It’s almost over, but we’re far from finished. The next few hours are going to be jam packed with hearings and voting sessions.
I wanted to take a few minutes and highlight a few pieces of legislation that might be of interest to you.
Federal Military & Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act Compliance: This legislation has passed both houses and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for final passage. In order to comply with the federal mandate, the Maryland General Assembly voted to move our presidential primary election to first Tuesday in April.
It would move the gubernatorial primary election to the last Tuesday in June.
Freedom of Speech – Picketing at a Funeral – Distance: I have decided to co-sponsor this bill. This would increase the distance in which a person can picket a funeral from 100 feet to 500 feet.
Currently, this bill is in the Judicial Proceedings Committee in the Senate. We’re working hard to get it out and to the floor for a vote.
Alcohol Tax Increase: This legislation has passed the Senate and has been assigned to the Rules Committee in the House. This bill would increase the sales tax on alcoholic beverages. This is a incremental tax increase that will go into effect gradually over the next three years.
Most of the revenue from this tax will be directed to the general fund. However, a small portion will be directed to the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
These bills and others are going to be flying through committee and onto the floor today. Session officially ends at midnight tonight. Feel free to listen to floor proceeding whenever we’re in session.
I will share an end of session wrap up towards the end of the week.
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