Senator Carozza Recaps 2021 Legislative Special Session

 

(From the office of Senator Carozza)

The Maryland General Assembly met in a special session on December 6 through December 9 for a special session on redistricting. The members of the Maryland General Assembly were charged with passing a fair congressional redistricting map for Maryland. For the first several days, the Maryland Senate moved forward with overriding Governor Hogan’s public safety vetoes, which Senator Carozza voted to sustain and later took up highly-partisan redistricting maps passed by the entire legislature.

Partisan Gerrymandering

The Maryland Senate voted on the partisan Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission’s proposed maps as opposed to the nonpartisan Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission’s maps. While the citizens’ commission map received an A rating from the Princeton Gerrymandering Project, the legislature’s map received an F grade. The majority in the Maryland legislature rejected the transparent work of the Governor’s citizens redistricting commission and instead drew congressional districts even more gerrymandered in their favor than the ones drawn 10 years ago. 

 

The new First Congressional District takes the Eastern Shore across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge diminishing Shore representation with the domination of Anne Arundel County suburbs. During the Senate Floor debate, Senator Carozza noted that Marylanders have made clear that they do NOT want gerrymandered maps, yet the majority in the legislature is moving forward with a highly partisan map. Before the session, Senator Carozza talked to her Mom about the tough challenge of drawing new redistricting maps. “My Mom said to always be fair. That’s what Marylanders expect. We need to listen to the people of Maryland, who are demanding fair, equitable, and nonpartisan redistricting maps,” urged Senator Carozza during the Senate debate.

With the override of the Governor’s veto and passage of legislative maps, Senator Carozza said, “We can now expect intense legal battles over the redistricting maps with the courts having the final say. I will continue to fight for and support fair redistricting maps, and free and fair elections for Maryland.”

Governor Hogan’s Public Safety Vetoes Overridden

 

On the Senate Floor, Senator Carozza spoke out in support of the Governor’s vetoes of 2021 including sanctuary state legislation, House Bill 23, which will directly affect a facility in Snow Hill, MD that has been under contract since 1999 and community college legislation, House Bill 894 that will raise student tuition and fees. In her remarks on the Senate Floor, she said, “one size does not fit all. Our local correctional facilities should retain local control and have the discretion to determine if and how to engage in local agreements with Federal immigration agencies.”

 

Over the objections of the Senate Republican members, the legislature also voted to allow counties to raise their income tax, remove the Governor from parole decisions, and allow violent criminals to only serve a fraction of their prison sentences.

 

Additionally, Senator Carozza supported the Governor’s veto on House Bill 894 which establishes a uniform statewide collective bargaining process for community college employees. She said these unbudgeted costs will be a burden on students through tuition and fee increases and reduced programs and services.

 

In her comments regarding community colleges, Senator Carozza notes that community colleges are at the forefront of workforce development and they have stepped up during this time where we have extreme shortages in every major industry. “Their work has been made more difficult during this economic recovery of COVID-19 where we have extreme work shortages and a decreasing number of students. Collective bargaining at the community colleges should be a local decision, said Carozza.” Prior to the special session, Senator Carozza met with Wor-Wic Community College President, Dr. Ray Hoy, and board members to discuss the negative impact of this legislation on local students.

 

Governor’s Emergency Crime Bills

 

Senator Carozza joined the entire Senate Republican Caucus to petition to bring the Governor’s emergency crime bills to the Senate Floor. A violent crime crisis continues to plague the people of Maryland and they urged the Maryland General Assembly to take action now, during the special session to protect our constituents from repeat, violent criminals.

SB 5 The Judicial Transparency Act of 2021

Requires the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy to publish sentencing records of judges in violent crime cases to hold the system more accountable to the public for sentencing decisions.

SB 6 Violent Firearms Offender Act of 2021

Significantly increases sentences for those who repeatedly illegally carry firearms and for convicted gang members who illegally possess guns.

