Governor Signs New Laws, Mask Policy, COVID Cases Decline & UI Work Requirements

In This Issue:

Memorial Day - Remembering & Honoring

New Legislation Recently Signed- How Will This Impact You?

Maryland Toll Improvements - DriveEZMD

Unemployment: Reinstatement of Work Search Requirement

Maryland Mask Policy

Continued Decline in COVID-19 Cases!

Vaccination Updates & Resources

Remembering & Honoring Our Nation's Heroes

Memorial Day is a time to honor the memory of all who passed before us. It is an important day and we will be forever grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of those who died for the United States of America in defense of our freedoms and liberties. May their courage and dedication never be forgotten.

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic we will never forget those who suffered and may have lost a loved one during this time. If you were unable to hold the hand of your loved one in their last days, or give them a proper funeral, we also honor your strength and courage.

This time is also the unofficial kick-off of summer and warmer weather. Our COVID-19 positivity rate is below 2%, over 68% of adults (18+) have received one dose, and almost 3-million Marylanders are fully vaccinated! Our students are now able to graduate and celebrate with their classmates, and families can continue with their vacation plans that have been on hold. And finally, all of those who have been vaccinated can breathe some fresh air WITHOUT a mask.

We are all looking forward to a summer of good health and special times with friends and families.

Be well,

Susan

Governor Hogan signed 226 New Laws!

To see a full list of the signed bills, click here.

Delegate Susan Krebs

2021 Passed Legislation:

Cemeteries - Perpetual Care - Distribution From Perpetual Care Trust Fund - HB 05

When our loved ones are interred in a cemetery, we all hope that the grounds of the cemetery are well taken care of. Under current law a regulated cemetery’s perpetual care trust can only use the income generated by the trust for a cemetery’s regular maintenance costs. This means that the trust is more focused on short-term income generating investments like bonds and fixed income. Under the total return method, a percentage of the portfolio, rather than the income generated, may be used for the care and maintenance of the cemetery. This allows the trustee to focus on the long-term health of the trust while at same time providing regulated cemeteries with the necessary funds to care for the grounds on an annual basis. Doing so allows cemeteries to make future financial decisions efficiently so that they can serve families today and in perpetuity.

Department of Information Technology (DoIT) - Study of a Common Information Technology Platform for Health Occupations Boards - HB224

The many Health Occupation Boards use different licensing information technology to provide service to their customers. Most of these platforms are outdated and inefficient. This bill will require DoIT to conduct a review of certain Health Occupations Board to develop a common and standardized technology platform. Their findings and recommendations will be reported to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee (which I serve on) before December 1, 2021. I have been working with the Maryland Board of Nursing on this legislation and feel we are headed in the right direction in improving the processes and efficiencies for Marylanders who are licensed through the Health Occupation Boards.

Maryland Department of Emergency Management – Establishment and Transfer of Maryland 9–1–1 Board - HB990

For the past three years, I have been a member of the Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1- Across Maryland (NG911). I sponsored legislation to upgrade the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to a principal department of the Executive Branch of State Government. Currently it is awkwardly housed under the Department of Corrections. This new Cabinet-level Department will align our emergency management services to be better able to support our local 9-1-1- operations.

Other Good Legislation:

Increased Funding for Mental Health Aid for Veterans.

Mental Health First Aid (HB 605) provides increased funding for mental health services for our brave veterans. Our veterans risked everything to defend our country. They deserve not just our thanks and our gratitude, but also the resources they need.

Jordan McNair Safe and Fair Play Act.

The Jordan McNair Safe and Fair Play Act, was inspired by Jordan McNair who tragically passed during a team workout in 2018. The law requires that collegiate athletics programs adopt and implement specified guidelines to keep student-athletes safe.

Expansion of Alcohol Carryout and Delivery.

Last year, Governor Hogan issued an emergency order to allow our struggling bars and restaurants to carry out and deliver alcohol. The new law, Sale and Delivery for Off-Premises Consumption HB 12/SB 205 is making this change permanent. This is a common-sense measure that eliminates unnecessary and burdensome regulation.

Prohibit Sex Offenders from Entering Schools.

There's nothing more important than the safety of our children,

Registered Sex Offenders – Entry Onto School Property (SB 515)

will prohibit sex offenders from entering schools. Keeping registered sex offenders out of schools is just plain common sense.

90-Day Report - A Review of the 2021 Legislative Session

If you are interested in a specific topic or information about the state budget regarding our work during the 90-day session, this report is a great resource. It is long but very informative and easy to search by topic in the Table of Contents.

“Keep Maryland Moving,” DriveEzMD has replaced the ezpassmd.com website and is expected to improve customer service by reducing wait times and streamlining processes.

Need to Contact MDTA Customer Service?

In Person: MDTA Customer Service Centers have reopened to the public. Click here for locations.

Online: DriveEzMD.com The ezpassmd.com website now redirects customers to DriveEzMD.com. Existing E-ZPass customers logging into DriveEzMD.com for the first time will be asked to authenticate their account. The authentication process is quick, easy and will ensure the account holder’s financial information stays secure.

Toll-free phone number: 1-888-321-6824 Call center hours have been expanded to assist customers, and are now Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Unemployment Insurance:

Reinstatement of Work Search Requirement for Unemployment Claimants Coming Soon

We have heard from many businesses that they are unable to find employees to fill jobs due to lack of applicants. Recently, Governor Larry Hogan has instructed the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance to begin the process of reinstating the requirement for new and current unemployment insurance claimants to actively search for work and engage in reemployment activities each week.

In March 2020, the requirement to actively search for work was temporarily suspended for all unemployment insurance claimants due to the adverse economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With Maryland making great strides in its economic recovery and employers reopening for business, this suspension will be lifted in the coming weeks.

Maryland Mask Policy is Now Aligned with the CDC Guidance.