Dear Friends,

SB 285 Reports of the Attorney General - Frequency - This bill requires the Attorney General to report to the General Assembly every six months on the status of pursuing and recovering economic damages arising from the closure of the Port of Baltimore and the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

 

SB 305 Virtual Currency Kiosks - Registration and Regulation - This bill establishes a regulatory framework for “virtual currency kiosks” and their operators to do business in the State. SB305 was supported by the industry as well as the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. The kiosks will be clearly labeled so they are not confused with an ATM. “Virtual currency” is also known as “bitcoin.” The kiosks have been the cause of a great deal of fraud. This bill will be a national model for the regulation of these kiosks. 

 

SB 371 Board of Pharmacy -Renewal Notices - Electronic Means - This bill allows the State Board of Pharmacy to send renewal notices by email instead of by first-class mail, unless otherwise requested by the registrant.

 

SB 372 Telehealth Access Act of 2025 - Audio-only telephone conversations have been considered part of the definition of “telehealth” since the pandemic. This bill makes permanent that telehealth includes audio-only conversations and requires reimbursement for services at the same rate as services delivered in person.

 

SB 373 BWI Airport Fire & Rescue Department - Collective Bargaining and Arbitration Processes - Allows the collective bargaining process for uniformed fire employees of the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Fire and Rescue Department by establishing binding arbitration. In the event of an impasse in negotiations, though an arbitrator’s decision related to wages, wages are subject to the limitations of the State budget.

 

SB 374 Cancer Screening for Professional Firefighters - This bill requires a county that offers a self-insured employee health benefit plan to provide to each firefighter employed by the county coverage for preventive cancer screenings in accordance with the latest screening guidelines issued by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

 

SB 407 MD Border States Advanced Practice Nursing Act - This bill requires the State Board of Nursing (MBON) to hold discussions with the state nursing licensing boards for Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to pursue reciprocity agreements for advanced practice nursing licensure and specialty certification. 

 

SB 423 MD Medical Practice Act & MD Physician Assistants Act - Revisions - This bill alters and clarifies provisions regarding physicians, physician assistants, and allied health professionals regulated by the MD Board of Physicians. The bill also repeals obsolete and redundant language and makes clarifying and conforming changes.

 

SB474 Health Insurance - Adverse Decisions - Notices, Reporting & Examinations -  This bill expands the required contents of (1) the written notice a carrier must provide to a member, a member’s representative, and a health care provider acting on behalf of the member when the carrier renders a nonemergency adverse decision or grievance decision and (2) the quarterly appeals and grievances report each carrier must submit to the Insurance Commissioner. 

 

SB 695 Uninsured Employers’ Fund Board - Membership  & Reserves - This bill modifies the membership of the Uninsured Employers’ Fund (UEF) board by expanding the number of members from three to five and altering minimum qualifications for board members. 

 

SB 696 Public Health - Pediatric Hospital Overstay Patients and Workgroup on Children in Unlicensed Settings & Pediatric Overstays - This bill requires the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to ensure that a “pediatric hospital overstay patient” is transferred to and treated in the least restrictive setting when clinically indicated and when possible. The bill establishes a Workgroup on Children in Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Hospital Overstays staffed by the State Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (SCCAN). 

 

SB 776 Workgroup to Study the Rise in Adverse Decisions in the State Health Care System - Establishment - This bill establishes a Workgroup to Study the Rise in Adverse Decisions in the State Health Care System. The Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) and the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) are jointly required to provide staff to the workgroup. By December 1, 2025, the workgroup must report its findings and recommendations to specified committees of the General Assembly.

 

SB 842 Electronic Smoking Devices - Seizure and Wholesaler Record - Keeping Requirements - This bill authorizes the Executive Director of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC), without a warrant, to seize e-cigarettes that are not authorized for sale when conducting enforcement of state tobacco regulations and will close the loophole that currently allows for the sale of e-cigarettes online.