 

Treasurer’s Election

On Thursday, December 9th, the Maryland General Assembly elected Delegate Dereck Davis from Prince George’s County to be Maryland’s next Treasurer succeeding Maryland’s long-time Treasurer, Nancy Kopp due to retirement. He additionally served as the Chair of the House Economic Matters Committee. The Board of Public Works consists of The Governor, Comptroller, and Treasurer to oversee Maryland’s finances.

 

Constituents in Annapolis

During the special session in Annapolis, Senator Carozza also met with physician assistants from the Shore including Brandon McCullen from Pittsville and Tim Sparta from Berlin. The shortage of providers and access to health care on the Eastern Shore continues to be a hardship especially given the aftermath of COVID-19. Last session, I worked with local health care representatives to pass major health access bills including Alcohol and Drug Counseling through Telehealth (SB 646) and Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (SB 139). Senator Carozza will continue to work with the health professionals in her District to increase access on the Shore.

 

“Many of our districts are hard hit by health care workforce shortages, especially in the rural parts of the state. Our hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, and community providers need more flexibility in recruiting qualified health care providers to provide both in-person and telehealth services, said Carozza.”

 

Senator Carozza also met with the leadership of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland including Melissa Bragg, 2nd Vice President and Ocean Pines Fire Department; Alyssa Clayville, Eastern Shore Representative; and Andrew Pantelis, 4th District Vice President. “We recognize your hardworking fire safety efforts to protect our home communities and look forward to working with you during the January session on your health, retirement, and work-shortage priorities,” said Carozza.

 

Looking Forward

As the 2022 session approaches Senator Carozza will continue to work with local leadership on difficult issues such as violent crime, healthcare shortages, job recruitment opportunities, and more. “I will continue to give it my all to see us through full COVID-19 recovery and encourage my constituents to continue to share your views with me. I am forever grateful to serve District 38 in the Maryland General Assembly and look forward to seeing you back home,” said Carozza.

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2021 General Assembly Recap From Senator Mary Beth Carozza

 Senator Carozza Recaps 2021 Legislative Session

Annapolis, MD—The 442nd session of the Maryland General Assembly adjourned sine die on Monday, April 12 at midnight. Throughout the 90 days, Senator Carozza advocated for COVID-19 relief and recovery, small businesses, expansion of broadband access, election integrity, public safety and respect for our dedicated law enforcement officers.

“This has been a very difficult session with the COVID-19 protocols limiting public interaction and access as we debated and voted on so many bills impacting the lives of Marylanders,” said Senator Carozza. “I believe the lack of public input had a negative impact on final outcomes of key pieces of legislation. While were able to reach consensus on COVID-19 relief and expanding broadband access, we experienced the breakdown of bipartisanship when it came to passing legislation on police reform and election integrity which moved forward for the most part without Republican support.”    

 

COVID-19 Relief

An early priority of the Maryland General Assembly was passage of Senate Bill 496—Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs, and Families (RELIEF) Act, which Carozza cosponsored. The RELIEF Act was a Hogan Administration priority emergency stimulus and tax relief package intended to provide over $1 billion for Marylanders and small businesses. This legislation was quickly passed in the House of Delegates and State Senate and went into effect on Monday February 15, 2021.

 

“It was encouraging to see the Maryland General Assembly understand the urgency in passing this emergency COVID-19 relief and stimulus package to assist struggling Maryland families and small businesses,” Senator Carozza stated. “It went into effect immediately and has provided needed COVID-19 assistance for our small businesses, watermen, farmers, the unemployed, and all those hardest hit by the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.”

 

Small Business Recovery

During the interim Senator Carozza was on bi-weekly calls with the Maryland Restaurant Association, the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Ocean City Hotel-Motel Restaurant Association members working on the survival of these small businesses. To assist restaurants and brewers throughout the economic recovery process, Carozza strongly supported Senate Bill 205—Alcoholic Beverages - Sale or Delivery for Off-Premises Consumption. This legislation will allow restaurants, bars, and taverns to sell and deliver certain alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption or delivery, with food, under county liquor board guidelines. Carozza also voted for Senate Bill 821—Alcoholic Beverages—Manufacturer's Licenses and Off-Site Permits which will provides new regulatory relief to Maryland’s brewers and distillers.

