In addition to his own package of sponsored bills, Senator Bailey is also continuing to work on passing legislation requested by our county governments. On Friday, the Senate unanimously passed the first of these bills, House Bill 1095, a local bill requested by the Calvert County Commissioners to authorize the County to grant tax credits for real property that was formerly used solely as a tobacco barn. This legislation will now go to the Governor for his consideration.
Bill Hearings in the House
This week, committees in the House of Delegates held hearings on five of Senator Bailey’s bills that have passed the Senate. On Tuesday, Senator Bailey presented Senate Bill 807 to the House’s Government, Labor, and Elections Committee. This bill revises provisions of law governing Maryland’s farm breweries to support our farmers and encourage the lasting success of these small agritourism businesses in Maryland.
On Wednesday, Senator Bailey presented three bills to the House Environment and Transportation Committee:
- Senate Bill 166 – Shellfish Aquaculture – Penalties – Suspension or Revocation of Permit or Registration Card
- Senate Bill 558 – Chesapeake Bay – Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund – Established
- Senate Bill 559 – Natural Resources – Recreational Fishery Data Collection Program – Established
Following the hearing, the Committee reported favorably on Senate Bill 166. This bill is now before the full House of Delegates for their consideration.
Also on Wednesday, the Ways and Means Committee heard Senate Bill 292, which makes permanent provisions of law allowing local school systems to use alternative forms of transportation for certain groups of students for whom it would be infeasible or impractical to use traditional school buses.
Chalk Point Tour
On Monday, Senator Bailey had the opportunity to tour the Chalk Point Generating Station in Aquasco to learn more about energy generation in Maryland. Energy policy, particularly ensuring that Marylanders have access to affordable and reliable electricity, continues to be one of the most important issues facing our State. This information was particularly timely, as the Senate began deliberations on a significant energy bill, a debate that will continue into next week.
Executive Nomination
On Monday night, Senator Bailey was proud to present Dr. Mimi Novello, President and Chief Medical Officer of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, to the Senate’s Executive Nominations Committee for consideration of her nomination to the Maryland Health Care Commission. The Committee considers all appointments to State office requiring Senate approval, and it is traditional that a nominee’s Senator present their constituent to the Committee. Following the hearing, the Committee approved Dr. Novello’s nomination, which will now go to the full Senate for consideration.
Recognition of Student Page
This week, Senator Bailey was able to meet with John Rosen, a student at Leonardtown High School, who attended session this week as one of the General Assembly’s pages to thank him for his work in support of the General Assembly.