 

According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, “The bill helps keep illegal e-cigarette products off Maryland’s store shelves and out of kids’ hands. Manufacturers continue to flood the market with thousands of illegal products that lure kids with fun flavors and hook them with massive doses of highly addictive nicotine, which can also harm the development of young brains.”  

 

The Commission currently lacks the authority to seize illegal e-cigarettes and e-cigarettes purchased online. SB 842 establishes procedures to provide for notice of seizure and the filing of a claim for the return of seized ESD, including the requirement for a hearing.

 

SB 1026 Consumer Credit - Application of Licensing Requirements (MD Secondary Market Stabililty Act of 2025) - This emergency bill establishes that Title 11 of the Financial Institutions Article (which governs licensing requirements for various types of consumer lenders) generally does not apply to a person that acquires or is assigned (in whole or in part) (1) a mortgage, if the person does not otherwise make mortgages; (2) a mortgage loan (as defined in the Maryland Mortgage Lender Law), if the person does not otherwise make mortgages or engage in the mortgage lending business; or (3) an installment loan, if the person relies on another person to service or collect on the loan and does not otherwise make installment loans. 

Senate President Ferguson and House Speaker announced the creation of a joint Federal Action Oversight Committee. The committee membership includes 12 senators and 12 delegates, and I am pleased to be one of the 12 Senators appointed.

 

President Ferguson said, “Establishing a Joint Federal Action Oversight Committee within the General Assembly is a critical step toward ensuring that Maryland is actively understanding federal decision-making.” He continued, “This committee will allow us to proactively monitor federal actions, respond quickly, and safeguard the interests of our state and its people.”

My office has heard from many constituents about the challenges they face regarding prescription drug costs and access to healthcare. With a strong commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring everyone has access to quality treatment, we’ve worked tirelessly to craft and pass legislation that addresses these critical issues.

 

SB 773: Health Benefit Plans – Calculation of Cost Sharing Contribution passed and has been sent to the Governor. This bill requires health plan administrators, insurance carriers, and pharmacy benefits managers to factor in certain cost-sharing amounts paid by or on behalf of an enrollee when calculating their share of healthcare costs. The new rule does not apply to individuals in high-deductible health plans, but it does ensure that third parties providing financial assistance to enrollees notify them of the support they receive. Furthermore, this legislation prohibits alterations or modifications of conditions to health benefit plan coverages based on availability or financial assistance provided for any prescription drug or product. 

 

SB748/HB1004: Public Health - Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias - Information on Prevalence and Treatment: This bill requires the Maryland Department of Health to work with partners to include FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in public health outreach programs. It also directs the Department to create and maintain a website with up-to-date information on prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment, updated annually. This effort aims to improve awareness and access to resources for individuals and families affected by dementia in Maryland.

 

Additionally, SB 357/HB 424: Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Authority and Stakeholder Council Membership (Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for All Marylanders Now Act)  passed and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. This bill expands the authority of the state board, currently tasked with reducing prescription drug costs for individuals on the state’s health care plan, to also apply cost-reduction efforts to private insurance plan purchasers. This expansion will help make prescription drugs more affordable for an even broader range of Maryland residents. The bill allows the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to decide if and how upper payment limits should be imposed on prescription drug products, but this process is not arbitrary and is subject to review and approval in consultation with a stakeholder council.

The General Assembly considered several bills related to veterans affairs, protections, and benefits, and we continue to seek every opportunity to better serve our veteran community that has bravely served our state and our country. 

 

Several bills this session worked to broaden the state definition of a veteran regarding availability of benefits and other opportunities. The definition of “veteran” is being expanded from members of the “armed forces” more broadly to “uniformed forces” to better represent and include our veteran population from diverse service backgrounds. Two key bills that expanded veteran benefits associated with this language change are: 

 

HB228: Maryland Veterans Trust - Assistance to Members of the Maryland National Guard: This bill expands the purposes of the Maryland Veterans Trust to provide monetary and other assistance to members of the Maryland National Guard and their families, including providing grants or loans. It passed both chambers and has been sent to the Governor.  

