I was at the witness table for more than two hours.

My first two bill hearings of the session.

I was joined by two journalists, a lawyer, and a lobbyist for the bill that would extend Maryland’s reporter’s shield law to subpoenas issued by another state.

Many questions – the most important by the vice chair of the committee:  How is the judge to decide whether our law would be violated by enforcing the subpoena?

The vice chair will be in the room with the committee chair at the first discussion of whether House Bill 8 should get a favorable report.

I hope to draft an amendment that will address her concerns.

A more supportive reception for  my second bill.

The No Wrong Door Act would increase the circumstances when applicants for public benefits – housing, health care, disability benefits, could find out if they were eligible at one computer site.

I was joined by advocates for the poor and a woman whose homelessness was addressed with state help..

Management and labor opposed the bill – the Hogan administration and AFSCME, the state employees union.

They told me in advance of their opposition.  I acknowledged it when I testified and said I was looking forward to working with them on a solution.

The committee chair vocally shared my concern.