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April 11, 2025
Greetings Neighbors and Friends,
The 447th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) officially concluded on April 7, marking the end of one of the most consequential 90-day periods in a generation. We entered the 2025 Session with two overarching tasks: (1) tackling a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit amidst federal chaos: and (2) advancing policy to reduce Marylanders’ energy bills in the short-, medium-, and long-term.
I am pleased to report that the Maryland Senate met the moment. At a time of economic uncertainty, federal dysfunction, and rising energy costs, we chose to lead with clarity, compassion, and a commitment to protecting the future of every Maryland family.
Accomplishing those objectives while passing legislation to improve the lives of all our state’s residents required honest and difficult conversations about our fiscal responsibilities and enduring priorities. From the moment we gathered in Annapolis on January 8, our work focused on adapting to new realities while maintaining the stability Maryland individuals, families, and small businesses rely on.
In the wake of the transition to a new presidential Administration in January, we faced seismic shifts in policy coming from Washington, culminating in a nearly $350 million reduction in expected personal, corporate, and sales tax revenues over a two-year period due entirely to federal chaos and job losses. In addition, the State learned of up to $418 million in federal funds being withheld to our public schools, $305 million of which school systems had already spent, in addition to $330 million in transportation funding summarily pulled back despite grant agreements.
These drastic and unprecedented actions spurred the MGA to redouble our commitments to core Maryland values including reinforcing Marylanders’ constitutional protections, safeguarding access to health care, enhancing protections for Maryland’s immigrant communities and accelerating the State’s transition to cleaner, cheaper energy. When federal support wavered, we provided clarity and a vision for the future.
Throughout it all, we remained focused on delivering results for the people of Maryland. Now, with the 2025 Session behind us, I look forward to continuing the work in Maryland’s 26th Legislative District until we reconvene next year.
Below is an overview of key measures and legislative priorities the MGA addressed during the 2025 Legislative Session:
Passing a Balanced Budget that Maintains Core Commitments to Marylanders: We met its constitutional obligation to balance the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget (HB350 and HB352) by cutting spending while protecting schools, law enforcement, and health care services. The legislature approached the State’s budget deficit with a strategic mix of nearly $2 billion in necessary cuts and $1.2 billion in new revenue proposals, including changes to personal income taxes which will result in 94% of filers paying the same or a lesser amount. This targeted and balanced approach allowed us to avoid other revenue options like a $.75 delivery tax, a broad-based business-to-business tax, or the elimination of itemized deductions for Maryland taxpayers.
Despite disruptions in federal funding streams, we committed to preserving core services and protecting Maryland’s most vulnerable residents. Our $66.9 billion FY26 Operating Budget, which was $400 million less in general funds than the FY25 budget, includes:
As it relates to healthcare funding specifically in Prince George's County, FY26 provides $198 million in state funding, with $38 million dedicated to expanding healthcare access, including $19 million for the Luminis Health Women’s Health Tower and $10 million toward the construction of a new Fort Washington Adventist Healthcare facility in district 26.
Summary of Legislation that I Sponsored:
I have worked diligently to address a range of critical issues, including rehabilitation funds for aging communities, reducing organized crime, domestic violence prevention, improving access to healthcare, facilitating expungement, and ensuring that our homeless community is treated with dignity.
As your representative, it is my commitment to sponsor and support significant legislation that will enhance the quality of life for the citizens of District 26 and the entire state of Maryland. During this session, I served as the primary sponsor of more than 27 pieces of legislation. Below is a summary of some of those bills.
