Halfway Through

We are now more than halfway through the 90 day legislative session which means floor sessions are getting longer and we are reaching key decision points on many significant issues. Last week, for example, the House of Delegates passed two bills related to the issue of cannabis legalization (and accompanying regulation).
HB 1 puts on the ballot the following question: Do you favor the legalization of adult–use cannabis in the State of Maryland?
HB 837 addresses immediate issues if the voter answer "yes," to that question. Those issues are in the three buckets of criminal law, health, and regulatory structure. The bill does leave many issues for a future General Assembly, such as taxes and licensing but here is, broadly, what it would do:
Criminal
Effective January 1, 2023

• Simple possession of 1.5 ounces or less is a civil offense, fine not exceeding $100 and up to 2.5 ounces is a civil offense, fine not exceeding $250.
• Expungement (these two provisions will help over 550,000 Marylanders):
  • A person charged with only simple possession may have that charge automatically expunged.
  • A person charged with simple possession and other charges from a single event may file for expungement immediately. (ex. Firearm charge and possession happened at the same time).
  • A person may request expungement for this conviction 3 years after the sentence is satisfied.
• Possession with intent to distribute becomes a misdemeanor instead of a felony.
• Individuals currently incarcerated for simple possession can request resentencing and end their incarceration.

Effective July 1, 2023

• Possession of up to 1.5 ounces or less becomes legal, possession up to 2.5 ounces is subject to civil citation.
• Can grow up to 2 plants in a single household, regardless of number of adults, in a secure location.

Health

• Clean Air: Marijuana cannot be smoked in a public place, it is subject to the Clean Indoor Air Act.
• Baseline Study: Requires a study so that the General Assembly can compare cannabis stats pre and post-legalization. This includes studying community health effects, use disorder, impaired driving, hospitals, advertising, etc.
• Other Cannabis Studies: The Medical Cannabis Commission is required to initiate other studies are required to examine home grow for medical patients’ personal use, on-site consumption areas, and youth impacts.
• Establish the Cannabis Public Health Fund to support the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council efforts to continue studying the legalization of cannabis.

Regulatory

• Commission a disparity study to ensure Maryland’s future licensing structure can pass constitutional scrutiny. The study will be finalized by Nov ‘22 to ensure the General Assembly has the results in time for next session.
• Creates a Minority and Women Owned Cannabis Business Assistance Fund to help individuals enter the cannabis industry. Funding will also be provided to support educational programs at HBCUs and business incubators, as well as for outreach to trade associations representing minority businesses.

As always, you can keep up with what I am doing by following me at @mkorman on Twitter or by clicking "Like" on Delegate Marc Korman on Facebook.
Transportation Update
Josiah Henson was a slave in Montgomery County who wrote a slave narrative that helped inspire Uncle Tom's Cabin. The County Planning Board recently voted to rename Montrose Parkway after him. In addition to being a tribute to Josiah Henson, it will also reduce confusion with the nearby Montrose Road.
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There have been significant problems with EZ Pass on Maryland's toll roads, bridges, and tunnels lately. As a result, the Maryland Transportation Authority has announced a few efforts to try and ameliorate the challenges, including a civil penalty waiver for late tolls and increasing the customer service agent workforce to reduce wait times.  You can read more about this here: https://mdta.maryland.gov/blog-category/mdta-news-releases/mdta-board-members-approve-customer-assistance-plan
The Subcommittee I serve on had a hearing a few weeks ago regarding the challenges with EZPass, which you can view here. The issue will come up again when we hear the Authority's budget.
Legislative Update
Since my last newsletter, there has been great progress on the legislation I am advancing this session.  
The Health and Government Operations Committee unanimously voted to support the Maryland State Agency Transparency Act of 2022, which requires quasi-state agencies to video stream their meetings and post their materials publicly. Senator Cheryl Kagan is the lead in the Senate.
The Appropriations Committee voted in favor of the The Independent Agency Health Insurance Option Act,  which would allow a few quasi-governmental agencies to buy into the state's health insurance plan.
The Ways & Means Committee voted unanimously in support of the Young Readers Program Expansion Act (ttps://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0383?ys=2022RS).
All three bills will be on the House floor this week.
Community News

• Montgomery County has lifted its broad indoor mask mandate. But masks still apply in certain locations. Read about them here and keep in mind that this information is rapidly evolving.
• District 16's Natalie Eve Garrett has a new book coming out, The Lonely Stories. Learn about it here: https://books.catapult.co/books/lonely-stories-the/
• And speaking of authors, District 16 author Michael Lemov had a recent op-ed in The Hill about the Consumer Product Safety Commission: https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/596009-a-failed-consumer-safety-law-will-congress-fix-it

Community Events

• The next two Bethesda Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club meetings are listed below. The meetings are virtual at 7:30am and you can email keller.johnw@gmail.com for the zoom links.
  • Monday, March 7 with candidates for States Attorney Tom DeGonia and Perry Paylor.
  • Tuesday, March 15 with candidates for Maryland Attorney General Congressman Anthony Brown and Former Judge Katie O'Malley.

If you know of an upcoming District 16 event or a District 16 resident who merits recognition or condolences, please email marc@marckorman.com.