Dear Neighbor,

It is a privilege to represent Maryland’s District 30A in the state legislature. As I serve you in the General Assembly, my promise to you continues to be driven by my steadfast commitment to promoting, fighting, and advocating for the needs of our community. The 2025 legislative session, Maryland was faced with the largest budget challenge since the Great Recession and a new federal administration that threatens our state economy. Balancing the state budget shortfalls and devastating actions of the federal government to Maryland's federal workforce made this session one of the most difficult in recent memory. Many of you have asked, “how did we get here?”

In response to the pandemic, the state budget was supported with federal aid dollars. In the years that followed Maryland used that money as it was intended: to make critical one-time investments in our government agencies and employees, to provide rental assistance and incentivize job creation, and most importantly invest in our education system to lift up the generation of students set back by COVID. Unfortunately, this progress was followed and challenged by major economic disruptors: multi-year global inflation that increased costs, especially for health care, years of neglect in hiring and staffing our state agencies, the tragedy of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and a new federal administration that has unjustly fired thousands of Maryland residents.

These realities put Maryland in a difficult position heading into this session with a large projected deficit, that only worsened during the session, and is threatened to be exacerbated through federal action. While facing these headwinds, the General Assembly passed a fiscally responsible and balanced budget that funds our priorities while improving our financial circumstances for the long term. We accomplished this through a variety of measures, including over $1.6 billion in budget cuts, the rejection of multiple proposed taxes, and responsible changes to our tax code and fee structure to ensure that 94% of Marylanders will be paying the same or less in taxes. Only those making over $500,000 annually as a single filer, or over $600,000 as a joint filer, will see an increase in their income taxes.

Although making choices on budget cuts and tax and fee structures are hard, cutting more to crucial services was an intolerable choice. As Vice Chair of the Health and Social Services Subcommittee of Appropriations, we came into session with a proposed budget that slashed hundreds of millions to Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens, which included hundreds of millions from the Maryland Developmentally Disabled Administration alone. This funding is quite literally life-changing to impacted families, and my subcommittee, as well as the entire Appropriations Committee, was committed to finding the cuts necessary to prevent this. As a subcommittee we were able to backfill $181.5 million across fiscal ‘25 and ‘26 to community services for the developmentally disabled, which reverses some of the cuts originally proposed by the Governor. We also increased Medicaid funding to provide coverage for 1.5 million residents that rely on it and preserved $15 million for cancer research in our state.

Committee wide, my colleagues and I worked diligently to find the money required to fund additional investments vital to Marylanders. We safeguarded and fully funded the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, more important as we continue to support our youth who have been set back by the pandemic. We invested in Maryland’s economy with nearly $140 million to grow private-sector jobs. We prioritized public safety, with over $120 million for police aid. Finally, we preserved strong reserves in excess of $2.4 billion in cash to ensure that Maryland is ready to respond to federal or economic uncertainties. This budget was not easy, but the General Assembly effectively collaborated and found a balanced and responsible approach that funds necessary investments, while preparing us for the future.

Despite this session’s challenges, and significant time devoted to developing budget solutions, I am extremely proud of my personal legislative accomplishments for the District and Maryland, including my sponsorship and passage of 8 bills and nearly $40 million in funding to directly support the district and Anne Arundel County.

I am especially proud to announce this session, as President of the Women’s Caucus of Maryland, the caucus had its most successful session ever with 9 priority bills awaiting the Governor's signature and 27 endorsed bills becoming law. Our legislative focus this year was addressing the childcare crisis, protecting women’s healthcare, and supporting Maryland’s incarcerated women. Maryland’s Women’s Caucus is historic and is the oldest Women’s Caucus of any State Legislature. I am truly humbled by this position, and I look forward to continuing my life's work of fighting for women’s issues as President.

