A lot of legislators spend a lot of time asking their colleagues to co-sponsor their bills.

It’s the biggest waste of time in Annapolis.

Except when it isn’t.

Lots of co-sponsors won’t influence the committee that’s considering your legislation.

A handful of prominent members of the committee might help – especially those who will be in the room where it happens when the committee leadership discusses bills prior to the full committee’s voting session.

Co-sponsors can also make a statement if you’re introducing a bill to create the crime of domestic terrorism.

My bill would create a new criminal offense for the commission of any violent crime with the intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or influence the policy or conduct of a government by intimidation, coercion, mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping.

It would also require the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security to report to the General Assembly on the State’s efforts and plans to prevent, detect, and address domestic terrorism.

The three people I’ve asked to co-sponsor the bill are the chairs of the Legislative Black Caucus, the Legislative Latino Caucus, and the Women’s Legislative Caucus.

Their support would make a statement.