February 5, 2026
Ready Report: Week 3 of the Legislative Session + District 5 Night & More
The third week of the 90-day 2026 Legislative Session in Annapolis has concluded. This was a crazy week, especially due to the snow and ice storm that kept the legislative complex in Annapolis closed on Monday. Business as usual resumed on Tuesday, largely thanks to all our hard-working snowplow drivers and road workers for getting the roads clear and safe. Additionally, thank you to our police and fire departments, and also our nurses, doctors and hospital staff on duty during this storm. We appreciate your dedication to our community even during extreme winter weather. Stay safe and warm out there this weekend!
To watch my weekly video update discussing the state budget and other items, click here or the image below.
Senate Moves Bill Prohibiting 287(g) Programs in Maryland
Thursday, the Senate of Maryland debated SB 245 on the Senate floor, leading to its passage on second reader. The bill will now move to third reader and is scheduled to come back before the full Senate on Tuesday the 3rd. I supported multiple Republican offered amendments on the floor Thursday and will plan to do the same on Tuesday. This legislation is incredibly short-sighted and foolish. I will be doing my best to defeat it and keep you updated along the way.
Below is a press release from the Senate Republican Caucus which was sent out following Thursday’s floor debate:
Ready in the Press
As the fight to bring down the cost of living in Maryland continues, the Governor has proposed an idea to transfer money from the SEIF fund into the general fund in order to balance the budget. This is essentially just another tax on utility customers, as the SEIF fund is made up of dollars taken from OUR energy bills that are skyrocketing- and the Governor is taking $292 million of these funds to balance his budget.
Maryland Senate Republicans and I have fought to bring down energy costs,, including things like stopping the PRS Program which would instantly lower bills. Additionally, we’ve put forward plans to fully balance the budget without raising taxes and we will do so again this Session. To read more about this issue in the Baltimore Sun including some more of my thoughts, click here.
District 5 & Carroll County Night in Annapolis
You are cordially invited to attend “An Evening in Annapolis with the Carroll County Delegation” on February 9th, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The event will take place in the Miller Senate Office Building, in President’s Conference Center East (11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401).
All District 5 residents are invited to this event as is anyone else in Carroll County, Senator Chris West & Delegate Josh Stonko who represents the rest of Carroll County in District 42C will be joining us. This is a free event where refreshments will be served.
Following the event, guests are welcome to walk over to the Statehouse and watch either the House or Seante session at 8pm. Please bring a photo ID with you for entry into both the office building and Statehouse.
NOTE: Pocketknives (and similar items) are not permitted so leave those behind in your vehicle or at home.
RSVP: Senator Justin Ready at 410-841-3683 or email Justin.Ready@senate.
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, 2026.
It is an honor to represent you in the Maryland Senate. As always, feel free to reach out to my office anytime with questions or concerns. Please be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X for the most up-to-date information.
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