February 19, 2023
Dear Friends -
It's difficult to believe that we are already more than a third of the way through the 2023 session! At this point, we are deep into the legislative process with days jam packed with meetings about bills, bill hearings, committee meetings, subcommittee meetings, and even a few voting sessions. This session I am sponsoring 15 pieces of legislation, 6 of which have already had bill hearings. (You can read about these below.) This week, 6 more of my bills will be heard -- all on Wednesday, February 22.
But, no matter how busy I am with legislation, please remember that my office is always here to help you. Do not hesitate to reach out - (410) 841-3453 or Sara.Love@house.state.md.us - if we can be of assistance.
Take care,
Sara
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To date these are my bills that have had hearings. You can learn more about the bills, as well as listen to the recorded hearings, by clicking on the link.
Person in a Position-of-Authority HB 226 (SB 21): Closes a loophole in our law to protect minors. Current law prohibits a person in authority (defined as someone 21years or older and employee of a school) from engaging in sexual acts with a minor. The legislation expands this definition to include others who are in a position of authority with our children, such as private tutors, music teachers, and sports coaches.
Clean Trucks Bill HB 230 (SB 224): Requires MDE to adopt regulations establishing requirements for the sale of new zero-emission medium and heavy duty vehicles in our state. The bill, modeled after California regulations and adopted in 5 other states, encourages manufacturers and purchasers of medium and heavy-duty trucks to transition faster to zero-emission vehicles.
Water Affordability Assistance HB 538 (SB 380): Ensures that residents who need financial assistance to afford their water bills are not penalized by having this assistance deemed taxable income. Without this, people could lose their income eligibility for such key programs as SNAP or Medicaid.
Snares, Traps, and Other Similar Devices HB 406 (SB 275): Requires a free Department of Natural Resources identification number before using a snare, a trap, or other similar device to capture wildlife, promoting more humane treatment of these animals and protecting trappers who abide by the law.
If you are interested in tracking these or other bills as they move through the Maryland General Assembly, you can do so automatically on the Maryland General Assembly website. If you haven't already, first set up a "MyMGA" Account and then "Bill Tracking Lists". It's fairly easy to do by watching the brief videos found here. You'll also find other useful, short "how to" videos to help you navigate the very informative MGA website.
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Congratulations, Soon-To-Be Senator Kelly!
On February 14, the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) nominated my seatmate Delegate Ariana Kelly to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Senator Susan Lee, now Maryland Secretary of State. MCDCC then forwarded Delegate Kelly’s name to Governor Moore, who must approve of the nomination. Congratulations, Ariana!
Tuckerman Lane Pilot Program
Last Wednesday my staff attended the Montgomery County Department of Transportation meeting on plans for a potential pilot "road diet" program to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The purpose of the meeting was to get community feed back. The proposed program would reduce a 1.17-mile segment of Tuckerman Lane from four lanes to two lanes (one lane in each direction) using flex posts to shorten the pedestrian/bicycle crossing at the Bethesda Trolley Trail. Officials assured participants that the "road diet" is a proposed solution to address safety concerns at this busy crossing, and encouraged feedback from participants including other possible solutions. (Check here for a recording of the meeting when it is available.) No decision has been made, so if you have feedback, suggestions, and/or questions, email TuckermanLane@montgomerycountymd.gov. It is the most effective way to have your voice heard.
Little Falls Parkway Linear Park Pilot Program
Also on Wednesday staff attend a virtual meeting where Montgomery Parks presented traffic studies conducted along Little Falls Parkway to evaluate the potential of permanently reducing Little Falls Parkway from four lanes to two (one in each direction) between River Road and Arlington Road (1.3 miles). The intent is to turn the two, side-by-side closed lanes into a linear park. According to Parks officials, who addressed questions at the meeting, the next step is to present to the Planning Board and the public in attendance "the completeness of traffic analysis that shows the functionality of the two lane configuration." This presentation will be on March 23. On March 30 the Board will vote in an open session whether or not to make the change permanent. You can find detailed information as well as a recording of the meeting here, and an article from the Washington Post about residents' reactions here. Again, if you have feedback, and/or questions, please email LFP@MontgomeryParks.org and MCP-Chair@mncppc-mc.org.
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We love when constituents drop by. Here I am with Gretchen Zekiel, my Chief of Staff (and a constituent!) and Dr. Richard Williams, who met with us on Maryland State Dental Association Dentist Day last Wednesday in Annapolis.
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Public Service Announcements
In this week post Valentine's Day, I think that it is important to recognize that there are many ways to show love and empathy...from caring for family, friends, and community to legislating change that transforms peoples' lives. One way to keep this love alive is to always carry what is important with you in your heart. For inspiration, I share this incredible video with vocals by my talented former Chief of Staff Selena Rawlley along with its backstory interview. Enjoy.
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My office welcomed Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and other colleagues for Galentines Day!
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Calendar
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Thursday, February 23 at 7:30am, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club will hear from Chuck Rosenberg, a former FBI and Department of Justice staffer. Email keller.johnw@gmail.com for more information.
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Saturday, February 25, 8:30-11:30am. Minnie's Island volunteer clean up day. For more information and to register, see here.
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Monday, March 6 at 7:30am, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club will hear from our District 1 County Councilman, Andrew Friedson. Email keller.johnw@gmail.com for more information.
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Monday, March 20, Maryland General Assembly Opposite Chamber Bill Crossover Day when each chamber sends to the other chamber those bills it intends to pass favorably
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Saturday, April 1 - Submissions for the 2d Annual DADvocacy Daddying Film Festival & Forum are due. See here for more information.
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