2024 Legislation Introduced by Lorig

1. Unemployment Insurance: Modernizing Maryland's UI Program (HB 205)

As the Chair of the Economic Matters Subcommittee on Unemployment Insurance, I have developed comprehensive legislation to modernize our state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. It includes ensuring sufficient benefits for an unemployed person as they search for work and adjusting the tax structure to ensure the continued solvency of the UI trust fund.

2. WARMTH Act (Working for Accessible Renewable Maryland Thermal Heat) (HB 397)

Using funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act, this bill will create several pilot projects to study the benefits of public utilities installing and running networked geothermal systems to heat and cool buildings and homes in targeted low-income and under-resourced communities.

3. Utility Transparency and Accountability (HB 505)

To increase transparency and better understand how major energy decisions affecting ratepayers–and ultimately the climate–are made, this bill requires the disclosure of votes at PJM, the regional authority controlling Maryland’s electrical grid. It also would prevent utilities from using funds received from rate-payers to lobby or attempt to influence policy.

4. Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Accessibility (HB 135)

This bill aims to reduce the number of serious injuries caused by bike- and pedestrian-involved crashes, make progress towards Maryland’s goal of zero vehicle-related deaths by 2030, and promote alternative modes of transportation—primarily walking and biking.

5. Food Waste and Solid Waste Reduction (HB 163)

This bill establishes grant programs for food waste reduction and diversion, on-farm composting, and cold storage for food rescue and distribution to area food banks. Grants may be funded through a solid waste disposal surcharge (on waste disposed of in landfill or by incineration), along with other federal and state funds.

6. Electric Utilities: Requiring Prevailing Wages and Benefits (HB 554)

Let’s make sure green energy jobs are good-paying jobs! This bill requires all work done on utilities–whether above or below ground–to be done by contractors paying prevailing wages and benefits.

7. Consumer Protection and Debt Collection (HB 661)

Some Marylanders are falling into deep poverty as a result of wage garnishment. This bill decreases the amount of wages that may be garnished from low-income individuals. It also requires creditors to provide better accounting of what has been and remains to be paid or face fines for non-compliance.

8. Solar and Clean Energy in Condominiums (HB 216)

This bill would change portions of the Maryland Condominium Act to make it easier for condominium associations to install solar panels and other clean energy equipment, which will help Maryland meet its carbon reduction goals.

9. Energy Assistance for Renters (HB 139)

For many low-income renters, utilities are included as part of their overall rent. Three years ago, I worked with the Department of Human Services to allow these individuals to receive energy assistance through the Electricity Universal Service Program (EUSP). These EUSP funds, combined with Maryland Energy Assistance Program funds, can pay a significant amount of the utility portion of a person’s rent. However, not all landlords are willing to participate in the program. This bill would require landlords to accept these funds and credit them appropriately, giving renters a much-needed discount on rent.

10. State Highway Projects and Utility Compliance (HB 101)

This bill creates mechanisms for ensuring utility work does not delay state highway projects, thus removing potential barriers to safety improvements and reducing costs for the Transportation Trust Fund.

11. Enabling County Tax Credits (HB 66)

This bill enables counties to create special tax credits for landlords and condo owners who make certain safety and affordability improvements; and for teachers to be able to live where they teach.

12. Renters' and Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Programs: Updating Guidelines (HB 44)

Affordable housing is urgently needed by both renters and homeowners, especially along the Purple Line. Existing programs to help limit how much low-income individuals pay in property taxes need updated guidelines so more people and properties qualify for these beneficial programs.

13. Renters' and Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Programs: Aligning Guidelines (HB 287)

This bill would align requirements for both the renters and homeowners Property Tax Credit Programs.

14. Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (G.R.E.E.N. Act) (HB660)

This bill would create an interest-free, revolving loan fund to help nonprofits purchase and install clean energy systems.

15. Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act (HB 823)

This bill aims to improve fire safety in hi-rise apartment buildings, especially older buildings that might not have sprinkler systems. It also provides financing options for fire safety improvements.

16. Data Center Energy Requirements (HB 905)

Fact Sheet
Bill Language
Status

This bill requires data centers to use green energy (such as on-site solar or offshore wind) for at least a portion of their energy needs. It also seeks to ensure prevailing wages are paid and apprenticeship opportunities are provided.

17. Brandon Shores: Acquisition of Energy Storage Devices (HB 1112)

This bill requires the Public Service Commission to facilitate the development of the energy infrastructure needed to transition to clean-generation electricity while maintaining grid reliability.

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2024 Legislation Introduced by Lorig

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2024 Legislation Introduced by Lorig

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