Monday was Crossover Day, the point in the legislative session by which a bill must pass its chamber of origin to be guaranteed a hearing in the opposite chamber. With just 18 days left in session, the pace is picking up as lawmakers work to move legislation across the finish line before Sine Die.

Maryland is confronting real economic challenges driven by federal actions that have displaced workers and reduced funding for critical programs. In response, the Governor and General Assembly crafted a balanced budget that addresses these pressures while continuing to invest in our state’s future without raising taxes on hardworking Marylanders.

The budget includes $463 million for pedestrian safety improvements and a historic $500 million investment in bike and pedestrian connectivity, alongside continued support for major infrastructure projects. In education, the budget maintains $10.2 billion in public school funding and invests $20 million to eliminate the Child Care Scholarship waitlist, opening access to affordable care for thousands of families.

At the same time, the budget prioritizes stability for Marylanders. It provides $1.7 billion for SNAP benefits supporting hundreds of thousands of residents, $384 million for rental assistance to help keep families housed, and more than $300 million for energy assistance programs. The budget also includes $3.3 billion in total funding for developmental disabilities services, including a $23.1 million restoration to protect care for more than 19,000 Marylanders and support the long-term sustainability of these critical programs.

Together, these investments reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility, economic resilience, and ensuring Marylanders have the support they need during a time of uncertainty.

The following bills passed the House and action is being taken in the Senate:

HB10-- Legal Advertisement or Legal Notice - Publication in Newspaper or Newspaper in General Circulation - Digital Newspapers-- 

Would allow required legal notices to be published in both print and online format (awaiting hearing date in Judicial Proceedings).

HB14-- County Boards of Education - Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation - Information Collection and Reporting Requirements-- Provides more information about incidents of bullying, harassment or intimidation in our public schools (Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee hearing on 4/1/2026 at 1pm).  

HB30-- Public Safety - Department of State Police - Police-Initiated Towing - Alterations-- Defines “light-duty towing” and establishes guidelines for light-duty towing and recovery rates. The Senate has passed an identical bill, SB578.

HB35-- Local Government - Regulatory Powers - Regulation of Tree of Heaven, which authorizes counties and municipalities regulate the planting, sale and continued growth of trees of heaven, Ailanthis altissima, and other invasive species. The Senate passed an identical bill, SB266.  

HB141-- State Personnel - Collective Bargaining - Graduate Assistants-- allows them the right to form a union and bargain for better pay and working conditions. The Senate passed an amended version of the bill, SB84, which is now being considered in the Government, Labor and Elections committee in the House. 

HB210-- Out-of-State Driver Accountability Act-- this makes it easier to collect fines from out-of-state drivers caught by traffic cameras while in our state (awaiting hearing date in Judicial Proceedings).

The Joan Karasik Resource Fair will be occurring Sunday, April 6th, at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus. There will be more than 70 exhibitors to discuss education, job training programs, mental health resources, and social and recreational opportunities for teens and adults with disabilities.  

This session, the Maryland House of Delegates is making history with more women than ever serving at the highest levels of leadership. At the helm is Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk--the first Afro-Latina to lead the chamber--marking a significant milestone for representation and leadership in Annapolis.

Delegates Heather Bagnall (Health), Sandy Bartlett (Judiciary), Kriselda Valderrama (Economic Matters), Melissa Wells (Government, Labor, and Elections), and Jheanelle Wilkins (Ways & Means) are leading some of the most consequential committees in the legislature.

When you file your tax return this year, you could qualify for up to $4,000 through the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). That's money you've earned through your work that can help you reduce what you owe in taxes or increase your tax refund.

Visit MarylandComptroller.gov/Earnedlt to find out if you're eligible and find help filing your taxes for free.

Starting January 2027, the Public Service Commission will offer lower utility rates for recipients of the Office of Home Energy Programs. Enroll in OHEP now to access current utility assistance and qualify for next year’s reduced rates.

Do you know someone attending college or graduate school this fall? If they live in District 15, encourage them to apply for my scholarship! Applications will be accepted here through April 30th.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me at Linda.Foley@house.maryland.gov

with any questions or concerns, or if you wish to meet with me.

Thank you for the privilege and honor to represent you and the other residents of District 15 in Annapolis. 

Linda Foley

Delegate, District 15, Maryland General Assembly

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