Capital Funding for the District and Anne Arundel County - $39,941,300 Million

• Annapolis City Dock ($7,800,000)

• Anne Arundel County Community College - Florestano Building ($8,020,000)

• Barrack J Annapolis: Communications Room ($8,368,000)

• Historic Annapolis Restoration ($3,900,000)

• Edgewater Community Center ($2,250,000)

• Eastport Terrace and Harbor House Redevelopment ($500,000)

• Bates Middle School Lower Field Improvements ($500,000)

• Gaudenzia Crownsville Campus ($400,000)

• Annapolis Maritime Museum - Facilities ($100,000)

• Earleigh Heights Fire Station ($170,000)

• BWI Visitor Expansion ($100,000)

• Revolutionary War Memorial for Black Soldiers (1,000,000)

• Annapolis High School Renovations ($1,399,050)

• Kiwanis Club of Commodore Mayo ($50,000)

• Anne Arundel County Community College - Dragun Building ($1,063,000)

• Annapolis Middle School Field Lights ($500,000)

• Children’s Theatre of Annapolis ($100,000)

• Summit School Building Expansion ($400,000)

• Annapolis Juneteenth Museum and Cafe ($200,000)

• Harness Creek Pond Retrofit ($175,000)

• Peerless Rens Outdoor Restoration ($40,000)

• Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse ($60,000)

• Crownsville Veterans Cemetery Expansion ($113,000)

• Glen Burnie Medicine and Behavioral Health Build Out ($300,000)

• Arc Central Chesapeake Region - Linthicum ($175,000)

• Glen Burnie Readiness Center Renovations ($176,000)

• UMD Baltimore Washington Medical Center Oncology Center ($500,000)

• Lothian Community Center ($750,000)

• Acton Cove Boating Infrastructure Improvements ($350,000)

• Spa Creek Mooring Field ($250,000)

• Annapolis Fire Department ($32,250)

• Monarch Academy Children’s Guild Preschool ($200,000)

Delegate Jones’ Legislation - Passed this Session

Public Schools - High School Sports Officials - Payment and Fees, Passed and on the Governor’s Desk

During last year’s interim, a contingency of Anne Arundel County high school sports officials brought to my attention a very concerning pay parity issue. Officials refereeing men’s high school sports were being paid more than officials refereeing the same women’s high school sports. This disparity was extremely troubling, and showed a value judgement our school systems were making between the efforts of men and women high school athletes. During the interim, my office and I worked to develop a solution that would prevent this statewide. SB 923 will ensure that moving forward, our school system’s provide equal pay for equal work, and our female athletes know that their efforts are valued just as much as men.

State Disaster Recovery Fund - Transfer of Funds, Passed and on the Governor’s Desk

As the impacts of climate change worsen, disasters have become more extreme and more localized. Our community is disproportionately impacted by these local disasters. In recent years we have seen severe flooding, and the 2021 EF-2 Tornado that devastated Parole. Marylander’s need effective and swift support when disaster strikes.

In 2023, I passed a law that created the State Disaster Recovery Fund, which created a fund to provide the sorely needed localized disaster relief we needed. This bill, HB 865, ensures the State Disaster Recovery Fund will have the necessary available funds to swiftly respond when Marylanders need it the most.

Oyster Shucking House Loan Program Alterations, Passed and on the Governor’s Desk

The Maryland Oyster Shucking House Loan Program was established to help finance the cost of eligible seafood processing projects, including historic oyster shucking facilities, and to facilitate an increase in the amount of oyster shells retained in the State and returned to the Chesapeake Bay. HB 397 makes two changes to the loan program that will lower barriers and make existing funds more accessible to small businesses. This legislation eliminates unnecessary red tape and makes the program more efficient. Ultimately, supporting small businesses and returning more oyster shells to the Bay!

Child Care Centers - Assessment of State-Owned Facilities, Passed and on the Governor’s Desk

Maryland is in a child care crisis. Many families lack child care altogether, and those that do have child care pay exorbitant monthly rates. This causes significant economic harm to Maryland families - especially women - who are not able to access or can’t afford it. In a recent “Child Care and the Economy” report from Comptroller Brooke Lierman, she highlighted that one of the key components causing the crisis is a lack of providers. This bill, HB 1344, helps to address this supply problem by identifying existing State buildings that could be utilized by a child care provider.

Anne Arundel County - Child Care Center - Property Tax Credit, Passed and on the Governor’s Desk.

