2025 - Post Session Update - June

Senate Bill 258 - Natural Resources - Fishing Licenses and Stamps - Alterations increases the fees for Trout Stamps and for people who are fishing over the age of 65.

I vehemently opposed to this bill.



Senate Bill 266 - Local Comprehensive Planning and State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy - Planning Principles

1. Introduction of Planning Principles

The law replaces the previous "visions" with a set of 12 planning principles aimed at fostering sustainable communities and environmental protection. These principles emphasize:

• Land: Optimize land productivity of working landscapes, including farms and forests.
• Public Participation: Encourage active community involvement in planning and implementation.
• Growth Areas: Concentrate growth in existing population and business centers or strategically selected new centers.
• Community Design: Promote compact, mixed-use, walkable designs near transit options.
• Infrastructure: Ensure growth areas have the necessary water resources and infrastructure.
• Transportation: Maintain a well-functioning, multimodal transportation system.
• Housing: Provide a range of housing options for all ages and incomes.
• Economic Development: Support businesses that promote employment opportunities within the state's capacity.
• Environmental Protection: Carefully manage land and water resources to maintain healthy ecosystems.
• Resource Conservation: Conserve waterways, forests, agricultural areas, and scenic landscapes.
• Stewardship: Encourage collaboration among government, businesses, and residents for sustainable communities.
• Implementation: Integrate strategies, policies, and funding across various levels to achieve these principles.

2. Public Participation Requirement

To achieve these goals, the law mandates that residents actively participate in the planning and implementation of community initiatives, emphasizing their role as stewards in balancing and achieving community objectives.

Senate Bill 598 - Property Tax – Low–Income Housing Tax Credit – Valuation of Property

1. Mandatory Net Operating Income (NOI) Evaluation

County supervisors of assessments are now required to evaluate the actual or anticipated net operating income attributable to commercial real property. This income must be capitalized at the prevailing market rate for conventional multifamily properties in the same geographic area. Additionally, the capitalization rate must be upward adjusted between 1.5% and 2% to account for affordability restrictions and other encumbrances mandated by the LIHTC program.

2. Exclusion of Income Tax Credits from Income Valuation

The law explicitly prohibits the inclusion of income tax credits as income attributable to the real property when determining its value.

3. Notification Requirement for LIHTC Awards

Within 30 days of closing and the execution and delivery of the regulatory agreement governing a LIHTC for commercial real property, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) must notify the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) that the property has been awarded the tax credit.

Senate Bill 432 – Criminal Records – Expungement and Maryland Judiciary Case Search (Expungement Reform Act of 2025)



1. Expanded Eligibility for Expungement

Broadens the scope of misdemeanor convictions eligible for expungement. Notably, offenses such as credit card theft, making false statements to police, and driving without a license are now included. This expansion allows individuals with these convictions to petition for expungement under certain conditions.

2. Adjustment of Waiting Periods

Previously, individuals had to wait a specified period after completing their sentence before filing for expungement. The new law modifies these waiting periods, permitting petitions to be filed a certain amount of time after the completion of the sentence, including any period of probation, parole, or mandatory supervision.

3. Restitution Requirement

Introduces a provision requiring courts to determine that individuals seeking expungement have either paid any restitution ordered by the court or do not have the ability to pay it. This ensures that individuals fulfill their financial obligations before their records can be expunged.

4. Protection for Pardoned Marijuana Convictions

In response to Governor Moore's 2024 executive order pardoning over 175,000 misdemeanor marijuana-related convictions, this bill mandates that the Maryland Judiciary Case Search database no longer refers to the existence of records for possession of cannabis charges that resulted in a conviction later pardoned by the Governor.

5. Clarification on Parole Violations

Addresses a technical issue where parole violations previously counted against an individual's eligibility for expungement. Under the new law, it ensures that a parole violation does not automatically disqualify someone from seeking expungement if they have otherwise fulfilled the terms of their sentence.

Veterans Bill

I'm pleased to share that my legislation, Senate Bill 872 – Local Government - Hiring and Promotion Preferences for Veterans and Spouses of Service Members and Veterans (Families Serve Act), was signed into law.

This new law authorizes local governments to give hiring and promotion preferences to veterans and their spouses. It’s a meaningful step toward recognizing the sacrifices made by military families and helping them transition successfully into civilian life.

Those who serve our great nation deserve our continued support, and I remain committed to advocating on their behalf.

Reserve Study Changes

Senate Bill 63/House Bill 292 – Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations – Funding of Reserve Accounts and Preparation of Funding Plans – Extends the period to achieve recommended reserve funding levels from three to five years, allows adjustments for financial hardship, sets minimum cost thresholds for reserve repairs, and expands funding for other essential purposes.

Although my version of the bill did not pass this session, I’m encouraged to see that progress has been made to further ease the restrictions on HOAs, condominium associations, and similar governing bodies.

Last week, I joined several of my fellow representatives from Eastern Baltimore County on a Zoom call with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) for an important briefing on the ongoing midge infestation affecting our waterfront communities.

If you weren’t able to attend, you can watch the full recording by clicking the link below. Additionally, the presentation slides available to the public for your review.

Zoom Recording on Midge Report

The MDA and the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability are leading efforts to combat the invasive midges, commonly referred to as "blind mosquitoes" due to their similar appearance, though they do not bite. These insects have become a persistent nuisance for residents living along the waterfront.

To address the issue, MDA is applying Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that specifically targets midge larvae. Bti is considered safe and non-toxic to humans, pets, wildlife, and aquatic life.

The Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS) is responsible for administering the Bti treatments in the upper Back River region, as part of a collaborative effort with the state.

I will continue to stay engaged on this issue, advocate for our affected neighborhoods, and work to protect the quality of life in our waterfront communities.