 

SB279/HB895: Employment and Insurance Equality for Service Members Act: This bill expands how Maryland law supports members of the uniformed services. Previously, many state provisions—such as those related to business regulations, employment protections, and insurance rights, applied only to members of the armed forces.

 

This new measure updates the legal definition of “veteran” and ensures that those serving in all uniformed services, including branches like the Public Health Service and NOAA Corps, are equally protected and recognized under Maryland law. This is a meaningful step toward ensuring fairness, consistency, and inclusivity for those who serve our country in a variety of vital roles.

 

SB278/HB691: Tax Relief and State Personnel Equity for Service Members Act: This bill expands the provision of benefits to more veterans and their families, broadening the state definition of veterans to consider a wider group of individuals who have served. This bill also provides specific tax relief for veterans for income and property taxes. It was passed in both chambers and has been sent to the Governor.

 

SB928/HB267: Veterans Benefits Matters – Claim Servicers – Prohibitions and Requirements: This bill aimed to regulate compensation for veterans' benefits services, prohibit non-V.A.-accredited individuals from making certain guarantees, and enforce these rules under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.

 

The bill, however, did not pass, but this topic is being examined at the federal level as the implications from the recent expansion of the PACT Act continue to unfold. The Department of Veterans Affairs has strongly reminded veterans that claims should only be processed directly through the Department, and is working to target predatory companies to further mitigate this issue.

The Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act creates the Public Employees' Safety and Health Unit to oversee workplace safety for public employees. The law expands the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act to include public bodies, imposing penalties for non-compliance, and requires the Commissioner to set standards for preventing workplace violence. Named after Davis Martinez, a parole and probation agent killed on the job last year, this law strengthens worker safety oversight for state and local agencies.

 

The Maryland Second Look Act allows individuals serving long sentences to petition a court for sentence reduction under certain circumstances. This law empowers approximately 1,000 people in Maryland state prisons to request a judge reconsider the length of their sentence.

I received many emails in opposition to HB17: Internet Gaming - Authorization and Implementation, expressing concern about potentially problematic gambling and resultant bankruptcies associated with this proposed expansion. The bill was introduced in the House and assigned to the Ways and Means Committee, where it was heard on February 10th. The bill did not advance out of committee and therefore was not considered in the Senate. I share your concerns about this proposal, and will continue to evaluate any future legislation on this topic thoroughly.

I have heard from many constituents regarding their desire to purchase alcohol in Maryland grocery stores. While I understand the convenience this may offer, I remain concerned about the impact it could have on the long-term viability and stability of local, family-owned retailers. I am sympathetic to arguments around convenience, however I believe that convenience should not wholly outweigh the costs and potentially negative impact on small businesses across the State. 

 

Additionally, Governor Wes Moore, who initially voiced support for the proposal, has since signaled that he would not actively push the measure this year, citing the significant political and economic challenges facing the General Assembly. 

 

Senate Bill 824 was introduced to allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores. The bill was reviewed by the Senate Finance Committee, and ultimately withdrawn by its sponsor.

The General Assembly passed HB411, officially designating chromite as Maryland’s state mineral—a nod to the state's rich mining history and geological heritage.

 

Meanwhile, the Senate companion bill, SB764, was amended in the House to also include a new designation: the Original Maryland Orange Crush as the official state cocktail. The Governor now has the option to sign the House version focused solely on chromite or the Senate version that includes both symbols.

The Governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House have tentatively scheduled bill signings on the following dates:

• April 22, 2025
  
  

• May 6, 2025
  
  

• May 13, 2025
  
  

• May 20, 2025

Visit the Governor's website for a list of scheduled bills and to sign up for attendance. The first bill signing took place on April 8th, and you can view all signed bills here.