SB 63: Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations – Funding of Reserve Accounts and Preparation of Funding Plans This bill makes key improvements to the statutory framework governing reserve studies and funding plans for cooperative housing corporations (COCs), residential condominiums, and homeowners associations (HOAs). These changes are vital for ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of common ownership communities throughout the state. (Passed)
SB 90: Criminal Procedure – Incompetency to Stand Trial Dismissal
SB 40: Vehicle Laws – Towed, Removed, or Abandoned Vehicles – Electronic Notice This bill aims to streamline the process for resolving cases where a vehicle is not claimed after being towed. It requires the MVA to notify vehicle owners by email and mandates a mailed notification if the owner does not respond within seven days. (Passed)
SB 120: Restrictions on Use - Solar Collector Systems – Alteration SB 120 establishes clear standards for determining when a restriction on solar panel systems by a homeowners’ association (HOA) is unreasonable. Current law vaguely states that a restriction is unreasonable if it “significantly” increases cost or decreases efficiency, but does not define “significant.” SB 120 resolves this by specifying that: 1) a restriction is unreasonable if it increases the cost by more than 5% or reduces efficiency by more than 10%, and 2) a solar design specialist must verify these impacts. For example, if an HOA prohibits solar panels on the front roof and relocating them increases costs or reduces efficiency beyond these limits, the restriction would be invalid. The bill also clarifies that HOAs may regulate solar panel placement on common areas, affirming authority already present in most governing documents. SB 120 brings clarity and consistency, helping prevent disputes between homeowners and associations. (Passed)
SB 133: Vehicle Laws – Stopping, Standing, or Parking in a Bike Lane/ Path – Prohibition
SB 106: Child Support – Suspension of Driver's Licenses
SB 193: State Highway Administration – Memorials – Maryland Route This local bill requires the State Highway Administration to install a memorial sign on Maryland Route 210, honoring individuals who have tragically lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents on this road. The memorial will serve as a reminder of the importance of safety on our highways. (Note: This did not pass as legislation, but SHA agreed to place a memorial sign, Fall 2025).
HB 349/ SB 485: Prince George’s County – Speed Monitoring Systems – MD Route 210 Senate Bill 485 enhances traffic safety by increasing civil penalties for speed violations detected by monitoring systems on Maryland Route 210. These stricter penalties aim to deter reckless driving behaviors that endanger lives daily. The legislation prioritizes public safety by holding drivers accountable, ultimately reducing accidents and fatalities on this critical roadway. (Passed)
SB 587: Maryland Reparations Commission Black Marylanders have long been essential to our state’s growth, from building the infrastructure of Baltimore and Annapolis to powering agriculture, industry, and innovation in Maryland for centuries. Yet, the legacy of slavery, redlining, and economic exclusion still shapes disparities today. That’s why I sponsored the Maryland Reparations Commission to study these injustices and recommend meaningful policy solutions. Closing these economic and systemic gaps isn't exclusively about justice it’s about advancing meaningful economic policy that benefits all of us. Research shows that eliminating racial income and wealth disparities could add over $50 billion to Maryland’s economy. We must confront the lasting impacts of policies that hamper our potential for growth in the future, and this Commission will provide a vehicle for this important work. (Passed)
SB 648: Correctional Service – Medical Parole – Life Imprisonment Senate Bill 648 streamlines the medical parole process for life-sentenced individuals by removing the requirement for gubernatorial approval. This change facilitates compassionate releases for those with severe health conditions, allowing the Maryland Parole Commission to make decisions based on medical evaluations. The bill maintains victim notification procedures while promoting a humane approach to incarceration. (Passed the Senate only)
Senate Bill 484 affirms the dignity and fundamental rights of unhoused individuals in Maryland. It ensures that homelessness is not criminalized by protecting their right to engage in life-sustaining activities in public spaces. The bill also establishes legal safeguards to prevent unfair penalties and provides an affirmative defense in cases related to trespassing or disturbing the peace. (Did NOT Pass)
Senate Bill 647 requires the State Board of Elections to establish a voter hotline for incarcerated individuals. It also expands voting eligibility by allowing individuals convicted of felonies and serving court-ordered sentences to register to vote, ensuring broader electoral participation. (Did NOT Pass)
Senate Bill 649 improves the expungement process by allowing individuals with unresolved criminal charges, specifically those with "no finding" or terminated without a finding, to clear their records. This reform reduces barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities caused by unproven allegations. (Did NOT Pass) Senate Bill 650 seeks to enhance community safety by creating a centralized Domestic Violence Offender Registry for individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses. Offenders with three or more domestically related convictions must register with their county sheriff, providing personal details and a digital image. Maintained by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the registry will be publicly accessible to improve awareness and safety. The bill also includes provisions for individuals to petition for exemption based on court assessments. (Did NOT Pass)
Important Legislation: 2025 Legislative Session Highlights
This session, I co-sponsored and supported hundreds of bills that will benefit constituents across our state. Below is an overview of some key legislative achievements from the 2025 General Assembly session.
