This week, three more of Senator Bailey’s bills passed the Senate.
The first, Senate Bill 186, creates the Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program within the Department of Natural Resources to curb the spread of the invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
The second, Senate Bill 335, would require the bag limit for Canada geese to be uniform across the State, outside of Western Maryland where Canada geese are less commonly found, during the 30-day migratory Atlantic population Canada goose hunting season for the next five years. The intention of this legislation is to prevent overharvesting of these protected migratory geese and avoid a potential moratorium on goose hunting in Maryland.
The third, Senate Bill 363, would expand the ability of the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) to provide loans under the Oyster Shucking House Loan Program.
These bills will now go to the House of Delegates for their consideration.
Other Legislative Updates
Senator Bailey is also continuing to monitor legislation that would infringe on the right of Marylanders to keep and bear arms. He is happy to report that House Bill 937, which would have doubled the sales and use tax for firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition has been withdrawn from consideration in the House of Delegates and will therefore receive no further consideration during the 2025 Legislative Session.
We also continue to hear from many hunters who are concerned about the effect that Senate Bill 634, which would gradually ban the use of lead ammunition while hunting, would have if enacted. This bill has not yet advanced in either the Senate or the House of Delegates. Senator Bailey continues to strongly oppose this legislation.
Budget Updates
This week, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee heard Senate Bill 1045, which would impose a 2.5% sales and use tax on certain business-to-business transactions. Senator Bailey strongly opposes this new tax and appreciates the hundreds of Marylanders who appeared before the Committee and provided written testimony on the negative effect that this new tax would have on our economy.
We have also heard from many residents of District 29 who have concerns about the impact that proposed budget cuts would have on Program Open Space. While the fiscal condition of the State will require reductions in spending throughout State government, Senator Bailey continues to support this vital program and is working to ensure that it receives the funding that it needs to continue.