanks to Senator Ben Cardin, …more >
Today was the Crossover deadline. As you may recall, if my bills cross over from the House to the Senate by the close of business today, they are guaranteed a public hearing. I have bills that are: New to the Senate, meaning it’s my job to make the case for the bill from scratch; Unlikely …more >
Cybersecurity is not one of my areas of expertise. After all, I still use AOL. But the subcommittee I chair is responsible for government operations, which includes cybersecurity. To compensate for my shortcomings, we asked Delegate Pat Young, the sponsor of the bills, to attend today’s voting session. I listened intently and asked questions about …more >
Should a Maryland court be required to penalize a Baltimore resident who helps a woman from Texas obtain an abortion that is legal in Maryland? That is not a hypothetical question. As you may know, the restrictive Texas abortion law relies on individuals to sue anyone who assists a woman in obtaining an abortion after …more >
I’ve been working to reduce lead paint poisoning my entire career. I dealt with two related issues today. Every rental property must pass the state’s lead risk reduction test. Nonetheless, the absence of a certificate of compliance is not an issue of fact in housing court. I have reached agreement with advocates for tenants and …more >
Four is greater than one. Four legislators working together as a delegation are more effective than a single senator or delegate. On Saturday night, there was a triple homicide in Howard Park, a neighborhood in the 41st District. When I learned about this horrible event, I wrote the leaders of the neighborhood association. My email …more >
We passed two abortion bills on the House floor yesterday. My remarks follow. First Statement I rise to explain my vote. When we as a body last considered this momentous issue thirty-one years ago, my niece, Rachel, was six years old; she is now the mother of two wonderful kids, Liv and Ivy. But the …more >
I have driven through The Block countless times. I haven’t been inside any of the strip clubs since I was in college. And hopefully of age. I am familiar with the Bada Bing club from watching The Sopranos. And now I know how to draft a bill if there’s an enforcement problem with a liquor …more >
The Abortion Care Access Act was debated on the House floor today. Ten amendments were offered by pro-life members. All failed. What’s newsworthy is that the votes in opposition ranged from 83 to 88. Fifteen delegates were absent or did not vote. That means it’s very likely that there will be at least 85 votes …more >