As discussed above, Maryland’s child care crisis is severely impacting families. We need to do everything we can to address it, and this legislation, HB 1343, provides the County with a tool to incentivize more providers to come to the County. More providers increase supply, lowering costs, and helping to get parents back to work.

Anne Arundel County - Supermarkets - Property Tax Credit, Passed and on the Governor’s Desk.

This legislation, HB 598, cross-filed with Senator Simonaire, provides Anne Arundel County with a tool to combat food deserts. Food deserts are urban areas or rural towns that do not have readily available fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Unfortunately, there are 17 areas of the County that the USDA defines as food deserts. This legislation will help eliminate those deserts and ensure every county resident has access to fresh and affordable food!

Bicycles on Sidewalks (Jay’s Law), Passed and on the Governor’s Desk.

Bicycle and pedestrian safety is a top issue for District 30. Many of our neighbors rely on commuting by bicycle to school or work, but recent tragic accidents show that our roadways are not always safe for bicyclists. HB 375 will simply allow bicyclists, unless prohibited by local law, to ride on the sidewalk provided they yield to pedestrians. This will allow our children and bicycles to be farther away from traffic and better utilize our infrastructure. This legislation was supported by Bike Maryland and Bike Anne Arundel County, and I was proud to partner with this on this traffic safety legislation!

Election Judge Compensation Revisions.

HB 586 expands on my work supporting local boards of elections in the vital work they do facilitating our democracy. In past years, my legislation has raised the minimum compensation for elections officials, provided an increase for returning election officials, and provided pay for training as an election judge. This legislation alters the payment structure for training so that it is distributed only after a judge serves during the election. This will save local boards thousands of dollars and prevent bad actors from wasting resources.

Addressing Energy Prices

Throughout this year, I have received calls, emails, and letters from understandably concerned constituents who are distressed by the rising cost of energy in Maryland. This session, bold action was taken to address the cost of energy, and reduce our exposure to actions taken by PJM, the operator of our regional electricity market. This action came through three priority bills.

The first, HB 1035, the Next Generation Energy Act, addresses energy issues in both the short and long-term. In the short-term, this bill includes $200 million in direct relief to residential ratepayers that will go into effect this summer. It also prohibits the use of Multiyear Rate Plans at the Public Service Commission unless they do not allow an electric company to file for reconciliation. This change is projected to immediately save ratepayers $40 million. For the long-term, HB 1035 includes incentives for new generation capacity in the State and establishes additional ratepayer protections that will protect Maryland residents from price increases due to large load customers.

HB 1036, the Renewable Energy Certainty Act, was passed to tackle obstacles to building new renewable generation capacity. To do this, the legislation establishes statewide standards for solar and battery storage projects and stops excessive restrictions that block responsible solar development. HB 1036 also establishes consumer protections that are necessary to ensure Marylanders are adequately protected from predatory practices.

Finally, HB 1037, the Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act, was passed to develop a strategic energy planning office that will help ensure we meet the State's energy needs in the future. This legislation was necessary because it has been difficult for Maryland to get the information it needs from PJM, while PJM’s best interests have not always been in Maryland’s. HB 1035 will require Wholesale Energy Market reports every three years that will utilize forecasting and modeling to generate recommendations for short and long-term solutions that minimize risks identified in the report.

Together, this package will provide significant relief to ratepayers and help address Maryland's long-term energy generation and affordability issues. As Maryland moves towards our clean energy future, affordability, reliability, predictability, and sustainability are the cornerstones of Maryland’s energy strategy. The actions taken above are decisive and necessary moves to accomplish those goals.

Environment

Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act

HB 506 is landmark legislation establishing the Maryland Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program. This bill, which I was proud to co-sponsor, takes a major step forward in protecting our waterways that feed the Chesapeake Bay by promoting regenerative farming on public lands—farming practices that restore soil health, reduce nutrient pollution, and sequester carbon. The bill also establishes a comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Program within the Department of Natural Resources, ensuring our Bay cleanup efforts are guided by strong science and transparent data. It will improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay and promote economic growth by making environmentally friendly practices easier and more appealing for people and businesses to implement across the state.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation - Total Assessed Cost of Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Study and Reports

HB 128 is an important step toward holding major polluters financially accountable in Maryland. It requires the State to study the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions by the largest polluters and the full cost to taxpayers for resulting resiliency and remediation activities. The study will quantify the economic and environmental damage caused by climate change—including impacts to public health, infrastructure, and agriculture—and assess the costs already borne by the state and its residents.