 

A key priority of the bipartisan Senate Small Business Workgroup after working with hundreds of local small businesses during COVID-19 was legislation to create civil immunity for restaurants acting in good faith and complying with all pandemic protocols. This legislation did not advance before adjournment.

“I am disappointed that this legislation did not advance this session, but will continue to advocate for policies that benefit our small businesses during the long haul of COVID-19 recovery,” said Carozza.

Expanding Broadband Access

Senator Mary Beth Carozza joined her colleagues in championing access to broadband and ensuring that rural counties receive their fair share of broadband dollars and infrastructure. Carozza cosponsored the Digital Connectivity Act of 2021 which will establish the Office of Statewide Broadband to develop a statewide plan to deliver affordable and reliable broadband service to every Marylander by 2026. Another highlight is $300 million in federal funding that will be dedicated to a game-changing broadband technology initiative, including $128 million to improve network infrastructure, $75 million for service fee and device subsidies, and $45 million for municipal broadband grants.

 

Fiscal Year 2022 Budget: Recovery Focus

“The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Operating and Capital budgets keep the focus on COVID-19 recovery while funding key Shore priorities,” said Carozza.

The Senate of Maryland unanimously approved of Governor Larry Hogan’s FY 2022 Budget on Thursday, March 25. Included the final Fiscal Year 2022 budget is $1.1 billion for the Rainy Day Fund; $572 million of federal funding provided for COVID-19 testing, contract tracing, and vaccinations; $371.5 million for community colleges; and $22 million for critical maintenance projects at State parks. Shore priorities include $2.8 million for the Ocean City Convention Center; and $2 million for Ocean City beach maintenance.

 

Local projects included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget are $600,000 for handicapped accessibility improvements at the Ocean City Lifesaving Museum; $200,000 for the establishment of a Vehicles for Change program in Wicomico County; $100,000 for Crisfield waterfront development renovations; $100,000 for the Crisfield Elks Lodge No. 1044 renovations; and $50,000 for the Fruitland Volunteer Fire Company for upgrades and a roof replacement.

 

Carozza also advocated for legislation to create a HORIZON tax credit for new property developments and economic relief for restaurants and golf courses in Wicomico County.

 

The Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget also includes funding for Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure for Worcester ($1 million), Wicomico ($1.5 million), and Somerset ($1 million) counties.

 

Telehealth and other Health Care Initiatives

Two of Senator Carozza’s priority health care bills cleared both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly before adjournment.

 

Senate Bill 139— Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact will establish an interstate licensure compact for occupational therapists so they can work across state lines as long as they are licensed by a member state of the compact. The Maryland General Assembly already has enacted similar legislation for nurses, physicians, and physical therapists.

“As I worked with health care providers during COVID-19, it was brought to my attention that this interstate occupational therapy licensure compact would have a direct benefit in increasing access to care, especially in districts like mine which are bordered by states, Delaware to the north, and Virginia to the south,” Senator Carozza noted. “Licensure compacts offer an important pathway to ensuring our health care facilities and providers have a sufficient number of qualified providers, making it easier for licensed health care practitioners from neighboring states to work in our hospitals and programs in our communities.”

Senate Bill 646—Alcohol and Drug Counseling - Alcohol and Drug Trainees - Practice Through Telehealth permit the permanent allowance of alcohol and drug trainees (ADTs) under supervision to provide services via telehealth after the current public health emergency declarations are lifted.

 

“Access to alcohol and drug counseling through telehealth is increasingly important especially given the devastating data from the Maryland Health Department and Opioid Operational Command Center. There were 2,025 overdose deaths in Maryland in the first three quarters of 2020. That is a 12 percent increase from the same period in 2019…These numbers make it clear that Maryland cannot let up in our efforts to provide the needed counseling services and treatment to those with alcohol and drug addictions. Senate Bill 646 would ensure that alcohol and drug trainees under supervision can continue to provide telehealth services after the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Carozza.

