[Baltimore Sun] The clock is ticking: Where lawmakers stand on $63B budget, juvenile justice in final week of General Assembly session
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With just under a week until the 2024 legislative session comes to a close, members of the Maryland General Assembly continue to sift through hundreds of bills that they either need to move toward Gov. Wes Moore’s desk or forgo until they reconvene in January.
But, as with most of Maryland’s 90-day sessions, lawmakers are contending with the unexpected.
Last week, the Francis Scott Key Bridge crumbled into the Patapsco River after it was struck by a massive cargo ship, complicating the General Assembly’s already fraught budget negotiation process, and prompting legislators to move quickly to provide economic relief for businesses and the thousands of workers who will be displaced by the closure of the Port of Baltimore.
Emergency legislation sponsored by Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Judiciary Committee Chair Luke Clippinger, both Democrats representing South Baltimore neighborhoods impacted by the bridge’s collapse, as well as Republican Sen. Johnny Ray Salling, who represents affected areas in Baltimore County, will be heard Tuesday and Wednesday. Negotiations on the $63 billion state budget are likely to continue late into the week.
Here is the status of some other major policies as the General Assembly sets to adjourn at 12:01 a.m. April 9.
A budget and transportation funding saga
Disagreements over how and when to find money for Maryland’s vast transportation system are pushing budget negotiations to the final moments of the session. A House-passed plan to resolve a six-year, $3.3 billion transportation funding shortfall would raise or create a variety of vehicle fees. The Senate has agreed to some but not all of the ideas, aiming to raise about half of the more than $500 million that the House proposals look to raise.
Banning book bans (Senate Bill 738/House Bill 785)
The House version of a bill aimed at making Maryland one of the few states to put statewide guardrails on book banning in school and public libraries passed both chambers along party lines. Recent Senate amendments removed language that would have ensured library public spaces be kept open “on an equitable basis” and that libraries protect users’ personal data and information. Those amendments mean the bill needs approval again by the House. But the crux of the legislation remains intact. If signed by Moore, a Democrat, library materials could not be removed because of the author’s origin, background or views, or because of partisan, ideological or religious reasons.
Moore’s housing policy (Senate Bill 484/House Bill 538)
Moore’s plan to incentivize the development of new affordable housing is the only piece of the Democrat’s 16-bill package that is moving sluggishly to the finish line. The Housing Expansion and Affordability Act would make multiple zoning changes to allow for development in higher-density areas and prevent local governments from setting “unreasonable” limits or requirements to development. It passed the House with amendments that would, compared to the first version of the bill, require a smaller number of affordable units in new development. Ferguson has said the Senate will also pass the bill, but the details are still being debated in a committee and it’s unclear what differences both the House and Senate would need to sort out before Monday.
Juvenile justice (Senate Bill 744/House Bill 814)
Ushered through the legislature in response to constituent calls to address a spike in carjackings, car thefts and firearms charges among Maryland youth, this multi-pronged bill would increase what charges children ages 10 to 12 can face to include third-degree sex offenses, car theft and firearm possession, and allow juvenile judges to extend probationary periods, among myriad other measures. Though the House and Senate bills started with identical language, both were amended to include unique provisions. There are still differences to iron out among both versions of the bill, which is expected to head to Moore’s desk before the legislature adjourns.
Immigrant health care (Senate Bill 705/House Bill 728)
The Access to Care Act would allow Marylanders lacking permanent legal status to purchase health insurance through the state’s health benefit exchange portal with assistance from its insurance navigators, who would help to choose the best plan for them in the language they are most comfortable speaking. Those who choose to use the program would pay the full price for their insurance policies. The House version of the bill has received preliminary approval in the Senate chamber. Its Senate counterpart passed out of the House last week, and is awaiting approval from the governor.
A higher tax on guns and ammunition (Senate Bill 784/House Bill 935)
The Comprehensive Community Safety Funding Act would raise the sales tax on firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition from 5% to 11%. The legislation, which is facing an uncertain future, intends to funnel the additional 6% of tax revenue to Maryland’s shock trauma system. The Senate version of the bill passed out of its original chamber. The House has yet to give its version a committee vote. Both versions of the bill are currently in the House Ways & Means Committee.
Civil liability for gun manufacturers (Senate Bill 488/House Bill 947)
The Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024 would allow Maryland’s Attorney General to sue firearms manufacturers and dealers for damages if the attorney general believes they did not use reasonable measures to prevent sales to gun traffickers, people prohibited from legally owning a gun, or anyone they believe sought out a firearm to use in the commission of a crime. Dealers and manufacturers could also face lawsuits if they did not take measures to prevent the loss or theft of a firearm. The Senate version of the bill passed over to the House chamber March 15. The House version has yet to receive a committee vote. Both versions of the bill are currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
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