This weekend marks both the first day of Spring and our legislative cross-over deadline! I hope that you are all out enjoying our gorgeous District 42B! I spent my one day at home this week on the NCR trail and really enjoyed the peace and sense of community I always find on the trail and the river! The first crocuses are blooming and I planted a few pansies to add some cheer to my front porch! After a tough week, your support and small kindnesses mean the world to me and I am honored and proud to represent you! 

As always, I am here if you need me!
Despite COVID, Maryland is Looking Better
than Expected Financially
Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Maggie McIntosh presented a balanced House-approved budget that clears the deficit brought on by COVID-19 for not only this year but next year as well! Swift and fiscally-conservative action by the state along with federal aid has put the state in a better position than initially expected. You can watch her address to the House below.
HB 418 has Passed the House!
I am so excited to share that this very important bill passed the House of Delegate late last week 121-12! You can see the voting list here.

This bill is crucial in creating an inviting, safe and comfortable environment for students and teachers in public schools. Symbols of Hate have no place in our schools outside of display for educational purposes.

I am very thankful for all those who helped and supported this bill. But the battle is only half-won. Now, it is onto the Senate where I will be asking for your support again. Please stay tuned and reach out if you would like more information on how you can support this effort.
Speaking of the Senate...
This week I have three bills being heard in the Senate after having passed the House. On Tuesday the Senate Finance Committee will hear HB 718, which will move the State Coordinator for Autism Strategy and Workgroup For Autism-Related Needs into the Governor's Coordinating Offices. On Thursday HB 392 -- Early Childhood Screening and Assistance, and HB 247 -- Voting Order Priority for Individuals in Need of Extra Assistance, will both be heard in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee. Please stay tuned for updates.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for live updates throughout the week.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Maryland has announced the scheduled opening of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the vaccine rollout, starting on Tuesday, March 23. Additionally, Maryland has created a state-wide registration site where you can both register to be vaccinated and search for appointment dates and locations when you become eligible. You can register and sign up at the link below.
Speaking in recognition of World Down Syndrome day on Friday was one of the highlights of my week! I am committed to always amplifying the voices of those who need me in Annapolis!
Under-the-Radar Bills Update
While you may be very familiar with my bills and other high-profile bills going through the state legislature I want to keep you informed of the other great work the House of Delegates is doing. Here are some of my favorite interesting and under-the-radar bills that passed the House this past week.
HB 106 - Consumer Protections - Robocalls and Spam Calls - Website to Report and Annual Report
Robocalls are so annoying!!! I was so happy to vote for this bill and to see it passed by the House of Delegates to allow people to report robocalls and spam calls to bring an end to the constant barrage of unwanted calls we receive all day long.
HB 565 - Health Facilities - Hospitals - Medical Debt Protection

This bill works to End Medical Overwhelming Medical Debt. Hospitals would not be allowed to sue you, instead, they would have to back-date your claim to being eligible for medical debt assistance if your financial situation changed after your procedure.
HB 849 - Public Health - Medical Records - Fees

They are records of our health, why should we have to pay for them? This bill would prohibit places from charging costs for the handling of medical records.

HB 970 - Psychology Interjuridictional Compact

Maryland would enter into a Compact with multiple other states to allow inter-jurisdictional telepsychology. This will really help college students and others who have moved and want to keep their psychologists.

HB 1347 - Real Property - Impermissible Restrictions on Use - Portable Basketball Apparatuses

In honor of March Madness, I'm happy to announce the passing of this very interesting land-use bill. It's amazing that property owners were previously restricted from using portable basketball hoops on their own property. This bill would lift those previous restrictions.