Public Safety: Wade’s Law

After five long years the Maryland General Assembly passed Criminal Law – Life–Threatening Injury Involving a Motor Vehicle or Vessel – Criminal Negligence (Wade’s Law). This priority public safety legislation provides a just and fair penalty for those convicted of criminally-negligent driving causing life-threatening injuries by increasing the penalty from only a $500 fine to a misdemeanor subject to up to 1 year in prison and/or a $5,000 penalty or both.

 

This legislation was prompted from a violent crash involving two Worcester County road workers, Scott Tatterson and Wade Pusey, who were struck by a criminally-negligent driver. The violent crash occurred on February 22, 2016, and left Mr. Tatterson dead and Mr. Pusey with several life-threatening and life-sustaining injuries. This case was brought to Senator Carozza’s attention by Wicomico County Deputy State’s Attorney Bill McDermott, who has continuously advocated for the passage of this legislation.

 

The sense of urgency to pass Wade’s Law has increased with more victims suffering from life-threatening injuries from criminally-negligent driving including Je’Ani Lyles who lived through a horrific and extremely painful crash in Harford County in 2018. She has suffered a severing of her T8 vertebrae, multiple surgeries, and paralysis from the chest down. Like Wade Pusey and his mother Sharon, Je’Ani and her mother Carla, also plead the case for a more just penalty to hold those who are criminally-negligent responsible for their actions. 

 

“It was a total team effort. I want to thank all the victims and their families who persevered testifying over the years, the State’s Attorneys Bill McDermott, Steve Kroll, and Dave Daggett, the local police chiefs and sheriffs, and Delegate Wayne Hartman for his leadership as the House sponsor of Wade’s Law,” Carozza said. “My parents always taught me that if you believe in a just cause or action, then you keep working it, not for yourself, but for people like Wade Pusey and his family, and Je’Ani Lyles and her mother, Carla, and for all the unnamed victims and future victims. Thanks to all for making the case for Wade’s Law – a fair and just penalty.”

 

Policing Bills

The Senate of Maryland spent a good portion of the session considering policing legislation.  In March 2021, the full Senate was able to come together and advance a bipartisan package featuring components to create new guidelines for body-worn cameras and no-knock warrants.  More extreme proposals considered included allowing mere accusations, unfounded misconduct complaints, internal affairs reports and disciplinary decisions to become public record and to repeal the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, which Senator Carozza voted against.

 

The mostly-bipartisan legislation was amended in the House of Delegates and removed many of the sound police reforms earlier approved and replaced it with an anti-police bill that harms public safety.

 

“We already are seeing the retirement of police across the board, and this bill will drive more out of law enforcement, which directly reduces public safety in our community,” said Carozza.

 

“As I listened to my colleagues during the police reform debate, I agree about the need for course correction and building of trust in policing. That’s why I supported the more balanced Senate police reform bills that passed earlier in the session…But as the Governor highlighted in his veto letter, the final police reform bills that were passed by the legislature will result in great damage to police recruitment and retention, posing significant risks to public safety across our state,” Carozza added.

 

I voted to sustain the Governor’s vetoes on the police reform bills as I believe that instead of building public trust and confidence in Maryland policing that it will threaten the lives and safety of our citizens and of our law enforcement.”

 

Sanctuary State

Senator Carozza voted against legislation that prohibits local jurisdictions from entering into contracts with federal immigration authorities. “Making Maryland a sanctuary state would threaten public safety and put Maryland and Worcester County at risk of losing millions of federal dollars,” Carozza said. “I will continue to oppose all efforts to make Maryland a sanctuary state.”

 

During the debate, Senator Carozza offered an amendment that would have exempted Worcester County from this legislation. Carozza shares concerns echoed by Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli and the Worcester County Commissioners, noting that the legislation reduces the autonomy of local detention facilities and limits their ability to function in a safe manner. The passage of House Bill 16 also would cost the county millions in federal funding to house immigration detainees in the Worcester County Jail. The amendment failed on voice vote and Carozza voted against the final legislation.

