"Crossover Day" update from Senator Carozza

 Wade’s Law and Restaurant Relief Bill Clear Senate on Crossover Day

Annapolis, MD—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, which was the deadline for bills to clear their original chamber to be considered in the opposite one. 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 common sense 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 a 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.

In 2017 as a State Delegate, Senator Carozza first introduced Wade’s Law as House Bill 585, and it unanimously passed in the House of Delegates. In 2019, she reintroduced Wade’s Law as Senate Bill 248 and it unanimously passed the Senate but did not advance in the House before adjournment that year.

“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, March 22, 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. 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.

Maryland General Assembly update from Senator Mary Beth Carozza

 2021 Maryland General Assembly Update

Week Ten: Bills Passing, Supporting Restaurants, Vaccine Eligibility, and Scholarships

Annapolis, MD—Double Senate Floor sessions are the new normal as the race is on to move legislation before the crossover deadline of March 22. Included in legislation passed this week was Senator Carozza’s bills to expand access to both occupational therapy and alcohol and drug counseling services. Carozza also spoke out against an amendment that would weaken the ability for restaurants to continue to do alcohol carry-out and delivery with a food purchase after the pandemic is over. 

Senator Carozza’s Priority Health Care Bills Clear Senate

The Senate of Maryland voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 139—Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and Senate Bill 646—Alcohol and Drug Counseling - Alcohol and Drug Trainees - Practice Through Telehealth.

 

“I would like to thank my Senate colleagues for their sensing the urgency of the passage of this legislation, which will go a long way in allowing our health care providers to continue to serve constituents,” Carozza said after the vote.

Senate Bill 139 would establish an interstate licensure compact for occupational therapists. This means that occupational therapists can work across state lines just 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 during the interim, it was brought to my attention by members of the Maryland Occupational Therapy Association 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.

Senate Bill 646 would 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.

Both of these bills received unanimous votes in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and on the Senate Floor. There was no opposition during their respective bill hearings.

Carozza Supports Restaurant Owners during Floor Debate

The Senate of Maryland on Friday, March 19 considered 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.

 

“I grew up in the restaurant business. I spent this entire interim on bi-weekly calls with the Maryland Restaurant Association and the Ocean City Hotel-Motel Restaurant Association members working on their very survival and keeping jobs in those restaurants,” Senator Carozza said when speaking out against an amendment 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.

“These restaurants were literally shut down, they only had the option for carryout…When the Governor’s Emergency Order ends, our small businesses in our local communities in each one of our districts, they still have a long road to recovery.”

Carozza Applauds Expanded Vaccine Eligibility

Senator Carozza thanked Governor Hogan for announcing that the State of Maryland will enter Phase 2 of vaccine eligibility next week and for the Administration’s efforts to ensure that every Marylander who wants a vaccine will be able to receive one once the supply from the federal government is increased.

 

“I continue to encourage patience during this process as the demand still remains greater than the supply and hope you will take advantage of being vaccinated when it becomes available to you,” Senator Carozza said.

Beginning Tuesday, March 23, all Marylanders age 60 and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and may preregister at one of the mass vaccination sites. They may register at http://covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

On Tuesday, March 30, all Marylanders age 16 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 illness will be eligible for the vaccine. Beginning Tuesday, April 13, all Marylanders age 55 and older, as well as essential workers in critical industries (construction, food services, utilities, financial services, IT, and other infrastructure) will become eligible.

No later than Tuesday, April 27, the State of Maryland will enter Phase 3 of the COVID-19 vaccine plan, when eligibility will open to every single Marylander over the age of 16. Even though we are moving into Phase 2, all individuals who are currently eligible in Phase 1 but have not yet been vaccinated will continue to be prioritized for appointments at the state’s mass vaccination sites.

More information on the COVID-19 Vaccine and eligibility: https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/

Constituents Confirmed by Senate

As a State Senator, Senator Carozza has the opportunity to vote on constituents 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 Steven Rakow to the Board of Trustees of the Office of the Public Defender and the reappointment of John Dale Smack, III to the Maryland Parole Commission.