Environment - Coal Combustion By-Products - Fees, Coordinating Committee, and Regulations

SB 425 codifies a Biden-era federal rule on coal ash dumps as the Trump administration considers rolling back that standard. Coal ash contains toxic metals that can contaminate water and air, putting Maryland’s communities and waterways communities at risk. New data has revealed a widespread presence of legacy coal ash sites in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Biden Administration’s 2024 regulation required owners of inactive coal ash disposal sites to follow the same clean-up rules as active dump sites, closing a loophole. While the current Environmental Protection Agency is considering extending the deadline for utility companies to comply, SB 425 locks the 2024 rule in place.

Environment - Bay Restoration Fund - Septic System Upgrade Program

HB 131 requires MDE to include failing septic systems located within the watershed of a nitrogen-impaired body of water as a priority for funding assistance from the Bay Restoration Fund. Failing septic systems increase the nitrogen levels of rivers and streams not only making stream life unsustainable but increasing the amount of nitrogen flowing into the Chesapeake Bay.

Supporting Education and Families

Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act

HB 504 retains essential funding for community schools, for students from low-income families, for multilingual learner services, and for teacher collaborative time. Additionally, with targeted investments in teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development, along with strategic enhancements to community school programs, HB 504 will continue our progress to build a resilient and inclusive education system.

Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Program – Revisions

HB 473 revises the Maryland Community Promise Scholarship program and expands college access and affordability by allowing part-time students enrolled in an associate degree program the chance to receive the scholarship for up to 6 years. This is an important adjustment, as many part-time students balance their education with work or family responsibilities, which can extend the time needed to complete their degree. The bill also guarantees that students working towards professional licensure, certification, or registered apprenticeship programs can receive the award for up to three years. The bill will help ensure that all Maryland students, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to achieve their educational and professional goals.

County Boards of Education - Curriculum Guides and Courses of Study – Discrepancies

House Bill 161 will help correct curriculum and teaching discrepancies found in Maryland public school systems. The legislation affirms that all Maryland counties must align their school curriculum to Maryland State Standards and creates a process to correct county curriculum if it is out of alignment with those standards. It empowers the State Superintendent to hold school systems accountable when they intentionally fail to meet education standards. I want to see public schools follow the law – and HB 161 will keep schools financially secure when they do.

Education - Initial Teacher Certification – Qualifications

HB 888 makes needed changes to ease the teacher certification process for aspiring Maryland teachers and provide as many pathways as possible for our future educators. The bill alters the qualifications for an initial teacher certificate to include passing a portfolio-based assessment of a nationally accredited teacher preparation program. This will eliminate the need for teachers entering the profession to have to take redundant exams and assessments.

Child Care

In addition to my two child care bills I explained above, I wanted to highlight legislation that was included in the Women’s Caucus of Maryland’s priority package to help address the crisis.

Common Ownership Communities and Zoning Authorities - Operation of Family Child Care Homes – Limitations

HB 785, which I proudly co-sponsored, will allow licensed family child care homes across Maryland without unnecessary barriers from local zoning or common ownership communities. This will increase access to childcare, let more parents return to the workforce, and empower child care providers to own and run their own small businesses.

Property Tax - Daycare Centers, Child Care Homes, and Child Care Centers

HB 389, that I also co-sponsored, expands property tax credits to support Maryland's childcare industry and make childcare more affordable. Maryland has seen a steep decline in the number of childcare providers over the last several years, and this bill will provide counties with enhanced tools to incentivize growth and keep childcare providers' doors open. The bill expands two local option property tax credits that local governments can give to childcare providers and to businesses that offer childcare to their employees.

Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers - Regulatory Analysis

HB 477 aims to ease the child care crisis by analyzing existing regulations to determine what regulations could be safely cut or modified to make it easier for providers to operate in our State. Increasing the number of providers is essential for Maryland to increase our child care supply, and this legislation is a pivotal step forward to improve it.

