Weekly Update: Approaching Crossover

​Dear Friend:
We are just a few days from the "crossover deadline" in Annapolis, the date by which bills passed from one chamber to the next are automatically referred to the other body's committee of jurisdiction. After crossover, bills that pass the House go to the Senate Rules Committee and vice versa. Many significant bills are moving through the process including those related to the budget; childcare; juvenile justice; and much more. But I will focus here on my own legislative agenda.
The Local Boards of Education Transparency Act (HB 154): This legislation requires video streaming of local board of education meetings and other transparency measures has already passed the House. Its Senate version, sponsored by Senator Cheryl Kagan, has passed that chamber as well.
Metro Funding Modification Act (HB 386): A re-commitment to Maryland's share of our regional Metro system's funding has passed the House. The Senate sponsor is Senator Malcolm Augustine.
Co-Op and Condo Energy Refund Equity Act (HB 702): This legislation seeks to correct an issue with last year's energy rebates that left master metered residents out of the program. Broader energy legislation has language to support master metered residents as part of other energy relief. Senator Sara Love has championed the Senate version.
Franchise Reform Act (HB 730): The bill reforms our state oversight of the business concept of franchising. The Senate bill--sponsored by Senator Pam Beidle--has passed that chamber and I am cautiously optimistic the House version will proceed.
Large Buildings for Tomorrow Act (HB 870): Maryland has an existing law for large buildings to reduce emissions. In order to make certain new buildings follow the law, the amended version of this bill--now moving through committee--ensures that the Maryland Department of the Environment gets early notice about such buildings.
Land Transfer Accountability Act (HB 1009): Alongside Senator Jeff Waldstreicher, the bill attempted to bring some accountability to threatened federal land and building sales but needs significant work to be found constitutional.
Maryland Transit Administration Reform Act (HB 1041): The outcome of a work group, this bill provides several reforms to improve operations of the Maryland Transit Administration. The House bill will be on the floor this coming week. The Senate bill is sponsored by Senator Cory McCray.
The Board of Public Works Climate Transparency Act (HB 1161): Sponsored by Senator Shelly Hettleman in the Senate, the bill would have required additional climate information related to contracts at the Board of Public Works. As I explained in this video, the goal of the bill was accomplished without legislation.
 
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
I was included on a recent podcast discussing transit issues in the state of Maryland. Listen here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/45db90a0
-----
As part of the state budget, we get a bimonthly report on Purple Line progress. The main charts are below. The report has a few key developments:
1. The report explains that "[a]lthough substantial construction completion is anticipated by late 2026, the system will undergo rigorous testing for more than one year beyond the construction completion date." This has always been the case, just not obvious from the reports.
2. The Capital Crescent Trail reopening has shifted to fall of 2026 (from summer of 2026 most recently). They are citing its use for construction access.
3. Much more detail is given on the dispute with the vendor regarding overhead utilities issues. The vendor is now citing a February 26, 2028 revenue service date. The state's milestones still have it in 2027.
The full report is here.

ENERGY UPDATE 
Last year, the new Speaker of the House moved energy issues over to the Environment & Transportation Committee. This occurred at a time of rising and challenging energy prices. After almost two months of digging into the issues, the committee has voted out a comprehensive bill that takes on the short, medium, and long term rate pressures on our bills. If you want to dig into the details, the first subcommittee meeting on the combined bill is available here. The second subcommittee meeting is available here. The full committee discussion is here. My comments at the press conference announcing that the House, Senate, and Governor all support the bill begin here.
 
BUDGET UPDATE
​The Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates met recently to update their state government revenue forecasts. Income taxes are coming in relatively strong and there was an unexpected estate tax revenue increase, which will not recur. Federal tax changes are expected to impact corporate income taxes, so the state is being cautious there.
The main report is below and you can watch the presentation here.

DELEGATION UPDATE
 On most Fridays during the legislative session, the Montgomery County Delegation meets to go over local legislation. This past Friday, we were joined by Comptroller Brooke Lierman. The Delegation also passed a District 16 bill related to reforms for the Village of Drummond. You can watch the meeting here.
 
POTOMAC INTERCEPTOR NEWS 
As a reminder, we send out a Potomac Interceptor-specific email multiple times a week. If you would like to be added, please just reply here. DC Water is holding another public meeting tonight at Whitman High School at 6:30pm. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments also held an updated briefing, which you can watch here.

COMMUNITY NEWSCongratulations to District 16's River Paganini on being named the student member of the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.
-----
Save the date! The Nesfield Performance Foundation is hosting its Metro Move Fest on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School. Come out for a day of family-friendly fitness activities brought to you by local vendors and nonprofit organizations. Please direct questions to Tiffany Nesfield ([email protected]). 
-----
The next Purple Line Community Action Team Meeting for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area will be on Thursday, April 23rd at 6:00pm and will be held virtually. 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTEach week, I am spotlighting a non-Montgomery County colleague in the House of Delegates. This week, I am spotlighting Delegate Robbyn Lewis. Robbyn serves on the Environment & Transportation Committee with me, where she currently chairs the Transportation Subcommittee (last year she chaired the Land Use and Ethics Subcommittee). She represents a district in Baltimore and is known as one of our two "car free" members of the House of Delegates. I am considered a fairly avid advocate for transit in our state, but Robbyn gives me a run for my money.