Weekly Wrap Up February 14th

Senator Addie Eckardt, District 37 Weekly Wrap-Up February 14, 2020

This week, statues of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman were unveiled in the Old House Chamber.

2020 District Night Our district night will be held on Monday, March 23rd in the Miller West Conference Room, starting at 6:00 p.m. We will have a tour of the State House at 7:15 followed by the Senate and House Sessions at 8:00.  Please feel free to contact my office with any other questions and RSVP at adelaide.eckardt.district@senate.state.md.us.

Bill Hearings this Week Four of my bills were heard in committee this week. Senate Bill 337, which alters requirement for splash pads, was heard by the Judicial Proceedings Committee. Senate Bill 495 allows for Bay Restoration Funds to be used to connect properties and subdivisions to waste-water treatment facilities that are in the process of being upgraded to achieve Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) or Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR).  Senate Bill 387, if passed, would create a permanent funding source from unclaimed property for the Community Development Program and will help fund a program that promotes neighborhood revitalization across our District. Senate Bill 576 alters requirements for certifications of competency and incapacity, allowing nurse practitioners to make these certifications.  Thank you to all who testified in support of these bills. We will continue to work with our committees on these pieces of legislation.

Caucus Briefings On Tuesday, the Senate Republican Caucus was briefed by representatives of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many jurisdictions in Maryland refuse to honor immigration detainers, resulting in criminals being released into the community and bills have been introduced to limit law enforcement’s ability to enforce immigration law. It is important to monitor the legislation and work with our local law enforcement to keep our communities safe.

Kirwan Update Senate Bill 1000: Blueprint for Maryland's Future - Implementation, which reforms K-12 education, was released this week. We continue to review the 172 page bill and there will be a joint hearing this Monday. We will work to create better classroom environments, student accountability, and examine fair and equitable funding mechanisms without raising taxes.

Upcoming Bill Hearings If you have any questions about a particular bill please reach out to my office or visit the General Assembly website at http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/. 2/18- SB 541 Mental Health - Involuntary Admissions - Procedures 2/25- SB 667 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Municipal Electric Utilities 2/25- SB 678 Natural Resources - Reclassification of Oyster Sanctuaries - Authorization 2/25- SB 790 Information Technology - Communications Lines - Installation 2/26- SB 788 Income Tax - Credit for Community-Based Faculty Clinicians 2/28- SB 100 Dorchester County - Alcoholic Beverages - Class C Beer, Wine, and Liquor License 3/4 - SB 312 Talbot County - Sunday Hunting - Deer Bow Hunting Season 3/4- SB 500 Talbot County - Turkey and Deer Hunting - Sundays