Healthcare

President Trump's repeated efforts to repeal and undermine the ACA have created significant instability in the health insurance marketplace. They are also threatening women’s healthcare across the Country, and those women are relying on strong support from Maryland

Public Health Abortion Grant Program – Establishment

The tumultuous national landscape puts reproductive health care at risk in Maryland. HB930, which I proudly co-sponsored, protects access to abortion services through a public health grant program. The program is funded from unspent insurance premiums for abortion coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act rules, these funds can’t be used for other purposes. There is $25 million available now to create an endowment for the program with an ongoing revenue stream of about $3 million a year. The program would be run by the Department of Health, just like other public health grant programs. Funds would support abortion care for the uninsured and underinsured.

Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for All Marylanders Now Act

HB 424 will expand the authority of the PDAB to set the budget for high-cost prescription drugs for commercial insurance. The Board uses a rigorous and comprehensive process to evaluate the affordability of drugs and considers ways to reduce the cost, sometimes looking at setting Upper Payment Limits, which marks the budget for the payer. Expanding the board’s authority to include the commercial market will put Maryland in a better position to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and will help stabilize the cost of insurance premiums. Despite efforts by the Trump Administration to roll-back policies to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, HB424 will make healthcare more affordable for everyday families.

State Based Insurance Subsidy Program

HB 1082 will establish a state–based health insurance subsidies program to mitigate the effects of the possible elimination of federal advance premium tax credits by Republicans in Washington. Eliminating the subsidies program would increase monthly premiums by $3K per family and put 190K Maryland residents at risk of losing some or all of their financial support for their health insurance. The state will kick in subsidy funding provided by the state reinsurance program to fund the gap until the legislature is able to find long term funding solutions. However, if Congress extends the advanced premium tax credits, the state program will end, and the reinsurance funds will be untouched. These tax credits are critical for hard working families to afford health insurance for themselves and their families and helps reduce the number of uninsured.

MD Health Insurance Coverage Commission

HB 718 creates a commission to monitor and assess the impact of potential and actual federal changes to programs such as Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Medicaid, MD Children’s Health Program, Medicare, and the MD All-Payer Model. The Commission will provide recommendations annually to ensure that access to affordable healthcare is protected.

Maryland Commission for Women - Maryland Collaborative to Advance Implementation of Coverage of Over-the-Counter Birth Control

HB 939 creates a Collaborative with state agencies, consumer representatives, pharmacies and insurers to support implementation of Maryland’s existing requirements for coverage of over the counter (OTC) birth control, as it has been nearly 10 years since the Maryland General Assembly enacted OTC birth control coverage requirements.

Preventative Services Enforcement

HB974, which I co-sponsored, preserves Biden-era insurance carrier coverage requiring preventive services with zero cost sharing. Types of preventative services protected include immunizations, annual wellness checks, cancer screenings, birth control, physicals, vaccines, and more. By keeping Marylanders healthy, overall cost of care drops. Studies show that for every dollar we spend on preventative care we save $6 in healthcare costs.

Health Insurance and Family Planning Consumer Protections

HB 1045 updates 2017 legislation which made Maryland the first state in the nation to guarantee continued funding for family planning and women’s health services if the Federal Government defunded clinics. The bill gives both the Insurance Commissioner and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights the authority to address discrimination in health insurance. This bill makes necessary changes to update the law and ensure it accurately reflects policies provided as of December 31, 2024.

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Pilot

Program - Sunset Repeal

HB 297 makes Maryland's Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidy Program (YAS) permanent. This program has made healthcare is more affordable for younger Marylanders, reduced pressure on the individual market, and continued to lower premiums. A key component to lowering insurance premiums is to increase enrollment of younger and healthier populations which reduces the risk pool. YAS is designed to capture a population who makes too much money working, and cannot qualify for other subsidies, but still can’t afford to buy insurance at the base rate.

Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025

HB 869 makes insurance coverage for telehealth care permanent. Telehealth is an important way to expand access to healthcare by reducing barriers to receiving care like unreliable transportation or missing work to make an appointment.

