Robbyn Lewis, Team 46

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

The 446^th legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly adjourned on April 8^th. During the 90-day session, members deliberated over 1,500 pieces of legislation and enacted 406 new laws. This End of Session Report describes key measures that will improve the lives of Marylanders.

This session was overshadowed by the disaster at the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26^th. We grieved for the loss of life but gathered ourselves to quickly respond to the people’s urgent needs. We introduced and passed the PORT Act, emergency legislation to assist affected families, displaced workers, and businesses. We will continue to partner with Mayor Scott, Governor Moore, President Biden, state and federal agencies, and local partners to rebuild.

Our primary constitutional duty is to pass a balanced operating budget each year, and we did so. The $63 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2025 is strengthened by revenues to fund transportation and education that were not included in the Governor’s original budget.

I’m very proud that my bill, HB28, to improve pedestrian safety and generate $250 million for transportation, was incorporated into the Budget Reconciliation & Financing Act. I kept my promise to help pay for our critical transportation needs. The budget will also:

Restore Highway User Revenue funds to repair city streets and sidewalks
Operate and ensure safety of MTA bus & rail service
Ensure continued planning for the Red Line
Mitigate negative impact of traffic diversion from Key Highway onto city streets

We’ll have more budget work next year, so please stick with me!

I also passed important legislation to strengthen the healthcare workforce, improve bus service, and increase affordable housing. It is an honor to be your Delegate. Please contact me anytime.

Sincerely,

Francis Scott Key Bridge Emergency Response

Protecting Opportunities & Regional Trade – PORT Act – HB1526
I co-sponsored the PORT Act with my Team 46 colleagues, Senator Ferguson and Delegates Clippinger and Edelson. This emergency legislation will aid workers and businesses affected by the Key Bridge disaster and subsequent Port of Baltimore closure. The PORT Act directs the Maryland Department of Labor to provide unemployment benefits to Port workers who might not otherwise be eligible. The bill also directs the Department of Commerce to give temporary financial assistance to small businesses to continue paying employees. The PORT Act also creates the “Fallen Transportation Workers Scholarship Fund,” this is a permanent tuition assistance program for the children of transportation workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This scholarship will be available not only to children of workers killed as a result of the Key Bridge collapse but also to those whose parents lost their lives in the I695 Beltway roadside crash that killed six construction workers in March 2023.

Public Health & Healthcare

Mental & Behavioral Health

Assisted Outpatient Treatment – HB567
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs improve care for individuals with severe mental illnesses, who often don’t realize the extent of their need for consistent treatment.
Behavioral Health Services for Children – HB1040
This bill requires Medicaid to cover behavioral health services for patients under 18. (check if it’s in the schools)

Health Care Workforce

I sponsored and passed the following bills to tackle Maryland’s healthcare workforce shortage.

Bridge to Medical Residency Act – HB757
My innovative bill allows “unmatched” medical school graduates to work under supervision for up to two years as they wait to reapply for Medical Residency.
Homecare Worker Rights Act – HB39
Homecare workers serve at the frontline of our health delivery system, providing community-level assistance, and helping folks with activities of daily living. Most are Black and Latina women; they are poorly paid and do not always have rights and protections. My bill says that these workers must be designated as employees when their jobs are funded by Medicaid.
Homecare Worker Employment Act – HB189
My bill sets up a study to learn more about homecare workers – where they are, and how much they are paid. Once analyzed, we will have the information needed to support this workforce and plan for future needs.
Multistate Social Work License – HB34
I co-sponsored this bill to make it easier for social workers licensed in other states to work in Maryland. Although it did not pass, I am committed to advancing equity within the social work profession. I am House Chair of the Workgroup on Social Worker Requirements for Licensure, which will make recommendations regarding the social work exam and other issues by the end of this year.
State Emergency Medical Services Board Act – HB380
This bill allows those applying for an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) license to use alternative documentation, such as an individual taxpayer identification number (TIN) in their application.

Affordability & Quality

Task Force on Reducing Emergency Department Wait Times – HB1143
Maryland has the longest emergency room wait times in the country. This bill establishes the Maryland Emergency Department Wait Time Reduction Commission to review emergency room wait times in Maryland and develop strategies to improve them.
Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity – HB986
My bill requires the Maryland Department of Health to study the impacts of providing comprehensive coverage under Medicaid for obesity treatment. This bill explores how access to obesity treatment may benefit low-income Marylanders.

