Dear Friends,

Monday marks the Chamber Crossover date, when bills passed by the Senate move to the House of Delegates for consideration, and the Senate begins reviewing bills from the House. This is a crucial point in the legislative process, and we’re working diligently to maximize the time remaining. The Finance Committee has been especially busy, wrapping up hearings and voting on legislation.

Here is an update on the status of my legislation:

Seven bills are currently in the House:

• SB285 Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade (PORT) Act - Reports of Attorney General - Frequency
• SB371 State Board of Pharmacy - Renewal Notices - Electronic Means
• SB372 Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025
• SB373 State Personnel - BWI Airport Fire and Rescue Department - Collective Bargaining and Arbitration Process
• SB374 Counties - Cancer Screening for Professional Firefighters - Required Coverage (James "Jimmy" Malone Act)
• SB474 Health Insurance - Adverse Decisions - Notices, Reporting, and Examinations
• SB776 Workgroup to Study the Rise in Adverse Decisions in the State Health Care System - Establishment

One bill has passed second reader:

• SB842: Electronic Smoking Devices - Seizure and Wholesaler Record-Keeping Requirements

And three have passed third reader and will be on their way to the House:

• SB305 Financial Institutions and Activities - Virtual Currency Kiosks - Registration and Regulation
• SB306 Workers' Compensation - Prescription Drug and Pharmaceutical Services - Reimbursements
• SB695 Labor and Employment - Uninsured Employers' Fund Board - Membership and Reserves

As always, you can view all of the legislation that we are working on the General Assembly website

Senate Floor Recognitions

This week, the Senate honored several remarkable individuals:

• Maryland’s 2024 Olympians & Paralympians: Congratulations to Helen Maroulis, Jessica Stevens, Lawrence Sapp, Noah Hanssen, Samantha Heyison, Tatyana McFadden, and Zach Shattuck.
• Capitol Police: Four Capitol Police officers who protected the Capitol on January 6 were also honored for their courage.

In honor of International Women’s Day, the Senate proudly recognized the remarkable women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, including Fort Meade Commander Yolanda Gore. We are incredibly proud to honor their pioneering service and celebrate the vital contributions women have made in our military.

Measles Case Confirmed in Maryland (2025)

On March 9, the Maryland Department of Health confirmed a measles case in a Howard County resident. This case is unrelated to the current outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. In response, health officials are working to identify potential exposures, including reaching out to passengers on specific flights.

Possible Exposure Locations:

• Washington Dulles International Airport: March 5, between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm, particularly in Terminal A, baggage claim, and on transit to the main terminal.
• Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center: March 7, between 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm, in the pediatric emergency department.

Health Response:
The Maryland Department of Health, Howard County Health Department, and Virginia Department of Health are collaborating to identify exposed individuals and offer post-exposure care. Vaccination clinics were held on Sunday and Monday for those at risk. Lab specimens are being sent to the CDC for genotyping, and serological testing for immunity is being expedited for exposed healthcare workers.

Report Non-Emergency Issues with MDOT SHA

If you encounter potholes, dead animals, damaged traffic signs, malfunctioning signals, litter, or other non-emergency issues, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) offers an easy way to report them. You can submit a service request directly through their online form.

To report an issue or request assistance, simply use the link below:

https://roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?pageid=519

This service helps ensure Maryland’s roads and highways remain safe and well-maintained for everyone.