 

Education

The Senate of Maryland considered House Bill 1372—Blueprint for Maryland’s Future—Revisions, which addressed learning loss, challenges with virtual learning and other issues presented during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the deliberations, Senator Carozza introduced an amendment that was later included in the legislation for summer school programs to be conducted in person as the intent of the General Assembly. While the amendment eventually was included in the final bill, Carozza voted against the final version of House Bill 1372.

 

“Students attending summer school already have been struggling with virtual learning, and in-person learning will be beneficial to both the students and teachers,” Senator Carozza said after the vote. “I am voting against the Kirwan revision bill for the same reasons I voted against the overall Kirwan bill last year. It’s based on my continued concerns for my local area on affordability, prioritization for fair funding formulas, and the need for local flexibility and tracking of outcomes. As we move forward, I am committed to working with my colleagues and all stakeholders to address the budgetary and accountability mandates that Kirwan imposes on our local jurisdictions.”

 

Looking Ahead

With the 2021 session over, Senator Carozza issued the following statement:

“One of my favorite sayings is that ‘Hope Drives the Human Spirit’ which is why I remain encouraged as we move towards the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines are becoming more easily available, and I encourage my constituents to take advantage of being vaccinated when it is their turn. I will continue to give it my all to see us through a full COVID-19 recovery, and encourage my constituents to continue to share your views with me. I am forever grateful to serve District 38 in the Maryland General Assembly and look forward to seeing you back home.”

 

 

Update from Senator Mary Beth Carozza as adjournment nears

 April 5, 2021

2021 Maryland General Assembly Update

Week 12: Sine Die Approaching, Policing Floor Debates, Public Safety, and Shore Priorities

Annapolis, MD—We are one week away from the Maryland General Assembly adjourning sine die on April 12^th. The Senate of Maryland found itself once again reconsidering a legislative policing package, passing Governor Hogan’s anti-crime legislation, and approving the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget.

Policing Package Returns to the Senate

The Senate of Maryland continued deliberations on policing legislation after advancing a mostly bipartisan package last month that balances public safety with police accountability. The House police reform legislation which was sent to the Senate eliminated many of the sound police reforms earlier approved and replaced it with a bill that harms public safety.

 

Senator Carozza has expressed her deep concerns about the negative impact of this legislation on the recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers and local police departments, noting that she represents 11 municipalities in District 38.

 

“We already are seeing the retirement of police across the board, and this bill will drive more out of law enforcement, which directly reduces public safety in our community,” said Carozza.

 

Senator Carozza voted against House Bill 670, which passed the Senate by a vote of 32-15.

 

Senate Approves Hogan Crime Initiative

The full Senate voted to advance Senate Bill 852— Crimes - Penalties and Procedures (Violent Firearms Offender Act of 2021) by a vote of 32-15. Senator Carozza is a cosponsor of this Hogan Administration priority legislation that would enhance penalties for using guns in violent crimes, closes the drug dealer loophole, increases penalties for knowingly selling a gun to someone who commits a crime, and creates tougher penalties for use of assault weapons in a crime and illegally possessing and selling firearms.

 

“Public safety remains job number one. I am proud to support this violent crime reduction initiative and urge the House of Delegates to give it fair and full consideration. If the Maryland General Assembly is going to ram through a police reform bill, then they should balance it with a strong anti-crime bill to protect public safety,” said Carozza.

 

Operating and Capital Budgets Clear Maryland General Assembly

The Senate of Maryland unanimously approved Governor Larry Hogan’s amended Fiscal Year 2022 Budget on Friday, April 2. Included in this Senate-approved budget is $1.4 billion for the Rainy Day Fund; $572 million of federal funding provided for COVID-19 testing, contract tracing, and vaccinations; $371.5 million for community colleges; and $22 million for critical maintenance projects at State parks. Shore priorities include $2.8 million for the Ocean City Convention Center; and $2 million for Ocean City beach maintenance. Another highlight is $300 million in federal funding that will be dedicated to a game-changing broadband technology initiative, including $128 million to improve network infrastructure, $75 million for service fee and device subsidies, and $45 million for municipal broadband grants.