Sincerely,

Pamela Beidle

Senator, District 32, Maryland General Assembly

My office has heard from numerous federal employees expressing concerns about job security and the potential defunding of essential services they provide. In addition, many constituents have voiced worries about funding and their rights.

 

To assist those affected by these challenges, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth has also compiled a comprehensive resource guide, which will be especially valuable to federal workers, immigrant families, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community during this period of uncertainty. Click here to view the guide.

Governor Moore has also launched the Maryland Public Servants Resource Website, which serves as a centralized hub for programs and resources to support Maryland’s federal employees and contractors impacted by federal workforce layoffs, firings, and changes to federal funding. 

 

The website provides resources for impacted federal workers, including information on unemployment insurance, job search and career support, legal resources, and an index of key rules and regulations that govern the federal employment process. 

The site includes resources for Unemployment Insurance, Career Support, Health Coverage, Legal Resources and more.

• MD Labor Resource Website - This website provides information on resources like unemployment insurance benefits, career guidance, and reemployment support.
• FAQs for Federal Employees - Unemployment Insurance -Resource for Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE).
• Regular Unemployment Insurance Overview - Other workers impacted by federal actions - such as employees who worked for a private sector employer that contracted with the federal government - may be eligible to apply for regular unemployment insurance.
• Virtual Workshop - A virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by federal government transition is available on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See workshop details (información del taller en español) and email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up.

The website will be updated regularly as additional information becomes available.

The Comptroller of Maryland - Frozen Federal Funds Reporting. Recent federal actions have resulted in the freezing and/or revocation of federal loans and grants to some nonprofit organizations. The Comptroller of Maryland has been closely monitoring this situation, particularly given the potential impact on Maryland’s economy, workforce, and communities. To assist us in assessing the scope and impact of these funding cuts, we invite you to share information with us if you have had problems accessing federal funding.

The Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) has prepared resources to support Maryland workers impacted by the federal government transition, including employees of the federal government and federal government contractors.

• Resource pages
  The MD Labor resource page provides information about unemployment insurance benefits and reemployment support, linking to our FAQs, application portals, and most-requested flyers for rapid access to key information. Governor Moore’s Resources for Impacted Workers page also provides legal resources, information on federal employment rules and regulations, and county programs and resources.
• Unemployment insurance FAQs
  Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). See our Unemployment Insurance FAQs for Federal Workers. Other workers impacted by federal actions—such as employees who worked for a private sector employer that contracted with the federal government—may be eligible to apply for regular unemployment insurance. See the Regular Unemployment Insurance Overview flyer for details. Individuals who are found eligible can receive up to $430 in weekly benefits (pre-tax).
  
  Workers should apply for UI benefits in the jurisdiction of their "duty station." This means, for example, that if you are a Marylander who is laid off from a federal job based in Virginia, you should apply for benefits in Virginia. Here are direct links to apply for UI benefits in Maryland; Washington, DC; and Virginia.
• Unemployment insurance phone line
  To apply for unemployment, workers can file online or call 667-207-6520 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Federal workers should select option #9.
• Virtual workshop for impacted workers
  A virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by federal government transition is available on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See workshop details (información del taller en español) and email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up.
• Support in finding a new job
  MD Labor offers résumé workshops, individualized career guidance, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, support in coping with job loss and job transition, networking support, reemployment workshops, and more. These resources are provided through 33 American Job Centers (AJCs) and our specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC). See our resource guide (guía de recursos en español) for details. See our FAQ page for answers to common questions from workers transitioning from federal employment to new opportunities.

Click here to be directed to our Unemployment Insurance Assistance Form. 

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is continuing work on the MD 100 Safety & Resurfacing Project between MD 170 and MD 3 Business in Anne Arundel County.

 

Beginning, April 8 at 8 p.m., crews will start overnight milling operations on the westbound MD 100 travel lanes.