Supporting Maryland’s Seniors and Nursing Home Residents: Maryland’s seniors and nursing home residents are some of the most vulnerable in our society, and we have a heightened duty to meet their needs. We passed SB223 to expand the Senior Call-Check Service and Notification Program as the Social Connections Program. This initiative provides older adults at risk of isolation with regular check-ins through phone calls, text messages, video chats, and in-person visits. Beyond wellness checks, the program fosters purposeful social engagement by connecting seniors with local volunteer networks, community events, and peer support groups. Further, we recognized the Maryland Department of Health lacks sufficient capacity to conduct inspections and complaint investigations of nursing homes throughout the State. To compensate for this staffing shortage, we authorized local jurisdictions to take on this responsibility upon a county's request though SB376.
Nursing Home Oversight & Accountability/ HB 933:
Findings will be reported annually (starting October 1, 2025) to the Governor and relevant legislative committees through 2029
Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring/ Senate Bill 94 / House Bill 553:
Developmental Disabilities Support/ HB 1244:
Additionally, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025:
Expungement Reform Act/ SB 432:
Additionally, the bill prohibits Maryland Judiciary Case Search from showing:
Strengthening Apprenticeships and Skills Training: Meeting the demands of a 21st century economy means developing alternative pathways to our state’s workforce through opportunities. Our economic future depends on Maryland employers' ability to build a dependable and skilled labor force. The traditional method of workforce development heavily relies on school-based learning, which often leaves students with burdensome college debt and a lack of practical on-the-job experience. Apprenticeships shift our workforce training paradigm to allow individuals to earn a living wage while they learn their necessary trade skills, which is why we passed the Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act (SB431) to modernize the State’s apprenticeship system. The law will expand the definition of a qualifying apprenticeship, ensuring more Marylanders can access career training programs that align with industry needs. Marylanders need more than a job after school–they need accessible and sustainable careers.
Protecting the Chesapeake Bay and our State’s Natural Resources: Maryland’s identity is inseparable from its waters—the Chesapeake Bay, our rivers, and countless streams and estuaries that nourish our ecosystems and communities. But climate change, driven by rising seas and decades of unchecked corporate pollution, threatens this legacy. In 2025, we acted decisively. We passed the RENEW Act (SB149) to confront Maryland’s largest polluters by studying their emissions and assessing the long-term environmental costs they’ve created. This lays the groundwork for holding them accountable and shaping future environmental policy.
Safeguarding the Right to Vote: While other states make voting harder, Maryland strengthened access to the ballot. We passed SB93 to ensure voters continue receiving clear instructions to request a mail-in ballot with every State Board of Elections mailing. With SB685, we guaranteed multi-lingual support at polling places for those who need it. And in passing HB586, we expanded service-learning credit for student election judges and created new incentives to boost turnout among trained poll workers. Our democracy is strongest when every voice can be heard.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we prepare for the 2026 legislative session, I welcome your thoughts and ideas for new legislation. Please feel free to contact my office at 410-841-3092 or email me at Anthony.Muse@senate.state.md.us to share your feedback and concerns.
With over 1,100 bills discussed this session, this summary highlights just a few of the key issues. If you'd like more information on other topics, don’t hesitate to reach out, or to see the full 90-day legislative session report go to: https://dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/RecurRpt/25rs_90_Day_Report.pdf
Announcements:
In closing, I want you to know that it is an honor and a privilege to serve you in Annapolis. I have kept my word to represent “you” and I take pride in it. Rest assured that I will continue to stand up for you and do what is right. |
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Sincerely, |
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