 

Senatorial Scholarships Available

Current high school seniors and full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students who reside in Maryland Legislative District 38 (Worcester, Wicomico, or Somerset) are eligible and encouraged to apply for Senator Mary Beth Carozza’s Senate Scholarship. These scholarships must be used toward attending a Maryland college or university or an out-of-state institution only if the student demonstrates that he or she has a unique major approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. 

All interested students can apply by downloading the application at www.marybethcarozza.com/scholarships.

 

Senator Mary Beth Carozza gives update on Maryland General Assembly activities

 2021 Maryland General Assembly Update

Week Nine: Hearings, Hearings, and Even More Hearings

Annapolis, MD—Maryland Senators are spending more time on the Senate Floor and in their committees to ensure bills are worked through before the chamber crossover date on March 22. Senator Carozza this week had hearings on three of her bills that ranged from handgun permits to hospice and hunting. Carozza also spoke out against legislation that would weaken the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in our schools and voted against the omnibus climate change bill as it jeopardizes funding for priority environmental projects in her district. In addition, she introduced constituents during the March 8 Senate Executive Nominations Committee hearing.

Handgun Permits for High-Risk Occupations

A Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing was held on Senate Bill 826—Handgun Permits – Qualifications – High–Risk Occupations on Wednesday, March 10. Senator Carozza crossfiled this legislation, introduced by Delegate Wayne Hartman in the House of Delegates, that would allow for a handgun permit to be issued based on specified high-risk occupations including a correctional officer, parole and probation officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, a rescue squad member, a security guard for a church or religious organization, a physician, a physician’s assistant, a nurse, or a nurse practitioner.

“This legislation is essential for our public servants and first responders as it gives them security and the ability to protect themselves in the high-risk environments they face on a daily basis,” Senator Carozza testified. “We expect and sometimes take for granted that our first responders and other high-risk public safety professionals will be there for us, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic… I believe this is a reasonable request given the potential harm these high-risk occupations face to protect and serve our communities.”

Ocean City Fire Department Lieutenant Eric Borneman and Kimberly Tull, OC Fire Department firefighter and paramedic, both highlighted the need for this legislation.

“We have a high-risk public safety exposure,” Borneman said. “When we are on the scene, our identity and information are not protected, which can result in off-duty conflict…This would allow us the protective measure as a last resort should the situation warrant it.”

“As a single mother of two boys, I am always concerned with our personal safety,” Tull stated. “The current political climate is not favorable for public safety, and the nature of the calls we run in fire and EMS are challenging…We should not have to actually suffer an attack or prove actual documented threats in order to secure a permit for our own personal protection.”

Perinatal Hospice

The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 891— Public Health - Maternal and Child Mortality - Review and Perinatal Hospice Services. Senate Bill 891 would require the Maryland Department of Health to publish a list of perinatal hospice services in Maryland on its website, requires the Department to provide an information sheet of these services, and authorizes physicians and nurse practitioners to inform patients of services available and provide the information sheet produced under this bill.

“Senate Bill 891 would help ensure new parents can receive information about perinatal hospice support when facing a life-limiting diagnosis and the likely loss of their baby just hours or days after birth,” Senator Carozza said in strong support of her legislation, noting that the State of Maryland has nine perinatal hospice programs.

Perinatal hospice and palliative care is specialized care provided to families when their baby is given a life-limiting diagnosis and may have just days or hours to live after birth. From the time of diagnosis through delivery, the multidisciplinary perinatal hospice team provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support. They empower families to process the diagnosis, find moments of meaning-making, welcome their baby, and say goodbye. This care is widely accepted by medical professionals, including by the American College of Obstetricians, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

“Maryland parents deserve to know all of their options when given a life-limiting diagnosis. Yet few Maryland families receive information about perinatal hospice or are left without support at this difficult time. Providing this information respects the autonomy, choice, and decision-making of parents,” Carozza added, highlighting the fact that Somerset County had a 120 percent increase in the infant mortality rate since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Senate Bill 891 would benefit several hundred Maryland families every year to access the available perinatal hospice resources.”

 

Sunday Hunting in Somerset County

The Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 634——Somerset County - Natural Resources - Sunday Hunting.

“Senate Bill 634 is a local request from our active hunters as they believe this legislation would allow more time for Somerset County families to hunt during a limited season for game bird and game mammals,” Senator Carozza said during her testimony. “This would provide Somerset County hunters with the same benefits of several other counties that allow Sunday hunting and hunting on public land.” 

