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Dear Friends, Today marks the end of the first week of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly legislative session. I am pleased to continue serving on the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee where I will have the new opportunity to chair the Subcommittee on Public Safety, Transportation and the Environment and will continue serving on the Capital and Pensions Subcommittees.
Over the coming weeks, we will share my legislative agenda, but here are a few bills that I have pre-filed that will likely have hearings early in session.
Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act – SB20 – The bill follows the approach used by many states: if the court has found enough risk to issue a domestic violence protective order, that risk finding is sufficient to temporarily require firearm surrender. The House version of the bill is sponsored by the new Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Delegate Sandy Bartlett. (Bill hearing is scheduled for 1/20)
Transportation Climate and Alignment Act – SB59 – I’ve worked on this bill for two years with Delegate Mark Edelson, and it ensures that we are planning the state’s large transportation projects consistent with our climate goals.
Board of Public Works – Contract Review – Climate and Sustainability Information - SB116 – the Governor, Comptroller, and Treasurer serve on the Board of Public Works (BPW) and are responsible for approving large state expenses. This bill ensures that the BPW has information about whether certain projects are consistent with our environmental goals. I’m working on this bill with Chair of the Environment and Transportation Committee, Marc Korman.
The Governor will introduce his budget next week and the Senate has the first opportunity to work on it (the House and Senate alternate who goes first each year).
While I expect budget and affordability issues will be front and center this year, we will also be spending time and attention on energy - what we can do to both protect Marylanders from its rising cost and expand our access to clean energy. Finally, I am very concerned about the safety of our immigrant community - and frankly, the safety of us all - in the face of recent and horrific actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We will consider legislation to both unmask law enforcement and ensure our local law enforcement is acting consistent with our values.
If you’re interested in following the happenings of the General Assembly, exploring our website is a good place to start. If you’d like to follow my bills, you can do so here.
Finally, please join us - in person - at Shelly@thedeli or at our first District 11 District Night in Annapolis! Scroll down for our flyers and details. Feel free to share far and wide.
As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 410-841-3131 or shelly.hettleman@senate. |
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Shelly L. Hettleman |
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Top Left: Heading to drop one of my bills in the hopper before heading to the Senate floor as we begin our 2026 session (and the 449th session in Maryland's history!)
Top Right: We are fortunate to have new and returning fellows and interns this year. They have graduated or are currently attending John Hopkins' Health Policy Institute or the University of Maryland Law School. We will be introducing them all in coming newsletters. Stay tuned...
Bottom Left: The Baltimore County Senate Delegation was the 1st state delegation to enjoy an impressive tour of the Maryland State Archives with our State Archivist, Elaine Bachmann. We saw firsthand how we preserve and store important state documents and works of art.
Bottom Right: My Baltimore County Senate colleagues and I got to see the 1867 state Constitution that outlines the legislative power to the General Assembly. Did you know that Maryland has the largest state archives in the country, with the highest number of digitized records? |
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Meet with your District 11 Team! |
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We have two options to hear from legislators about issues you care most about.
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Help with Energy Bills |
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As we head into the winter months, and temperatures around the region continue to plunge, we want to share a few simple ways to save energy and reduce utility costs this winter. The Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition has many useful tips to help consumers navigate these issues.
Lowering your thermostat by just a couple of degrees, sealing drafts around windows and doors, and using LED lighting can make a noticeable difference on your monthly bills. Some households may also qualify for energy assistance programs that help with heating costs, weatherization services, or appliance upgrades. Check out BGE's energy-saving rebates, and low cost home energy checkups. Available energy assistance may be explored by visiting the OHEP website.
Staying warm shouldn’t break the bank—click on these resources and programs that can help you save 10% on your energy bill in 15 min. or less. Keep your home comfortable and your costs manageable all season long.
BGE winter preparedness and updates can be found here. |
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Maryland Making It Easier to Plug in Your Ride, No Matter Where You Reside
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The Maryland Energy Administration today announced the opening of the application window for funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Grant Program. These grants support the installation of charging stations at multi-family dwellings, commercial centers and other public points of interest to make the benefits of EV ownership accessible to more Marylanders.
Funds are provided to help applicants offset EV supply equipment installation costs for Level 2 and Level 3 chargers.
Most applicants are eligible for maximum grants of $750,000. School districts and local governments are eligible for up to $1 million.
The deadline for applications is February 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET. |
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The Orioles Caravan is Coming to District 11! |
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Lunch at Ledo Pizza with Orioles Alumni
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