 

Also included is restored funding for the Broadening Options & Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) scholarship program. BOOST funding is used to provide educational opportunities for Maryland students so they may attend the school of their choosing.

 

“The Senate-passed budget keeps the focus on COVID-19 recovery while funding key Shore priorities,” said Carozza.

 

The full Senate also approved the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget, as amended by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee:

 

“The amended Senate version of the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget funds critical District 38 projects and will go a long way in improving economic development and public safety priorities,” Senator Carozza said, noting that capital funding is applied towards construction and renovation work throughout the State of Maryland.

 

Local projects included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget are $450,000 for the Ocean City Lifesaving Museum alongside an additional $150,000 bond initiative for handicapped accessibility improvements; $200,000 for the establishment of a Vehicles for Change program in Wicomico County; $100,000 for the Crisfield Waterfront Development area renovations; $100,000 for the Crisfield Elks Lodge No. 1044 renovations; and $50,000 for the Fruitland Volunteer Fire Company for upgrades and a roof replacement.

 

The Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget also includes funding for Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure for Worcester ($1 million), Wicomico ($1.5 million), and Somerset ($1 million) counties.

 

Carozza Supports Hogan Nominees

As a State Senator, Senator Carozza has the opportunity to vote on Marylanders who are appointed and reappointed by Governor Larry Hogan to serve on various boards and commissions throughout the State of Maryland. This week, Senator Carozza voted to confirm Dennis Schrader as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health.

 

“I could not think of a more qualified candidate to serve as Maryland Health Secretary than Dennis Schrader,” Senator Carozza said. Carozza and Schrader had worked together during Governor Bob Ehrlich’s Administration and helped set up Maryland’s homeland security infrastructure.

 

Also confirmed by the Senate was Nathaniel Sansom of Eden to the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

  

Wicomico Page Recognized in Annapolis

The Maryland General Assembly Student Page program is virtual for the 2021 legislative session to keep the participating students safe and healthy. Senate Pages are responsible for providing vital services to the legislature and have the opportunity to work directly with elected officials. This week, Hannahlise Wang, a senior at James M. Bennett High School, served as a Senate Page.

Report from Senator Mary Beth Carozza

 Carozza’s Shore Priority Projects Funded through Capital Budget, Supports Safe Schools, and Advocates for In-Person Learning in Kirwan Revision Debate

Local Capital Budget Projects

Annapolis, MD—Senator Mary Beth Carozza today issued the following statement after reviewing the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget, as amended by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee: 

“The amended Senate version of the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget fully funds critical District 38 projects and will go a long way in improving economic development and public safety priorities,” Senator Carozza said, noting that capital funding is applied towards construction and renovation work throughout the State of Maryland.

Local projects included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget are $450,000 for the Ocean City Lifesaving Museum alongside an additional $150,000 bond initiative for handicapped accessibility improvements; $200,000 for the establishment of a Vehicles for Change program in Wicomico County; $100,000 for the Crisfield Waterfront Development area renovations; $100,000 for the Crisfield Elks Lodge No. 1044 renovations; and $50,000 for the Fruitland Volunteer Fire Company for upgrades and a roof replacement.

The Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget also includes funding for Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure for Worcester ($1 million), Wicomico ($1.5 million), and Somerset ($1 million) counties.

All of Senator Carozza’s Legislative Bond Initiatives were crossfiled with their respective District 38 Delegate: Delegate Wayne Hartman (District 38C), Delegate Carl Anderton (District 38B), and Delegate Charles Otto (District 38A). The Capital Budget is expected to receive a final Senate vote later this week. 

Supporting School Resource Officers

The Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee held a hearing on House Bill 522— Public Schools - School Resource Officers and School Security Employees – Revisions which would create new training requirements for School Resource Officers (SROs) and limits how they may operate on school grounds. Senator Carozza is strongly opposed to House Bill 522 and will vote against it.