Senate Bill 634 would add Somerset County to the current list of counties that are permitted to hunt on each Sunday of the game bird and game mammal seasons including Allegany County, Cecil County, Garrett County, St. Mary’s County, Washington County as mentioned in Article-Natural Resources §10–410(a) (1). It also would allow Somerset County (leased to a hunt club) to hunt on public land along with Allegany County, Cecil County, Garrett County, St. Mary’s County, Washington County, Dorchester County, and Frederick County as mentioned in §10 410(a) (15).

This legislation applies to private property and only public land leased to a hunt club that is designated for hunting by DNR. This does not apply to Janes Island State Park since existing law prohibits opening lands managed by the Maryland Park Service.

Somerset County Commission Vice President Charles Laird testified in strong support of Senate Bill 634. “Just because you’re on the field does not mean you always harvest, it’s the opportunity…you’re making memories and spending time with your family,” Commissioner Laird said.

Also testifying was Ashley Webster, a Somerset County resident and hunter who supports Sunday hunting in the County.

“I work five days a week so my only time to hunt is on Saturday and Sunday without having to take time off of work...it’s mostly about memories and making those with your family,” Webster noted.

 

Carozza Speaks in Support of Funding Shore Priority Projects

The Senate of Maryland considered Senate Bill 414— Climate Solutions Now Act of 2021 which creates new environmental mandates and impacts funding for projects around the state. Senator Carozza joined her Senate Republican colleagues in support of amendments to remove Senate Bill 414’s intent to divert $15 million from the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) to pay for a new and duplicative program to plant five million trees throughout the State. 

“Our local communities have been promised these Bay Restoration Funds for priority projects to fix failing sewer systems. We should not be raiding the Bay Restoration Fund to pay for the tree planting required under the omnibus climate change bill,” said Senator Carozza.

Senator Carozza voted against Senate Bill 414, which passed the full Senate on Friday, March 12 with a vote of 34-11.

 

Carozza Defends School Resource Officers in Committee, Supports Law Enforcement

The Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee began debating Senate Bill 245-Public Schools - School Resource Officers - Requirements and Prohibitions during the voting session on Friday, March 12. Senate Bill 245 would prohibit School Resource Officers from operating on school grounds. Senator Carozza is strongly opposed to Senate Bill 245 and will vote against it.

 

“The bottom line is this bill and these amendments are 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, and I will continue to oppose any and all legislative efforts to weaken the protection of our students, teachers, and school personnel,” said Senator Carozza in opposition to Senate Bill 245.

 

Carozza also reiterated her opposition to any legislation that would weaken the ability of law enforcement to do their job, such as the police reform package the House of Delegates passed on Thursday, March 11.

 

Constituents Confirmed by Senate

As a State Senator, Senator Carozza has the opportunity to vote on constituents 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 introduced before the Senate Executive Nominations Committee to confirm Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan to the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission and Dominique Sessa to the Assistive Technology Loan Program Board of Directors. Also confirmed was Anne Marie Dickerson to the Maryland Economic Development Commission.

 

Wicomico 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, Tenley Pelot, a senior at Parkside High School in Salisbury, served as a Senate Page.

Senator Carozza gives update on Maryland General Assembly session

                                                         2021 Maryland General Assembly Update

Week Eight: Clearing the Committee, Supporting Bills, and Policing and Public Safety

Annapolis, MD—The halfway mark of the 442^nd session has come and gone, and the crossover week deadline of March 22, 2021 is coming up. Senator Carozza’s health care legislation received unanimous committee approval and she supported law enforcement during the full Senate deliberation of policing legislation. In addition, Senator Carozza spoke on the Senate Floor in strong support of a rule change to create more fairness in the Senate Standing Committee selection process, and was the Senate Floor leader on a bill to give flexibility to local school systems to provide student transportation.

 

CAROZZA-SPONSORED PRIORITY HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION CLEARS COMMITTEE

The Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee today unanimously approved of Senator Carozza’s Senate Bill 139— Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. It is expected to be on the Senate Floor next week.

