On Friday, the Senate voted unanimously to pass Senator Bailey’s Senate Bill 76 – Tidal Fish Licenses – Oyster Authorizations – Administrative Penalties. This bill would end the practice of permanently revoking a commercial oyster authorization through an administrative procedure for first-time offenders. Senate Bill 76 instead gives the Department of Natural Resources the authority to suspend an individual’s authorization for up to five years for a first offense while still allowing revocation for any subsequent violation. This bill will now go to the House of Delegates for their consideration, and an identical House bill is also advancing in the Senate and is scheduled for a final vote next week.
Hearings in the House
This week, Senator Bailey presented five of his bills that have passed the Senate to committees in the House of Delegates. On Tuesday, Senator Bailey presented Senate Bill 623, which would provide the St. Mary’s County Commissioners with the authorization needed to issue bonds for public facilities in the county, to the House Appropriations Committee.
On Wednesday, Senator Bailey presented four bills to the House Environment and Transportation Committee:
- Senate Bill 23 – Natural Resources – State Boat Act – Auctioneers
- Senate Bill 186 – Natural Resources – Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program
- Senate Bill 335 – Natural Resources – Canada Geese – Bag Limits
- Senate Bill 363 – Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation – Oyster Shucking House Loan Program
Following the hearing, the Committee reported favorably on Senate Bill 23, Senate Bill 186, and Senate Bill 363. These bills are now before the full House of Delegates for their consideration.
Senate Budget
This week, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee voted on House Bill 350, the State’s Operating Budget, and House Bill 352, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA). While there are several differences between the House and the Senate budgets, the Senate’s version of the BRFA contains many of the same tax increases that were in the House’s version. These include a 3% sales tax on data and IT services, higher tax brackets for Marylanders earning over $500,000 and $1 million, phasing out itemized deductions for those earning over $200,000, and a 2% surcharge on capital gains income over $350,000. The BRFA also raises numerous taxes and fees to generate more transportation revenue, including doubling the fees for a certificate of title, increasing the vehicle excise tax, and establishing a $5 fee on the purchase of each new tire.
Senator Bailey strongly opposes these tax increases and voted against the BRFA. Because these tax increases were used to balance the budget, he also voted against this year’s budget bill. The budget will be debated by the full Senate on Monday. After the budget passes the Senate, a conference committee of Senators and Delegates will work to finalize the budget and the BRFA prior to General Assembly’s adjournment on April 7.
Honoring President Jordan
During Monday night’s Senate session, Senator Bailey was proud to recognize Dr. Tuajuanda Jordan for her service as President of St. Mary’s College of Maryland and present her with a resolution on behalf of the Senate congratulating her on her upcoming retirement.