 

“The bottom line is this bill is weakening the role of our School Resource Officers to protect our most valuable asset – our children. We put these SROs in place after the mass shootings that were occurring around the country, and one right here in Maryland. I will continue to oppose any and all legislative efforts to weaken the protection of our students, teachers, and school personnel,” Senator Carozza said in opposition to House Bill 522.

Kirwan Revisions

The Senate of Maryland considered House Bill 1372—Blueprint for Maryland's Future – Revisions which makes modifications to the legislation passed in 2020 based on the recommendations of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (Kirwan Commission).

 

During the committee deliberations, Senator Carozza offered an amendment to tie funding for summer school programs and summer school teacher incentives to in-person learning during summer school, which she strongly supports as a whole. While the amendment eventually was included in the final bill, Carozza voted against the final version of House Bill 1372.

 

“Students attending summer school already have been struggling with virtual learning, and in-person learning will be beneficial to both the students and teachers,” Senator Carozza said after the vote. “I am voting against the Kirwan revision bill for the same reasons I voted against the overall Kirwan bill last year. It’s based on my continued concerns for my local area on affordability, prioritization for fair funding formulas, and the need for local flexibility and tracking of outcomes. As we move forward, I am committed to working with my colleagues and all stakeholders to address the budgetary and accountability mandates that Kirwan imposes on our local jurisdictions.”

Friday, 3/26 update from Senator Mary Beth Carozza

  

2021 Maryland General Assembly Update

Week 11: Wade’s Law Passing, Budget Clears Senate, and Celebrating Maryland Farmers

Annapolis, MD—Crossover Day, the deadline for bills to clear their original chamber to be considered in the opposite one has come and gone, and the work of the Senate of Maryland continues. Senator Carozza’s legislation to increase penalties for criminally-negligent driving causing life-threatening injuries passed the Senate, along with legislation to help restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During a Senate Floor debate on March 24, Carozza also spoke out against legislation that would decriminalize drug paraphernalia and jeopardize public health. The Senate also passed the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, and celebrated Maryland agriculture.

Wade’s Law Clears Senate, House before Deadline

The Senate of Maryland unanimously approved Senator Mary Beth Carozza’s legislation, Senate Bill 17 Criminal Law – Life–Threatening Injury Involving a Vehicle or Vessel – Criminal Negligence (Wade’s Law) on Monday, March 22. Senator Carozza has championed this legislation since she first introduced it in 2017.

 

“I am so grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for passing this commonsense public safety legislation,” Senator Carozza said after the vote. “This legislation provides a just penalty for survivors like Wade Pusey and Je’Ani Lyles who have suffered life-threatening and life-sustaining injuries as result of criminally-negligent driving.”

This legislation would establish the offense of a life-threatening injury by motor vehicle or vessel as criminal negligence. A violator is guilty of a misdemeanor and if convicted is subject to a maximum of 18 months imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine. The current penalty for criminally-negligent driving causing life-threatening injuries is a $500 motor vehicle citation.

This legislation was prompted from a violent crash involving two Worcester County road workers, Scott Tatterson and Wade Pusey, who were struck by a criminally-negligent driver. The violent crash occurred on February 22, 2016, and left Mr. Tatterson dead and Mr. Pusey with several life-threatening and life-sustaining injuries. This case was brought to Senator Carozza’s attention by Wicomico County Deputy State’s Attorney Bill McDermott, who has continuously advocated for the passage of this legislation and first brought Wade’s case to Carozza’s attention when he worked for Worcester County. Mr. McDermott emphasized the fact that Senate Bill 17 is simply building on existing law to create a more just penalty for the crime of criminally-negligent driving causing a life-threatening injury.

Also joining Senator Carozza at the hearing this year was Je’Ani Lyles, who also suffered both life-threatening and life-sustaining injuries as the result of a criminally-negligent driver on June 18, 2018. Je’Ani’s mother, Carla Ortiz, described not only the horror of the crash with Je’Ani suffering a severing of her T8 vertebrae, multiple surgeries, and paralysis from the chest down but pleaded for a more just penalty to hold those who are criminally-negligent responsible for their actions.