 

“I would like to thank my committee colleagues for their sensing the urgency of the passage of this legislation, which will go a long way in allowing our health care providers to continue to serve constituents,” Carozza said after the vote.

Senate Bill 139 would establish an interstate licensure compact for occupational therapists. This means that occupational therapists can work across state lines, just 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 during the interim, it was brought to my attention by members of the Maryland Occupational Therapy Association 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.”

Also testifying in support of Senate Bill 139 was Occupational Therapist Dorri Gowe-Lambert, who owns Building Bridges Pediatric Therapy Services in Salisbury and Easton. Her practice shifted to telehealth services in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to current licensure laws, Gowe-Lambert was unable to provide continuity of care to her clients who technically resided in Delaware or Virginia.

“I had to write to those licensure boards in other states and request special permission in order for those children to continue their much needed services. This took weeks and disrupted their plan of care,” testified Ms. Gowe-Lambert.

CAROZZA HELPS MOVE SHORE PRIORITY LEGISLATION

Senator Carozza served as a floor leader for Senate Bill 448— County Boards of Education – Student Transportation - Vehicles and Report this week. This legislation authorizes a county board of education to provide transportation for specified public school students to and from school using a vehicle other than a school bus when a school vehicle cannot reasonably be provided. Senate Bill 448 would provide critical transportation services to students with disabilities, homeless and foster youth, and students who may not have access to traditional school buses. The legislation was introduced in the House of Delegates as House Bill 72 by Delegate Carl Anderton (Wicomico) and has strong support from Wicomico County education leaders and the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland.

 

“Senate Bill 448 provides flexibility and options to local school systems so they are able to provide transportation to students that best meet their needs,” Senator Carozza noted.  

SENATE CONSIDERS POLICING AND PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION

This week the Senate of Maryland voted to advance a legislative policing package. Republicans worked to balance the need to support and protect good law enforcement and remove bad officers. The package includes components to create increased penalties for tampering with body-worn cameras and eliminating 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.

 

“I did not vote for the proposals to allow false or unsubstantiated allegations against law enforcement to become public record; to repeal the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights; and to create a new process for the investigation, adjudication, and remedy of misconduct allegations,” Senator Carozza said. “I do not believe these proposals would lead to reform and safer communities and instead would place new burdens on our law enforcement officers and potentially jeopardize public safety.”

 

After the votes, Carozza reiterated her support for the Joint Republican Caucus’ substantive violent crime reduction initiative to keep communities safe. Included in this package is legislation to increase penalties for repeat violent offenders, creates a felony charge for the theft of a handgun, and changes from 50 percent to 90 percent for the required time someone convicted of a violent crime is required to serve before being eligible for parole.

“Public safety remains job number one, and with violent crime on the rise, we should do everything we can to ensure that Marylanders are safe,” Carozza stated. “This initiative will crack down on crime and keep violent offenders behind bars.”

CAROZZA SUPPORTS SENATE RULE CHANGE

Senator Carozza spoke out in support of a Senate Rule change proposed by Minority Leader Bryan Simonaire (Anne Arundel). The proposed rule would alter the Majority’s highest elected official, the Senate President, from assigning both the Majority and Minority members to Standing Committees, and allow the Minority members to be assigned by their highest elected member only after the Majority members are all assigned. This would model the Senate of Maryland after the Federal Structure in Congress.

 

“This issue is just a matter of basic fairness and having a stronger minority voice,” Carozza said on the Senate Floor, noting her experience in the legislative and executive branches of government at both the State and Federal level. “Being part of a system where the minority has had the opportunity to appoint members of the minority party to a committee is something that has worked well at the federal level and in other states too.”

 

SHORE VIRTUAL VISITORS

The Eastern Shore Delegation was briefed by higher education leaders on Friday, March 5. This included Salisbury University President Charles Wight, who mentioned that Salisbury is a top producer of Fulbright recipients; University of Maryland Eastern Shore President Heidi Anderson, who highlighted the upcoming groundbreaking of their new Pharmacy and Health Professions Building; and Wor-Wic Community College President Ray Hoy, who provided updates on the school’s reopening during spring semester.

 

WORCESTER 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, Mary Sigrist, a senior at Pocomoke High School in Pocomoke City, served as a Senate Page.

