The legislative session has been intense, but I wanted to take a moment to share an update on what has been an incredibly busy week.
On Tuesday, I had two bill hearings. I introduced and presented HB695 Repair the Transportation Trust Fund Act, which is a priority bill for the MD Freedom Caucus. This is a bill that I have introduced in the past, which does three things:
- It separates the gas tax from the consumer price index (CPI) so that it does not automatically increase yearly.
- Over the next five years, it will return Farebox recovery to its historic ratio of 35% of its operating costs. Why is this important? By MTA’s most recent report, in fiscal 2023, farebox recovery rates for MTA bus, light rail, heavy rail (subway), and commuter rail operating costs were 7.7%, 4.4%, 6.1%, and 4.9%, respectively. This means that drivers subsidize metro users at over 95% through the gas tax and vehicle registration fees, and the net result is that the Transportation Trust Fund is being raided to pay for mass transit.
- Prohibits any mandate requiring the installation of mileage tracking devices in private vehicles, effectively blocking the implementation of per-mile taxation schemes.
I also presented HB730 Election Law - Online Platforms and Qualifying Paid Digital Communications - Alterations
This bill is an adjustment to the law passed in 2018, which intended to strengthen transparency surrounding political campaign ads. The 2018 law led Google to ban political ads entirely, citing the technical difficulties of complying with its requirements. While major advertisers successfully challenged the law in court and are now exempt from its provisions, local government candidates and those running smaller campaigns remain unable to advertise. This leaves them at a significant disadvantage.
This bill aims to create a level playing field, protect the First Amendment rights of all candidates, and uphold the transparency envisioned in the 2018 law. It's important so note that the platforms have addressed the issue of transparency. For example, you can see political ads running nationwide and the committee paying for them on Google.
Both of these bills were heard in the House Ways and Means Committee and are now waiting to be voted on in that committee.
On Wednesday, I, along with the members of the MD Freedom Caucus, sent a letter to the new Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, asking for federal intervention on behalf of Maryland citizens and ratepayers to help resolve the energy crises in Maryland.
On Thursday, the Maryland Freedom Caucus was joined by Congressman Andy Harris at a press conference, where we unveiled our plan to reduce your energy bills immediately. Our proposal includes repealing the EmPower fee, reversing the impractical and expensive green energy mandates, and ensuring coal plants remain operational.
The Freedom Caucus bills are:
HB1451 Climate Solutions Affordability Act of 2025 (amended)
HB1258 Consumer Goods - Restrictions Based on Energy Source - Prohibition (Energy Equality Act of 2025)
Click read more....
There has been a lot of press coverage since then. Here are a few examples: C4 and Bryan Nehman discuss our energy solutions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNQgCeo2rPM and WBAL - Channel 11 - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18gYk5dYwJ/
Finally, on Friday, the House Floor took up HB161 Primary and Secondary Education - Comprehensive Health Education Framework - Established.
This bill makes gender ideology and sexual orientation its own standalone curriculum, teaches it to kindergarteners, and then removes the parent's ability to opt-out. The bill is aimed at reining in the Carroll County Board of Education, which remains steadfast in supporting parents and giving them options and choices. This bill is outrageous, and on behalf of parents across the state who value choice, I was happy to speak out against it. You can watch the video here:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/169B38EJmy/
