Halfway Through!

Mar 3
2 min read

Reflecting the urgency of the times, the pace of this year’s General Assembly has not let up since gaveling back into session. My fellow legislators and I are doing all we can to address the damage being done in our state by the federal government and to fight back against Trump's authoritarian takeover. All of it is being done with an eye toward affordability, accountability, and opportunity.

Challenging Aggressive Immigration Enforcement

Last week the House passed a trio of bills to protect Marylanders from aggressive immigration enforcement. My “No Kings Act,” which would allow a civil claim against federal agents who violate constitutional rights, was amended to be included in the Digital Unmasking Act (HB 351).

Two more of my bills designed to put up resistance to the savage immigration campaign being inflicted on our communities—Data Privacy (HB 711) and Aviation Health and Safety (HB 639)—were also heard last week. Now I, along with many other advocates, am working to get those and several other related bills passed.

Other Immigration Bills Being Passed Out of the House

Maryland Values Act (HB 1341): Strengthens protections for students and families from immigration enforcement actions in schools.

Minimum Standards for Detention Centers (HB 1018): Adds basic health and safety standards that detention centers must meet, mandates reporting of abuses, and requires inspections of detention centers.

Zoning for Private Detention Centers (HB 1017): Prevents private entities from operating detention centers unless local zoning expressly allows for such a use.

Other Issues I’m Working On

Last week I also testified for several of my other bills, including:

Data Center Capacity (HB 940)
Community Choice Electrical Aggregation (MC 17-26)
Mental Health Quality of Aftercare (HB 648)

Fed Up with Trump and His Enablers?

Me, too! Join the nationwide “No Kings” protests being held on Saturday, March 28th. I am sponsoring a rally at the 495 overpass on Colesville Road from 10:00 - 11:30 am. Afterwards, we will gather for a potluck meal (location provided with RSVP).