Disability Rights

So Every Body Can Move Act – HB865
I co-sponsored this bill to expand Medicaid coverage of prosthetic devices. It will increase access to prosthetics that are medically necessary for completing activities of daily living, essential job–related activities, or performing physical activities, such as running and other activities to improve whole-body health.
Maryland Medical Assistance Program – Employed Individuals with Disabilities – HB822
I co-sponsored this bill to update the existing Medicaid Employed Persons with Disabilities Program and ensure coverage for workers with disabilities through Medicaid.

Access to Maternal, Child, and Reproductive Health

Safe Sleep Act – HB177
This bill is a great example of scaling up brilliant innovations created in Baltimore City. The B’More for Healthy Babies program, run by the Baltimore City Health Department, has saved over 400 infants from sleep-related mortality, simply by educating their parents about safe sleep practices. The program is so effective that I introduced legislation to expand it statewide! Thie bill requires all hospitals in Maryland to give new parents educational information about safe sleep practices before they leave the hospital with their newborn.
Access to Care Act – HB728
I co-sponsored the Access to Care Act to close the coverage gap for 300,000 uninsured Marylanders, 60% of whom are undocumented immigrant adults. These folks work, pay taxes and contribute to our economy, but federal law prohibits them from participating in Medicaid, or getting ACA subsidies. The Access to Care Act enables these Marylanders to purchase health plans on the ACA Exchange with their own money. This was a Legislative Latino Caucus and Legislative Black Caucus priority this year.
Pharmacists – Administration of Vaccines – HB76
I co-sponsored this bill to make permanent a COVID emergency measure authorizing pharmacists to provide pediatric vaccinations. It specifies strict requirements for pharmacists to give influenza, COVID-19, and emergency vaccines to those aged 3 and older. It also specifies authorization for certain other vaccinations of kids aged 7 and older.
Gender-Affirming Treatment Protections – HB691/SB119
I voted yes to protect the right of all Marylanders to seek gender-affirming care. This bill will keep Marylanders safe from investigations and prosecutions threatened by right-wing, Republican-controlled states.
Senior Social Connection Hub and Pilot Program – HB1103
Many Marylanders prefer to age in place, remaining in their home communities throughout their lives. However, doing so can be difficult. This bill establishes and maintains “social connection hubs” that seniors can depend on for friendship, assistance and longevity. I co-sponsored this bill which supports aging and senior “villages” by creating a pilot program.
Maternal Health Act – HB1051
I co-sponsored this bill to tackle Black maternal morbidity. It will strengthen existing wrap-around services for mothers and their newborns.

Human Services

Restoration of EBT Theft Act – HB1434
The nationwide scandal of food stamp fraud has gained a foothold in Maryland, leaving thousands of families without food and proper nutrition. Last year, I passed first-in-the-nation legislation to restore stolen food stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) and cash benefits. This year, at the request of the Department of Human Services (DHS) I brought forward a bill to strengthen that program. This bill was controversial and opposed by several groups. It is likely that next year, DHS will revisit their budgeting needs to ensure that they have sufficient funding to sustain this vital program.
SNAP State Supplement – HB666
Too many Maryland seniors face food insecurity. I voted for this bill to expand access to food resources. This bill decreases the age requirement to 60 for households to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and raises the benefit amount.

Transit & Access to Opportunity

Better Bus Service Act – HB107
I’ve been working since 2018 to improve bus service. Finally, my toil has paid off! The Better Bus Service Act of 2024 enables the MTA and local transit agencies to use forward-facing automated cameras to stop unauthorized obstructions on dedicated bus lanes.
Pedestrian Fatality Prevention Act – HB28
My bill aimed to put oversize vehicles – which cause the most harm to pedestrians and tear up our streets – in their place. It increased vehicle registration fees on these big, tall truck- or SUV-like machines, and directed those funds to improve conditions for people walking. When it became clear that my bill could generate enough money to solve our transportation funding gap, it was incorporated into the state budget. Remember: the Governor’s proposed budget would have cut $3 billion dollars from the transportation budget. My idea will raise $250 million per year, restoring Highway User Revenue (HUR) and other needs. We’ll have to keep working on transit funding!
E-Bike Rebate Program – HB156
E-bikes are a great option, but good ones are not affordable. My bill proposed a $500 voucher program to help low- and middle-income individuals buy an E-bike. This bill didn’t pass, but I will keep working to make E-Bikes more accessible. I will reintroduce this bill next year.
One Less Car Act – HB89
In addition to improving mass transit, we must also encourage folks to drive less. This is called “mode switching.” My bill would have given a $500 tax credit for families that get rid of a car. This bill didn’t pass but I will reintroduce it next year.
Motor Vehicle Off-Street Parking – HB38
My District 46 Colleague, Delegate Mark Edelson, sponsored this excellent bill to prohibit parking lots and garages near transit stations. It’s a great policy, and I was glad to vote for it!
Out-of-State Vehicles – HB332
I co-sponsored this bill to authorize the Baltimore City DOT to study the impact of towing, removing or impounding vehicles owned by new residents who fail to register their vehicle with the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 60 days.

