This week, three more of Senator Bailey’s sponsored bills passed out of Senate committees. The Judicial Proceedings Committee voted favorably on Senate Bill 7, which would require law enforcement agencies to maintain a record of positive community feedback for all law enforcement officers within the agency, and Senate Bill 429, which would codify provisions of State law governing the organization of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. The Finance Committee also voted in favor of Senate Bill 712, which revises reporting requirements related to State-owned nursing homes. These bills will now go the full Senate for consideration.
Juvenile Justice Legislation
Public safety continues to be a top priority for this legislative session. On Monday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 744, which is intended to provide more meaningful accountability for juvenile offenders in our State. Senator Bailey voted in favor of this legislation, which represents a step in the right direction for improving public safety in Maryland. This bill is still subject to negotiations between the Senate and the House before a final bill can be passed this session.
Budget Passes Committee
The Senate’s Budget and Taxation Committee passed the State’s operating budget for this upcoming fiscal year on Friday. While the State’s fiscal condition remains concerning, the budget is balanced as required by the Maryland Constitution without the need for any tax increases. The operating budget will be considered by the full Senate next week.
Veterans’ Caucus Breakfast
On Thursday, Senator Bailey joined his colleagues who are members of the General Assembly’s Veterans Caucus for breakfast with Governor Moore to discuss issues of importance to our State’s veterans. Maryland is home to the largest State legislative veterans caucus in the nation. Senator Bailey is a former Senate vice-chair of the Caucus and is proud to continue to serve as part of this important organization advocating for the needs of all Marylanders who have served our country.
Supreme Court of Maryland at St. Mary’s College
This week also included a historic event in District 29. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Maryland held an oral argument session at St. Mary’s College. This is only the second time since 1851 that the Court has met outside of Annapolis. Following the oral argument session, the justices took questions from students who were in attendance. Senator Bailey was honored to accept the Court’s invitation to attend this important occasion.
Constituents Honored
On Monday night, the Senate honored social studies and civics teachers from throughout the State. Senator Bailey was proud to welcome Scott Goldstein, a resident of District 29, to Annapolis to be recognized for receiving the Maryland Civic Education Coalition’s Civic Leader of the Year award.
Senator Bailey was also proud to welcome members of the Chopticon High School Marching Band to Annapolis on Friday. The band was honored for being named the U.S. Bands Maryland State Champions. The Senator presented them with a Senate resolution in celebration of this great accomplishment.