“Let this be the year that we see Wade’s Law all the way through to final passage… My parents always taught me that if you believe in a just cause or action, then you keep working it, not for yourself, but for people like Wade Pusey and his family, Je’Ani Lyles and her mother, Carla, and for all the unnamed victims. We are completely committed to seeing this through for the sake of future victims. You keep fighting the good fight.”

The crossfiled version of this legislation, House Bill 855, was introduced by Delegate Wayne Hartman and passed the House of Delegates on March 22 by a vote of 130-4.

Restaurant Relief Bill Passes

On Crossover Day, the Senate also passed Senate Bill 205—Alcoholic Beverages - Sale or Delivery for Off-Premises Consumption which authorizes restaurants, bars, and taverns to sell and deliver certain alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption or delivery with the purchase of food after the Governor’s Emergency Order is lifted. This option has served as a lifeline to restaurants throughout Maryland during the COVID-19 pandemic and Senate Bill 205 extends it until 2023.

 

“I grew up in the restaurant business. Throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic, I have been working with our local restaurants on their very survival and keeping jobs in those restaurants,” Senator Carozza said when speaking out against amendments that would limit the timeframe of this relief initiative, noting that other states are moving forward with making alcohol to-go with food purchases permanent, which she supports.

“This legislation is essential to our Maryland restaurants’ long-term COVID-19 recovery,” Carozza added.

The crossfiled version of this legislation, House Bill 12, passed the House of Delegates on March 18, 2021 by a vote of 128-4.

Senate Passes FY 2022 Budget

The Senate of Maryland unanimously approved of Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget on Thursday, March 25. Included in this Senate-approved budget is $1.1 billion for the Rainy Day Fund; $572 million of federal funding provided for COVID-19 testing, contract tracing, and vaccinations; $371.5 million for community colleges; and $22 million for critical maintenance projects at State parks. Shore priorities include $2.8 million for the Ocean City Convention Center; and $2 million for Ocean City beach maintenance.

 

“The Senate-passed budget keeps the focus on COVID-19 recovery while funding key Shore priorities,” said Carozza.

 

Carozza Speaks Out in Opposition to Drug Paraphernalia Legislation

On Wednesday, the Senate voted to legalize drug paraphernalia over Republican opposition. Senate Bill 420—Criminal Law – Drug Paraphernalia for Administration – Decriminalization would decriminalize the possession of items such as syringes, spoons, needles and scales used to use and distribute heroin and other controlled dangerous substances.

 

“Given the opioid epidemic in our State, which has seen a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate Bill 420 sends the wrong message and also removes an important tool for law enforcement to shut down drug dealers and identify those that would benefit from addiction counseling and treatment,” Senator Carozza said, noting her involvement with local opioid intervention teams. Carozza also mentioned that after marijuana paraphernalia was decriminalized in 2016, there was an uptick of public marijuana smoking on the Ocean City Boardwalk, impacting businesses and visitors in the community. 

 

“I will continue to oppose any bills that have a negative public safety impact and hurt Ocean City and the Shore’s family image,” said Carozza.

 

Celebrating Maryland Agriculture

This week members of the Maryland General Assembly participated in the Rural Maryland Council’s Maryland Day event honoring the farming and seafood industry. Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford and Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio spoke about these industries’ importance to the State of Maryland and its economy.

 

During the Eastern Shore Delegation meeting, the members received an update from Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Joseph Bartenfelder on the farming industry as a whole, emphasizing the important work that farmers are doing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“We are grateful to our Shore farmers for stepping up during this critical time,” Senator Carozza said.

 

SOMERSET PAGE RECOGNIZED IN SENATE

The Maryland General Assembly Student Page program is virtual for the 2021 legislative session to keep the participating students safe and healthy. Senate Pages are responsible for providing vital services to the legislature and have the opportunity to work directly with elected officials. This week, Xavier King, a senior at Washington High School in Princess Anne, served as a Senate Page.