News & Updates from Annapolis District 33b

2026 Legislative Session Update

Hi Friends and Neighbors of District 33b,


The Maryland General Assembly is officially underway, and I wanted to share an update on the first few weeks of the 2026 Legislative Session. It has been a busy and productive start, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you in Annapolis. We have already seen three big bills that were heavily debated over the past week HB1 (Power Companies-Cost Recovery), HB444 (287g Program Prohibitions), HB488 (Congressional Redistricting).

You can view all the live & archived floor debates here: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/


I am truly blessed for many things, very blessed to have you as my friend, my supporter & my voice.

Let us know what my office can do for you! And please know I am here for YOU, ALWAYS!

Delegate Schmidt Takes on Leadership Role as Deputy Minority Whip on Government, Labor & Elections Committee


Delegate Schmidt is honored to serve in a leadership role as Deputy Minority Whip on the Government, Labor, and Election Committee (GLE). In this position, Delegate Schmidt plays an important role in helping coordinate legislative strategy, support caucus leadership, and advance thoughtful policy on issues central to good governance.


As Deputy Minority Whip, Delegate Schmidt will work closely with colleagues to ensure diverse perspectives are heard, promote transparency, and advocate for policies that strengthen institutions and protect working families.


Del. Chris Tomlinson (Carroll Co.) will serve as the Minority Ranking Member where he brings extensive procurement experience to GLE Com.

Maryland Families Are Paying the Price for a Climate Program That Doesn’t Work. -Del. Chisholm (MD Republican's Energy Czar)


​Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a ​cooperative, market-based effort among the 11 states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia to cap and reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector. It represents the first cap-and-invest regional initiative implemented in the United States. Read the RGGI 1​01 Fact ​Sheet​.


Highlights from the Opening Weeks of the 2026 Legislative Session

Opening Day of 2026 Legislative Session

Opening Day officially launched the new legislative session. Delegate Schmidt was proud to be back at the State House alongside fellow delegates, ready to get to work and advocate for the priorities of our district.

Protection of the Free Exercise of Religion Bill Filed

Religious freedom is a fundamental right that deserves strong protection. Delegate Stu Schmidt has filed legislation to ensure individuals can practice their faith without unnecessary government interference. This bill limits when a government authority can place burdens on a person’s religious beliefs or practices and gives individuals the ability to seek relief if violated.

Open Primary for Unaffiliated Voters Bill Filed

House Bill 496 Delegate Qi & Delegate Schmidt (hearing Wednesday 2.11.26)

Delegates Qi & Schmidt has filed bi-partisan legislation to allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections.

The bill lets voters who are not registered with a political party choose which party’s primary ballot they want to vote in—without being forced to join that party. It also ensures voters do not automatically become affiliated with a party simply because they voted in a primary.

Recent Events in the District & Annapolis

Love Your Library Month

at Pherm Brewery w/ Crofton's own Always Ice Cream

MD Association of Acupuncture Day

Blind Advocacy Day

Annual Blood Drive with Luminis Health

Stu and the House Pages

MD (Water) Pilots

Annual Dinner

Anne Arundel County Firefighters Annual Italian Dinner

Radio Interview with NewsTalk 103.7 FM

Delmarva Chicken Association

Catholic Advocacy w/ Archbishop W. Lori

WBA MD

Transportation Association of Maryland

Hunters & Sportsmens

The Arc of Central Maryland Advoacy Day

Maryland Bankers Association

College Student Shadow Day 2026 (Crofton Resident Quinn S. from UMBC)

Catholic Advocacy

Join MDHealth.org

MD FARM BUREAU https://marylandfb.org/

Powering the Mid Atlantic

Energy Summitt attended by 15 Delegates (All R's)

ZERO Democrats attended

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE;

Dear Friends and Supporters,


Supporting access to education remains one of my top priorities, and I am glad to share information about the Delegate Stuart Schmidt Scholarship and other Maryland Legislative Scholarship opportunities.


Members of the Md General Assembly are permitted each year to award scholarships to qualifying students pursuing higher education or career and technical training programs. These awards are designed to ease the financial burden on students and families while strengthening Md’s future workforce.


The Delegate Stuart Schmidt Scholarship is open to eligible students residing in District 33B, with applications due by April 15, 2026.


To help students and families better understand the application process, District 31 Delegate LaToya Nkongolo and I will host a Legislative Scholarship Information Session on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. During this session, we will review available legislative scholarships, eligibility criteria, and helpful tips for submitting a strong application.


Attendees are encouraged to scan the QR code (above) to:


  • Register for the information session
  • Submit questions ahead of time


Submitting questions in advance will allow us to address common topics and make the session as helpful as possible.


Sincerely,

Delegate "Coach Stu" Stuart Schmidt

Maryland House of Delegates, District 33B


Upcoming Events 2026

GCCC: Taste of Crofton

Thursday March 26th, 2026

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Crofton Country Club

1691 Crofton Parkway

Crofton, MD 21114


Indulge in an unforgettable evening at the annual Taste of Crofton! Enjoy delicious bites from local restaurants and caterers while celebrating the flavors and small businesses that make our community special. Open to everyone—come hungry and ready to connect!

Crofton Civic Assoc.

Cherry Blossom Festival

& Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 28, 2026

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

1545 Crofton Pkwy, Crofton, MD 21114


Join WSA at the Crofton Civic Association’s 5th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, March 28! Enjoy food trucks, live music, a new Kids’ Entrepreneur Market, and the Crofton Easter Egg Hunt along Crofton Parkway. A fun, family-friendly event open to all 🌸

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn

Contact Me


Delegate Stuart Schmidt


Maryland House of Delegates

Lowe House Office Building

Room 157

Annapolis, MD 21401

410-841-3110 - office


stuart.schmidt@house.state.md.us



Follow Me


The 449th Session of the Maryland General Assembly commenced on

January 14th, 2026 at 11 am.


All Legislation can be tracked at:

General Assembly of Maryland


Delegate Schmidt's legislation

can be tracked here:

General Assembly of Maryland - Schmidt



Authority: Friends of Stuart Schmidt, Anthony Pelura, Treasurer.

Not a taxpayer expense