March 26, 2023
Dear Friends -
Last Monday and the week preceding Crossover Day, we voted on numerous bills, passing many out of the full House and sending them to the Senate with the guarantee that they will receive a hearing in that chamber. (The Senate did the same in reverse.) Any bills that have not passed their chamber of origin and “crossed over” will face an additional hurdle, though several may still become law. Below, is an update on my bills that have crossed over to the opposite chamber.
No matter how busy I am with legislation, please remember that my office is always here to help you. If we can ever be of any assistance, do not hesitate to reach out: (410) 841-3453 or Sara.Love@house.state.md.us.
Take care,
Sara
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My Bills (or their crossfile) That Have Crossed Over
Antimicrobial Report Date Change Amendment HB 516 amends the law to change the report date of use of antimicrobial drugs in cattle and swine, in order to improve accuracy and ease compliance. This bill passed the full House and was heard in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee last Thursday.
Person in a Position-of-Authority HB 226/SB 21 expands the definition of a person in authority prohibited from engaging in sexual acts with a minor. After passage by its full chamber of origin, the House bill is now in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, and the Senate crossfile is now in the House Judiciary Committee.
Reduce Packaging Materials - Producer Responsibility HB 284/SB 222 shifts the burden of the cost of recycling packaging from the taxpayer to the producer, and incentivizes producers to use less, and more recyclable packaging. The crossfile passed the full Senate and will have a hearing in the House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 29.
Sediment Control Plans, Discharge Permits for Stormwater Associated With Construction Activity, and Notice and Comment HB 607/SB 471 requires that construction sites prevent sediment pollution or erosion downstream, implements rigorous grading and construction permit review for larger construction sites, and establishes penalties for non-permitted construction activities. The crossfile passed the full Senate, and will have a hearing in the House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 29.
Black Bear Conflict Reduction and Damage Reimbursement Fund HB 378/SB 310 updates the Black Bear Damage Restitution Fund to be a proactive tool to fund bear conflict avoidance tools and increase the funding for bear damage restitution. After passage by its chamber of origin, the House bill awaits a hearing in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, and the Senate crossfile awaits a hearing in the House Environment and Transportation Committee.
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. After passage by its chamber of origin, the House bill awaits a hearing in the Senate Education, Energy, and Environment Committee, and the Senate crossfile awaits a hearing in the House Environment and Transportation Committee.
Task Force on Recycling Policy and Recycling and Waste Systems in Maryland HB 109 creates a task force of stakeholders to do a deep review and update of the Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) enacted in the 1980s, so that we are recycling and counting things that make a difference to our environment. This bill was passed by the full House, and will be heard in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on March 30.
Clean Trucks Act of 2023 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 crossfile has passed the full Senate and will have a hearing in the House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 29.
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New D16 Delegate Selected!
Last Tuesday, the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) selected Sarah Wolek from among 18 candidates to fill the vacancy created by Senator Ariana Kelly's resignation from the House when she was appointed to the Senate. Sarah's name went immediately to Governor Moore for appointment within the next 15 days to join Delegate Korman and me as your representatives in the House of Delegates. Congratulations to Sarah!
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Legislative Scholarship Application Available Through June 1
My 2023 legislative scholarship application is live. To qualify, students must live in the 16th Legislative District, attend or have been accepted by a Maryland college or university, graduate school, or private career (or vocational) school either full or part-time, and apply (even past recipients) by June 1, 2023. Priority will be given to students with demonstrated financial need. For more information and to apply: https://bit.ly/delsaralovescholarship2023
Connecticut Ave. Utility and Construction Work
- WSSC has been performing nighttime utility work on Connecticut Avenue between Oxford Street and Primrose Street. The work began on Tuesday, March 21st and will continue through Wednesday, March 29th between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am, Sunday through Thursday. If you have any questions, please contact WSSC or its contractor Anchor Construction at 202-269-6694.
- The northbound sidewalk of Connecticut Avenue along the 8500 block (between Chevy Chase Lake Drive and Manor Road) will be temporarily closed to pedestrian traffic, in order for the contractor to complete a new bike lane/sidewalk installation. The sidewalk will be closed for two weeks from March 27th through April 7th. If you have questions, please email the contractor Kara Roskros@bozzuto.comor call 304.780.6934.
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Public Service Announcements
Yard Trim Composting
Composting transforms your yard and garden trimmings, such as grass clippings, leaves, and garden prunings, into a dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling material that naturally enriches the soil.
When you compost, you create an environment for organisms to break down carbon-rich "brown" material, such as dried leaves and wood chips; and nitrogen-rich "green" material, including grass clippings and flowers. The carbon and nitrogen materials decompose and become a high-nutrient soil amendment that you can mix into soil and use in your garden.
You can learn more here, including where to pick up a free compost bin in Montgomery County.
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Calendar
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Wednesday, March 29, 6:30 p.m., MCDOT virtual public hearing to discuss the MacArthur Boulevard Bikeway Improvements project in Bethesda. Online registration is required to attend.
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Thursday, March 30, 5:30pm. Planning Board's briefing and public hearing on the Little Falls Parkway pilot project in person at the Wheaton Headquarters building, 2nd Floor Auditorium, 2425 Reedie Drive and online via Microsoft Teams. Sign up to testify here.
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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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Monday, April 10 -- Sine Die, the last day of the 2023 Maryland General Assembly
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Wednesday, April 12, 7:30pm - 9pm. Community Conversation with Councilmember Andrew Friedson, an in-person discussion at Potomac Elementary School's All Purpose Room to address your questions and concerns specific to Council District 1, including recent antisemitic issues.
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Thursday, April 13, Time TBD. Planning Board's meeting to review the Parks Department’s recommendations and the public testimony and determine whether to proceed with the Little Falls Parkway pilot project.
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Saturday, April 15, the Potomac Branch of Montgomery County Public Libraries will reopen after significant renovations. Learn more here.
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Sunday, April 16, 1:00 - 4:00pm. RespectFest 2023. Montgomery County's RespectFest 2023, will be a virtual and in-person festival for teens, parents, youth service providers, and educators aimed at reducing teen dating violence and providing education on healthy relationships and consent. This year, the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council's Choose Respect Initiative will host a hybrid festival, including virtual events from April 10-14, 2023 and in person at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center and Park, 11701 Georgia Avenue. See here for more information.
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