Protecting Marylanders from Federal Actions

Since the inauguration of President Trump, Federal actions and executive orders facilitated by Elon Musk's “DOGE” team have put Maryland at severe risk. Like many of my colleagues, I agree positive change can come through thoughtful, planned, and strategic efforts to make government more efficient. I have passed multiple bills to do just that. However, the unjust, and in some cases illegal, firings and office closures have been catastrophic to Maryland families and to our economy. District 30 and Anne Arundel County is especially vulnerable. In our County, over 10% of all gross income comes from Federal wages. These indiscriminate cuts are needlessly hurting families, in some cases lifelong civil servants, and I am committed to doing everything that I can do to support impacted families.

Catastrophic Event Account and Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan

Fund - Alterations (Protect Our Federal Workers Act)

The Protect Our Federal Workers Act, which I proudly co-sponsored, provides financial and legal tools to support Maryland’s 142,876 federal employees who are affected by Donald Trump’s cuts to the federal workforce. HB1424 expands existing funds and accounts to provide interest-free loans to federal workers impacted by unforeseen employment disruptions. The bill also provides an additional $1.5 million to the Attorney General to sue the Trump Administration for their wrongful and illegal firing of federal workers.

• The Trump–Musk assault on our federal workforce has resulted in the illegal termination of

thousands of Maryland federal employees. Most recently, the Trump Administration closed two offices at the Social Security Administration in Woodlawn, leaving nearly 200 federal employees without a job or on leave.

• Cuts to the federal workforce impact every county in the State, not just the D.C. suburbs. More than 60 federal agencies are headquartered or have major operations in Maryland, from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, attracting both workers and companies wishing to become federal contractors. Federal workforce cuts will be damaging to our entire state’s workforce and economy.

• The mass layoffs have a wide–ranging impact in both the public sector and private sector. They have adversely impacted veterans, who constitute 16% of our State’s federal workforce, and triggered more than 1,000 Maryland private sector layoffs.

Immigration Enforcement

Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement (Maryland Values Act)

HB1222, which I co-sponsored, creates a statewide standard for “sensitive locations” including public schools, libraries, and government operated facilities/buildings for immigration enforcement by the federal government. Under this bill, sensitive locations shall deny access to any portion of the building which is not accessible to the general public for purposes of immigration enforcement, including ICE detainers. Federal immigration officers may only enter if they provide a valid warrant, issued by a federal court, or in an emergency where necessary to prevent harm. The bill also requires government agencies to develop policies to prevent the sale of personal and geographic records which would harm privacy of state residents.

Criminal Procedure - U Nonimmigrant Status Petitions and Immigration Enforcement at Sensitive Locations

This bipartisan immigration legislation, SB 608, improves the U Nonimmigrant petition process which is designed to give undocumented individuals who are victims of a crime safe harbor if they are helpful, or are likely to be helpful in the detection, investigation, and prosecution of criminal activity. The bill also clarifies that there is no statute of limitations for when the criminal activity occurred when it comes to the helpfulness.

Looking Forward

The times we find ourselves in are difficult on many levels. We are in a moral moment where I am motivated more than ever to do the work, to highlight the collective good in our community and lead with love.

With the 447th legislative session behind us, I am looking forward to spending time again engaging directly with you in our community. As I have said many times, I don’t take this responsibility lightly or casually. As I carry out my work for you every day, my motivation and mission is always the same - how can we continue to strengthen the amazing community we all live in. I pledge to continue working in the best interests of the entire district, as I have for the last five years.

I will be attending community events throughout the interim, and I hope to see you around the district soon. You can see our ever-changing schedule of events by going to my website or my social media where I will be adding events regularly.

To stay up to date on the happenings here in the district, sign up for my newsletter via my website and please stay in touch with me throughout the year! If you need constituent assistance or want to let me know about things in your neighborhood, do not hesitate to call or email the office at 410-841-3211 or Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us.

