February 16, 2024
Ready Report: Paint Tax?! Theft of a Firearm Poll & More…
The fifth full week of the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session has concluded. Here is a brief update on what happened this week in Annapolis.
Weekly Video Update
Click the image below to watch this week’s video update from Annapolis.
Bad Bill Alert – Paint Tax
Among some of the bad bills being debated in Annapolis this year is SB 325. This bill would establish a paint stewardship program, which would add an additional consumer fee when purchasing architectural paint. I offered two amendments that would 1) prevent consumers from having to pay this fee, and would place the fee on the industry, and 2) allow distributors to choose if they want to pass the fee onto the consumers. Both amendments failed to the Democrat majority. I am opposed to adding this paint tax and will continue to push back against it.
Marylanders Support Making Theft of a Firearm a Felony
I have written to you before about my commonsense legislation to make theft of a firearm a felony and remove theft of a firearm from the general theft statute. This bill is part of our joint Maryland Senate Republican & Maryland House Republican Public Safety Agenda. Although it has passed in the Senate before, it has never made it out of the House of Delegates.
However, a recent Gonzales poll revealed that 88% of Marylanders support this initiative. It is long overdue that the Maryland General Assembly passes this legislation that will increase punishments for stealing firearms.
District 5/Carroll County Night in Annapolis – THIS Monday – RSVPs Closed
Final reminder for those who have RSVP’d to come down on February 19th – THIS Monday night – the District 5/Carroll County Night is from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Maryland Inn, 16 Church Circle, Annapolis MD 21401.
We look forward to welcoming attendees – and if you missed this for this year, we’ll plan it for next year as well. The delegation will offer remarks about the legislative session during the event and then around 7:45 PM, the delegation will have to walk over to the Statehouse for a floor session, which you are more than welcome to attend. Please bring a photo ID if you plan to enter the Statehouse. Also – you cannot bring pocket knives into the Statehouse, just FYI.
We look forward to seeing folks on Monday!
Senatorial Scholarships Available
If you are or know a high school senior or college student, please consider applying for a Senatorial Scholarship. For more information or to request an application, email Emily Van Horn at [email protected] and include your full address. Scholarships will be accepted up to April 15, 2024.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. My office can be reached by emailing [email protected], and my staff and I will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner. Have a great rest of the week!
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