On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee reported favorably on Senate Bill 544, which would authorize food establishments that are agritourism businesses, Class 4 limited wineries, or Class 8 farm breweries to comply with the requirement in State law to provide a convenient lavatory using a portable chemical toilet. This bill will now go to the full Senate for consideration.
Final Senate Bill Hearings
This week, two more bills from Senator Bailey’s legislative agenda were heard by the Senate’s Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee.
On Tuesday, the Committee heard Senate Bill 363 – Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation – Oyster Shucking House Loan Program which would expand the ability of MARBIDCO to provide loans under the Oyster Shucking House Loan Program. On Wednesday, the Committee heard Senate Bill 690 – Higher Education – Scholarships for Correctional Officers which would expand eligibility for the Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program to include correctional officers.
With these hearings, all of Senator Bailey’s bills for the 2025 Legislative Session have been heard by Senate Committees.
New Tax Proposed
This week also saw the introduction of Senate Bill 1045 – Sales and Use Tax – Taxable Business Services – Alterations. This bill would impose a new 2.5% sales tax on certain business to business services. This legislation has been introduced as another attempt to resolve the State’s budget deficit by raising taxes on Maryland businesses. These taxes would harm our economy’s ability to grow and worsen our State’s already poor private sector business climate. Senator Bailey opposes this proposed tax increase.
Red Scarf Day
As the session continues, groups from across the State also continue to come to Annapolis to meet with their legislators. On Tuesday, Senator Bailey was proud to join his Senate and House Republican colleagues in welcoming the Maryland Federation of Republican Women to the State House for their annual Red Scarf Day.
Maryland Route 5 and Route 242 Intersection Improvements
This week, the State Highway Administration (SHA) provided our office with an update on improvements at the intersection of Maryland Route 5 and Route 242 (St. Joseph’s Church and Morganza). SHA has informed us that they are beginning the design phase for the intersection signal. Senator Bailey has been advocating with SHA on the importance of adding a signal to protect our drivers at this intersection and is happy to report that these needed improvements are moving forward.