 

Starting Sunday night, April 13, the northbound I-97 ramp to eastbound and westbound MD 100 will also close overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, for milling and resurfacing. A signed detour will direct drivers to Exit 15 (MD 176 – Dorsey Road) to access MD 100 via southbound I-97. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. each morning.

 

Motorists should expect periodic daytime and nighttime lane closures and ramp detours through summer 2025. All work is weather dependent.

 

For more information, contact SHA District 5 at 410-841-1000 or 1-800-331-5603. Please drive cautiously and stay alert in work zones.

The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) has announced important taxiway work which will require the closure of one of BWI Marshall Airport’s runways in April and early May. One project will connect new taxiway pavement to Runway 10/28 and one project includes mill and overlay of an existing taxiway. To ensure the safety of pilots, passengers and construction workers, Runway 10/28 will be closed to all air traffic during this time. This closure is currently planned to occur between April 9th and May 6th, 2025.

These types of runway closures occur periodically as MAA strives to ensure the safety and efficiency of our facility. During the closure, air traffic will be required to use one of BWI Marshall Airport’s two remaining runways. As a result, some communities around BWI Marshall Airport may experience a higher volume of air traffic. The images below provide additional detail on this important project and depicts the areas in which air traffic may be most concentrated.

 

You can submit concerns or questions to MAA’s Noise Hotline (410-859-7021) or webpage (Marylandaviation.com/noise).

Click the images below for additional information about those specific events and to review the 2025 Spring Programs and Summer Camps click HERE.

On Wednesday, April 30th, at 6:00 p.m., Jennifer Sapp, MSG, MSW, LCSW-C, will present “Creating a Care Plan." Health care professionals create care plans for their patients to ensure that their patient receives the care tailored to their specific needs. This care is coordinated and delivered through various healthcare disciplines and regular communication. As a caregiver, you are the coordinator of care for your loved one and you need a care plan, too. Learn how to develop and manage a care plan for your loved one so that you can better coordinate and support quality care while reducing caregiver stress. This workshop will be held at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library, 1410 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. Register online at www.aacounty.org/aging or by calling 410-222-4339 or 410-222-4377.

 

These workshops are presented at no cost to the public through the National Family Caregiver Support Program of the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities.

 

Anyone needing accommodations must contact Mary Chaput at 410-222-4339 or by email at agchap01@aacounty.org at least seven days in advance of the event. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1. All materials are available in an alternative format upon request.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) began kindergarten registration for the 2025–2026 school year on Tuesday, April 8 at 12:00 p.m.

 

Children must be 5 years old on or by September 1, 2025 to be eligible for enrollment. While registration is not first come, first served, early registration helps AACPS manage class sizes in advance of the school year.

 

Families are encouraged to register online using the AACPS registration portal. Required documents—including proof of identity, birth certificate, immunization record, two proofs of residency, and custody order (if applicable)—must be uploaded in PDF, JPG, or PNG format.

 

Families without access to the portal may either:

• Contact their child’s assigned school for help completing the online form, or

• Schedule an in-person appointment with the school (limited availability; walk-ins not accepted)

To find your assigned school or learn more about the registration process and required documents, visit the AACPS website.

SAVE THE DATE for Anne Arundel County's FREE Homeownership Resource Fair this spring at the Severn Center! Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a homeownership counseling class (pre-registration will be required), learn about ACDS' housing programs, speak with lenders and realtors, take advantage of other housing resources and more!

The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting a free summer camp program called HERoes on the HERizon. The camp is a free week-long program designed to encourage young women in high school and college to explore careers in emergency management and public safety.

 

The camp will take place July 14-18, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Anne Arundel County OEM located at 7480 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Glen Burnie, MD 21061. This unique program offers participants the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and field trips led by industry professionals.

 

HERoes on the HERizon is open to all young women in high school and college in Maryland. To apply or learn more about the program, visit our website or email oem-camp@aacounty.org. The application period closes at 4:30 pm on Friday, June 6, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified on or before Friday, June 20, 2025.

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