Update on Maryland General Assembly session from Senator Carozza

 2021 Maryland General Assembly Update

Week Seven: Mass Vaccinations on the Shore, Halfway Mark Hearings on Tourism, the Environment, and Small Businesses

Annapolis, MD—As the lyrical genius Bon Jovi said, “Woah, we're halfway there.” We have officially reached the halfway point of the 2021 legislative session. The committee and Senate Floor work is picking up the pace as we approach the Crossover Week deadline on March 22. This week Senator Carozza thanked the Hogan Administration for their announcement that a mass vaccination site will be located at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury. Carozza also participated in bill hearings for legislation to increase tourism in Maryland, protect the environment, and provide relief to small businesses.

SHORE MASS VACCINATION SITE

Senator Mary Beth Carozza today said that Governor Hogan’s decision to locate the COVID-19 mass vaccination site at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center will benefit thousands of Shore constituents who are opting to receive the vaccine.

“I encourage my constituents to take advantage of having a COVID-19 mass vaccination site right here in Salisbury, the crossroads of Delmarva,” said Senator Carozza, who thanked Governor Hogan and his Administration for ‘prioritizing our Shore seniors,’ noting that an estimated 20 percent of District 38 residents were over the age of 65, according to Census data.

“I am continuing to push for increased vaccine availability for my constituents and will not rest until all my constituents who want a vaccine are able to receive one. I encourage my constituents to receive the vaccine when it becomes available as we work together for a full COVID-19 recovery,” added Carozza.

Senator Carozza is assisting constituents as they navigate the COVID-19 vaccine registration process. She encourages them to contact their local health departments and utilize state resources such as covidvax.maryland.gov and 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

BALLOON RELEASE BILL HEARING

Senate Bill 716—Solid Waste Management – Prohibition on Releasing a Balloon Into the Atmosphere was heard in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee on February 24 and prohibits the intentional release of a balloon into the atmosphere. Delegate Wayne Hartman has introduced the legislation in the House of Delegates as House Bill 391 and it passed on February 16, 2021, with a vote of 94-34.

“The purpose of Senate Bill 716 is to educate individuals on the harmful effects that balloons have on our environment including killing wildlife, causing power outages, and polluting our trees and waterways,” testified Senator Carozza, noting that she participates in beach cleanups in Ocean City and supported similar legislation last session. “I urge my colleagues and committee members to pass this common-sense and bipartisan legislation to protect our birds, sea-life, and of course, our beloved Assateague ponies.”

This legislation applies to any person over the age of 13, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a nonprofit entity, the State, or any unit or political subdivision of the State. This bill does not apply to the negligent or unintentional release of a balloon or balloons released for scientific or meteorological purposes.

Testifying alongside Senator Carozza was Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce President Kerrie Bunting. Kerrie has been a long-time advocate for prohibiting the release of balloons and originally brought the issue to Senator Carozza’s and Delegate Hartman’s attention. Assateague Island Alliance Board President Nancy Gaither submitted written testimony in support of the bill and provided critical background information and photos on the impact of balloon releases on Shore wildlife.

 “While our unique location in the state affords us the unfortunate opportunity to witness birds, fish, turtles, Assateague ponies, and seals perish because they eat or became entangled in a balloon and its string, animals everywhere face this possibility, Kerrie Bunting noted. “Local farmers tell tales of their horses eating the balloon or getting spooked by one and harming themselves. This issue is not specific to aquatic environs, all animals are at risk and litter can happen anywhere.”

“Horses have been seen to ingest anything offered to them as they are curious, which is beyond troubling and, of course, the balloons wreak havoc with sea animals. Additionally, balloons that are released can be found in quantities on the beach and our supporters are known for collecting them to dispose of properly,” testified Nancy Gaither, who shared the photo of pony Alexandria’s Angel with a balloon in her mouth on Assateague Island.

Senate Bill 716 is bipartisan and has the support of the Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation, the Assateague Coastal Trust, the Assateague Island Alliance, the Ocean City Surf Club, the Queen Anne’s Conservation Association, the Humane Society, the Maryland Farm Bureau, the National Aquarium, the Maryland Zoo, and the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce.