Zero Waste Highlights

The Zero Waste Communities Legislative Task Force did not advance a package of bills this session. Nevertheless, we did make progress in reducing solid waste with the following bills:

Reclaim Renewable Energy Act – HB166
I co-sponsored this bill to exclude trash incinerators from the State Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS), ensuring that only genuinely renewable energy sources are used to meet our clean energy goals. This bill continues our long battle to get dirty waste out of our renewable energy stream. I cosponsored this bill in 2018 and 2020 and will keep working on this!
Maryland Bottle Bill – HB735
This bill would create a beverage container deposit program in Maryland for aluminum. glass, and plastic bottles. The deposit will be refunded when returned for recycling. This bill did not pass but we will keep working on this.

Climate & Environment

Community Advisory Committee for Gwynn’s Falls State Park – HB1358
As the House Chair of Program Open Space, I co-sponsored this bill to lay the groundwork to create a state park in our beloved city. By designating Gwynn Falls (also known as Leakin Park) as a state park, we will have access to state resources to build new structures, fund innovative programs, and make this green space clean, safe, and accessible.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans – HB864
This bill strengthens the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Program by helping homeowners and businesses save money through energy efficiency rebates.

Economy & Workforce

Equal Pay for Equal Work Act – HB649
This bill expands the state’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Law, requiring wage transparency from employers in job postings and when an applicant requests wage information.

Consumer Protections

Third-Party Energy Suppliers – HB267
This bill protects energy consumers, particularly those in low-income neighborhoods, from predatory retail energy suppliers, who sell low and bill high.
Maryland Kids Code – HB603
I voted for this bill to require tech companies to design their online products with kids’ privacy, safety, and wellness in mind. This means not collecting or selling kids’ data, setting high privacy standards by default, and avoiding manipulative design.
Stop Ticket Scalpers – HB701/SB539
This bill will stop ticket resellers from charging more than the original ticket price and put a cap on extra fees charged by ticket reselling websites.
Testing and Labeling for Baby Food – Rudy’s Law – HB97
This important bill will keep infants safe from toxic heavy metal poisoning. It requires baby food manufacturers to test for these poisons and disclose results publicly, on their websites.

Education

Freedom to Read Act – HB785
I voted for this bill to make Maryland a national leader in the fight to counter extremist, right-wing book-banning efforts. This bill protects our libraries and the librarians who staff them.
Community Schools – HB200
This bill, a Legislative Black Caucus Priority, will support our community schools and help kids overcome socio-economic barriers to education.
Textbook Equity for Visually Impaired Students – HB1076
I voted to pass this bill to require textbook publishers to provide an electronic version of the textbook that is accessible to blind and visually impaired students.
Undocumented Students Out-Of-State Tuition Exemption Eligibility – HB473
This bill would have shortened the period for which an individual or their parent or guardian must have filed a Maryland income tax return before the academic year to qualify for an exemption from paying out-of-state tuition rates. It did not pass, but I will support it if it comes before us next year.

Housing

Build Affordable Housing Act – HB13
I sponsored this bill to increase the amount of healthy housing in Maryland. My bill will help Community Land Trusts to build beautiful, affordable multi-family housing units. These units grow in value so families can increase generational wealth. It took two years to pass this bill, but the fight was worth it to help families and close the racial wealth gap.
Housing Expansion & Affordability Act – HB538
I voted for this bill because it makes it easier to build more affordable housing. One of Governor Moore’s priorities, this bill prohibits local governments from imposing limits on manufactured or modular housing in single—family-zoned areas.
Vacant & Abandoned Property Rates – HB2
This bill began as a Baltimore City local bill, but ultimately passed as a statewide bill! It will help turn eyesores into assets, by giving jurisdictions the power to tax vacant and abandoned properties at a higher rate. This will incentivize Slumlords to either maintain or sell the properties. This is a huge win for Baltimore!
Renters Rights & Stabilization Act – HB693
This housing justice bill will strengthen the rights of people who rent. It discourages serial evictions by tripling the eviction filing fee from $8 to $43 and banning evictions during times of extreme weather conditions or public health emergencies.

