Why do we need this bill?

That’s the question every bill sponsor must answer.

 

Is your policy sound?

Must it be accomplished by passing a law?  Can it be achieved in some other manner?

I’m reminded that sometimes you have to answer this question, “Why didn’t my bill pass?”

 

This past session, I introduced a bill to create the Rental Housing Restitution Fund.

The fund would be the repository for any money that the State received for a violation of the Consumer Protection Act’s prohibition of an “unfair, abusive or deceptive trade practice for rental residential property.”

 

Why did we need this bill?

 

Attorney General Brian Frosh had sued Westminster Management for violating the law.

The principals of Westminster Management are Jared Kushner and his brother.

 

Without this special fund, if the State were to receive any money from this legal action, it could be used for any purpose.

 

Under House Bill 499, that money could be used only for rental and legal assistance to tenants facing eviction from a residential rental property.

We have created similar special funds for the money received from settlements the tobacco and opioid industries.

I sponsored those bills.

 

Why didn’t HB 499 pass this year?

The outcome of the lawsuit was uncertain.

The property owners offered amendments that would gut the bill.

 

Yesterday’s Baltimore Sun reports  that an administrative law judge found that violations by Westminster Management were “widespread and numerous.”

https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-westminster-case-decision-20210429-o3rvxoj32najldswlsaytx6fbq-story.html

Perhaps that will change some minds about this legislation.

 

It’s my job to find out and, if necessary, make the case that we do need this bill.