My SLAPP bill passed the House today, 96-36. As you may recall, a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation is a meritless lawsuit filed to silence opposition and prevent an individual or group from exercising their First Amendment rights. Why did 36 of my Republican colleagues vote against it? The lobbyist for Maryland Right To Life …more >
“These are creative ways to fund the law,” said a witness in support of my two bills. As you may recall, the General Assembly enacted legislation last year providing access to counsel for tenants in rent court. The companion bill to pay for those attorneys died in the final hour of the session. Today was …more >
This is not the first time I’ve introduced a bill requiring early voting on Sunday – two days before Election Day. The objection that killed my legislation – the voter registration books [pollbooks] for hundreds of precincts can’t be updated in the 36 hours between the closing of the polls on Sunday and reopening them …more >
An advocate and I were discussing who should come to the “virtual” witness table with me. The four of us would testify together – before questions are asked about the bill. I wanted someone who is an expert on the issue my bill addresses. I don’t want to be asked a question and have to …more >
Today is the Bill Introduction Guarantee Date. Translated into English: If you introduced your bill by 5:00 this evening, you’re guaranteed a hearing. However, you’re not guaranteed a vote by the committee that’s hearing your bill. I’ve introduced 24 bills. Nine have had hearings. One will be voted on tomorrow – a very good sign. …more >
At one meeting today, I thought, but did not say, that if our discussions failed to bring about the desired result this session, I could introduce a stronger bill next year. That, of course, assumes that the voters of the 41st District will elect me to another four-year term. I am not leaving that result …more >
My witnesses wrote my oral testimony. Maryland law already makes it a crime to obstruct or impede the administration of justice in a state court by threat, force, or corrupt means. Prompted by the mob that attacked the Congress on January 6, I introduced House Bill 427 to extend that law to the executive and …more >
Asking people to cosponsor your bill is the biggest waste of time in Annapolis – except when it isn’t. Lots of cosponsors aren’t as valuable as one or two people who are leaders on the committee that will decide the fate of your legislation. They will be in the room where it happens. Today, Delegate …more >
All of the parties will be virtually meeting next Wednesday to discuss one of my bills. (I decided not to say “all sides will be virtually meeting.” Unlike some of my bills, the differences are not that great or longstanding.) I was asked if I wanted to join the group. My response: my staff can …more >
If your amendment is adopted, you’re expected to vote for the bill. I was told that early on in Annapolis. Several years ago, my Republican friend Delegate Chris Shank modified that rule. “If our amendment is adopted, we won’t speak against the bill on the floor,” Chris told me. Unspoken was whether the bill would …more >