TOURISM TAX RELIEF

Senator Carozza testified in strong support of Senate Bill 730— Income Tax - Credit for Travel, Hospitality, and Entertainment Expenses in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on February 24. The legislation was introduced by Senator George Edwards of Garrett County and provides State income tax credits to Marylanders who travel within the state and spend money on hospitality-related purchases. Senator Carozza is the lead cosponsor of Senate Bill 730, and Delegate Wayne Hartman is the House sponsor of the same bill.

“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on our economy, especially the tourism sector. According to the U.S. Travel Association, 15.8 million travel-related jobs in the U.S. have been lost due to the pandemic. This has resulted in an industry unemployment rate of 51 percent which is more than twice the rate our country experienced as a whole during the Great Depression,” Senator Carozza testified, noting that Maryland lost 34,000 jobs in the accommodation and food services industries between February and November 2020.

“This tax credit would incentivize Marylanders to travel within the state and would increase sales, accommodations, admissions, and amusement tax revenue. Our tourism community in Maryland, hard hit by the pandemic, would benefit from this tax credit,” added Carozza.

The original legislation as proposed would allow individuals to claim a tax credit equal to 100 percent of the qualified expenses incurred during qualified travel, not to exceed $4,000 for an individual, or $8,000 for married couples who filed jointly, plus $500 for each dependent child. Given concerns about the fiscal impact, an amendment was introduced alongside both versions of the bill reducing the individual credit to $500 and the couple or individual with dependent children would be changed to $1000.

This legislation states that the in-state travel must occur at least 50 miles from the principal residence of the individual, and purchases are limited to food and beverage, lodging, transportation, tickets for live entertainment, or expenses related to attending a conference or business meeting. The Maryland Tourism Coalition reports that tourism supports 226,000 direct and indirect jobs, making it the 11th largest industry in the state. Without tourism in the State of Maryland, each household would pay $1,175 more in local taxes. In 2020, Worcester County alone contributed $238.4 million in state and local revenue and provided 10,929 tourism-related jobs.

“This is a win, win, win for Maryland. We would accelerate Maryland’s tourism recovery and save jobs, boost the state’s overall economy, and have Marylanders discover new parts of Maryland while spending our vacation money in Maryland.”  

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF

The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on Senator Mary Beth Carozza’s Senate Bill 594— Labor and Employment - Maryland Healthy Working Families Act – Verification on Thursday, February 25. This targeted legislation allows employers to require verification of the appropriate use of paid sick leave by seasonal employees during the 107th- 120th day of employment.

“Our seasonal employers continue to be challenged by the current seasonal exemption of 106 days. I continue to push for relief to cover 120 days of seasonal employment to reflect the true timeframe of the season to include the shoulder season and the time needed to train workers before the season starts,” testified Senator Carozza, noting that the legislation was a product of the work of the bipartisan Senate Small Business Workgroup.

This legislation would authorize a seasonal employer to require verification that earned sick and safe leave is used appropriately by an employee when the leave is used during the period between the first 107 and 120 calendar days if the employer provided written notice about the verification requirement at the time the employee was hired. An employer may deny an employee’s request to take earned sick and safe leave during that period if an employee fails or refused to provide any verification required by the employer.

“This is an important priority for Maryland’s seasonal employers especially during the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Carozza added.

Testifying alongside Senator Carozza in support of Senate Bill 594 was Mother’s Cantina owner Ryan James from Ocean City, who highlighted the importance of this legislation to keep his business safe and running, and representatives from the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Restaurant Association.

“It’s my duty to give employees time off to recover from sickness. I am happy to provide that time. But I need to know they are being treated and healthy enough to return to work. If an employee returns to work without being treated, they could be putting their coworkers and customers at risk for sickness…Senate bill 594 helps me protect my staff, my customers, and the wellness of the whole team,” Ryan James testified.

CONSTITUENTS CONFIRMED BY SENATE

As a State Senator, Senator Carozza has the opportunity to vote on constituents 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 Carolyn Hall to the Wicomico County Board of License Commissioners, Martha Pusey to the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners, and Anna Giles Newton to the Wor-Wic Community College Board of Trustees. Their confirmation votes took place on Friday, February 26.