Baltimore City Local Bills

This is a huge year for Baltimore! The following local bills will improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Baltimore Regional Water Governance Model Workgroup – HB1509
Clean, safe water is a human right. This bill establishes a regional workgroup to oversee water infrastructure. It requires Baltimore County and other jurisdictions to finally pay their fair share. The bill also ensures that labor unions will be represented in the proposed workgroup.
Surveillance Images for Illegal Dumping in Baltimore City – HB387
This bill puts illegal trash dumpers on notice! It will keep our beloved City streets and alleys cleaner by giving the Department of Public Works (DPW) the power to publicize surveillance videos and give the public power to name and shame the environmental criminals who trash our neighborhoods!
Baltimore City Coordinated Youth Violence Review & Response Team – HB1310
I supported this bill to establish the Baltimore City Coordinated Youth Violence Review and Response Team. Unfortunately, it did not pass. The bill would have addressed youth violence using a comprehensive approach. I will continue to support similar efforts.
Medical Debt Cancellation – SB1006
This bill was introduced by Senator Hayes, but I had a crucial role in getting this local bill amended and passed out of the House. It would have allowed Baltimore hospitals to sell medical debt owned by Baltimore residents to the City of Baltimore. The City would have purchased this debt using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, solely to cancel medical debt. It would have leveraged $1 million in ARPA funds to cancel $35 million in debt. Unfortunately, time ran out on the Senate side. Really disappointing, but I know that Mayor Scott and the City Health Department will keep working on this.
Project CORE Funding – HB1334
The Creating Opportunities for Renewal and Enterprise Program or CORE was established in 2016 to use state funds to demolish blighted properties across our city. I voted for this bill to continue the program and eliminate the scourge of abandoned housing in Baltimore.

Cannabis

Cannabis Zoning – HB805
I voted for this bill to ensure that cannabis businesses are zoned equitably, using a model of zoning that is similar to that used for liquor stores.

Public Safety and Criminal Justice

Gun Safety Data Access Act – HB1267
I sponsored this common-sense bill to give academic researchers access to data from Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPO), also called “red flag” orders. Researchers play an especially significant role in helping elected officials make good policy decisions.
Center for Firearm Violence – HB583
This bill establishes a center within the Maryland Department of Health to reduce firearm violence through a public health approach. The center will develop a holistic state plan for reducing gun violence in our communities.
Juvenile Justice Reform HB814
This bill reforms our state’s existing juvenile justice services to ensure that minors who commit serious crimes will receive social services and/or diversion when appropriate or otherwise held accountable under certain circumstances. The bill updates procedures relating to juvenile intake, complaints, detention, and probation.

Human Rights, Democracy & Elections

Protecting Election Officials Act – HB585
I voted for this bill to prohibit a person from making a threat to an election official or an immediate family member because of the election official’s role.
Protecting Maryland Commission on Civil Rights – HB368
authorize the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) to seek civil penalties if it finds that a respondent has engaged in a discriminatory act regarding public accommodations or persons licensed or regulated by the Maryland Department of Labor (MDL).
Election Disinformation and Improper Influence Related to Voting Act – HB333
This bill will protect our elections from disinformation by requiring the State Board of Elections to set up a portal on its website to receive tips from the public about election disinformation and voter suppression efforts.

Capital Funding for District 46

Each year, my District 46 colleagues and I bring home millions in capital dollars for projects for every community. This year, we secured almost $1.6 million for projects in six neighborhoods.

Project Name	Neighborhood	Amount
B’More Clubhouse – New Elevator	Mount Vernon	$50,000
Drink at the Well – Building Acquisition	Curtis Bay	$450,000
Locust Point Community Garden	Locust Point	$50,000
Downtown Sailing Center – Accessible Docks	Federal Hill	$250,000
Baltimore SquashWise – Building Renovation	Downtown	$250,000
Federal Hill Park – Playground Renovation	Federal Hill	$29,000
Betty Hyatt Park – Playground Renovation	Upper Fells Point	$250,000
Museum of the Blind People’s Movement	Federal Hill	$250,000
	Total	$1,579,000.00