 

SHORE VIRTUAL VISITORS

Senator Mary Beth Carozza hosted a virtual meeting with Senate Pages from District 38. 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. The District 38 Senate Pages for the 2021 legislative session are Margaret Harkins and Tenley Pelot (Parkside High School), Eric Cropper (Stephen Decatur High School), Mary Sigrist (Pocomoke High School), and Xavier King (Washington High School). 

Annapolis update from Senator Carozza

 2021 Maryland General Assembly Update

Week Five: RELIEF is on the way, Veto Overrides, and More Shore Virtual Visitors 

 

Annapolis, MD—With 60 days left until we adjourn sine die, we are one-third of the way through the 442^nd Maryland General Assembly session! This week’s major highlight was passage of the COVID-19 emergency RELIEF Act and sending it to Governor Hogan to sign. Senator Carozza also stood up for Maryland taxpayers during the veto override debates, and met virtually with constituents from her district on advocacy days.

 

EMERGENCY COVID-19 RELIEF ACT HEADS TO GOVERNOR

The Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 496— Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs, and Families (RELIEF) Act on Friday, February 12, and sent it to Governor Hogan to sign. The RELIEF Act is an emergency stimulus and tax relief package intended to provide over $1 billion for Marylanders and small businesses. This law will go into immediate effect once signed by Governor Hogan.

 

“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 will go into effect immediately and provide needed COVID-19 relief now.”

 

The RELIEF Act is expected to be signed on Monday, February 15.

 

CAROZZA STANDS WITH TAXPAYERS DURING OVERRIDE DEBATE

The Senate of Maryland reconsidered House Bill 1300—Blueprint for Maryland’s Future—Implementation, which was vetoed by Governor Larry Hogan in 2020 given the bill’s fiscal impact.

 

“We have a blueprint costing nearly $40 billion over 10 years, a Kirwan plan that we simply cannot afford, especially in the midst of an international health pandemic, and which does not provide local flexibility and control which is especially needed during the COVID-19 crisis,” Senator Carozza said on the Senate Floor, noting that she was appointed to the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (Kirwan Commission) in 2019 and before that made the extra effort to attend Commission meetings in 2018 and 2017.

 

“Since March of 2020, my primary focus has been assisting my constituents with both their immediate COVID-19 needs and with their long-term recovery,” Senator Carozza said to her colleagues. “I strongly believe our constituents expect us to balance the ideal with the possible when it comes to funding Maryland’s education priorities, which means factoring in the reality of the significant state and local fiscal impacts, and balancing education and non-education priorities, especially during a global health pandemic.”

 

Carozza also spoke out during the debate on an override of House Bill 732— Taxation – Tobacco Tax, Sales and Use Tax, and Digital Advertising Gross Revenues Tax, which establishes a tax on digital advertising. Carozza voted against the increase and voted to sustain the Governor’s veto.

 

“Here we are, we have been working together on the COVID-19 emergency relief package and I’m proud of our bipartisan work together …but then we turn around and we’re going to increase taxes during the COVID-19 recovery,” Senator Carozza said during her Floor remarks.

 

During the debate Senator Carozza read from an email she received from a constituent in Bishopville, Worcester County, who was concerned about the possibility of tax increases.

 

“I have been a Maryland resident for all 66 years of my life but if taxes are increased I will be forced to flee Maryland and move two miles away (Delaware) where it is far more affordable. Please vote against increasing taxes and vote for a decrease in taxes for senior citizens in my beloved state of Maryland,” the constituent wrote.

 

Both vetoes were overridden on mostly party lines.

 

SHORE VIRTUAL VISITS CONTINUE

District 38 was well represented during virtual advocacy days this week. Senator Carozza participated in the Maryland Association of Community Colleges’ virtual advocacy day and reiterated her strong support for Wor-Wic Community College. Carozza also met with constituents who were advocating for legislation in support of tourism, physical therapy services, rural issues, the arts, and the Humane Society.

 

“I appreciate the extra effort my constituents are making to share their views with me,” Senator Carozza said. “I look forward to welcoming constituents back to my Annapolis office in the future when it is safe to do so.”

 

WICOMICO, SOMERSET PAGES 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 on the chamber floors. This week, Margaret Harkins, a senior at Parkside High School in Salisbury, and Xavier King, a senior at Washington High School in Princess Anne, served as Senate Pages.