Stay safe & healthy,

Delegate Dana Jones

Dear Neighbor,

It is an amazing privilege to represent Maryland’s District 30A in the state legislature. As I serve you in the General Assembly, my promise to you continues to be driven by my steadfast commitment to promoting, fighting, and advocating for the needs of our community. I am thrilled to tell you that the 2024 legislative session was my most successful session yet, including my sponsorship and passage of 13 bills and nearly $30 million in funding to directly support the district and Anne Arundel County. In addition to my legislation, I focused my efforts working on Maryland’s budget priorities through my membership on the Appropriations Committee, especially on critical issues facing Marylanders as Vice Chair of the Sub-Committee on Health and Social Services. Additionally, my colleagues in Anne Arundel County unanimously voted to re-elect me as Vice Chair of the County Delegation. I am especially proud to announce that this session my fellow women legislators unanimously elected me to a two year term as President of the Women’s Legislators of Maryland. Maryland’s Women’s Caucus is historic and is the oldest Women’s Caucus of any State Legislature. I am truly humbled by this position, and I look forward to continuing my life's work of fighting for women’s issues as President. These positions allow me to continue to serve the District more effectively, as the Capital Gazette described, “Del. Dana Jones has been one of the most prolific Anne Arundel lawmakers this Maryland General Assembly session…”. Below you will find details on this work, and all of Maryland’s success in the 446th legislative session.

The passage of Maryland’s Operating and Capital budget is the most important function that the legislature serves. As Vice Chair of Health and Social Services, I spent countless hours participating in budget hearings and reviewing briefings to determine priorities for the State’s Health and Social Service programs. Our subcommittee made thoughtful investments in this year’s Health and Social Services budget, including: $105 million in additional funding to support Maryland’s trauma centers, $488 million to support child care scholarship programs, and expanding State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding to over 39,000 low-income Maryland seniors. After numerous budget reductions, I’m proud that we stayed focused on protecting Maryland’s fiscal outlook while also investing in our State’s future. Our final budget includes funding for immediate transportation needs, $457 million in additional funding to local school systems, as well as $594 million for environmental programs including $297 million to support water quality and the health of the Chesapeake Bay. As a legislature we were able to avoid the biggest tax increases that were offered and protect our promises made to having the best educational opportunities for all of Maryland's students.

I want to thank my fellow committee members, from both sides of the aisle, who I have worked with to pass the bipartisan budget in addition to well-informed, fiscally responsible, and sound legislation in the face of tough budget realities and the recent tragedy of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. I want to thank Governor Moore, who worked closely with my Committee to pass a budget that reflects our values and proves that we are ready and willing to meet these challenges and invest in our future. Finally, I want to thank Speaker Adrienne Jones for her devoted leadership and staunch advocacy that made this session a success!

In the pages to follow, I review this session’s highlights and accomplishments - including the 13 bills I sponsored that are on their way to the Governor to be signed into law, and some of over 50 bills I co-sponsored. In addition, I will break down the $29,371,816 million in funding which I and our Senator Sarah Elfreth, in coordination with the Governor, have secured for projects to better the infrastructure and economy of this district.

Funding For the District and Anne Arundel County - $29,371,816 Million

• Annapolis Middle School Field Lights ($500,000)

• Choice Neighborhood Initiative - Eastport ($1,000,000)

• Parole Communications tower ($1,000,000)

• Annapolis City Dock Flood Mitigation ($3,000,000)

• Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts ($1,100,000)

• Revolutionary War Memorial for Black Soldiers on State Government Complex ($250,000)

• Historic Annapolis Restorations ($3,100,000)

• Anne Arundel County Multicultural Center ($5,000,000)

• State Police Barracks - Annapolis ($113,000)

• Annapolis Maritime Museum ($42,500)

• Annapolis Skatepark at Truxton Park ($50,000)

• History of the Annapolis Five - Road Marker ($20,000)

• MD Society of the Sons of the American Revolutionary War Memorial ($250,000)

• Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds ($100,000)

• Crownsville Veterans Cemetery ($1,112,000)

• William Paca Garden ADA Accessibility ($75,000)

• Earl Chesapeake Conservation Center ($100,000)

• University of Maryland BW Medical Center Cardiac Center ($2,000,000)

• Anne Arundel County Food Bank - Refrigerated Delivery Truck ($160,000)

• Anne Arundel Community College - Florestano Building ($6,515,000)

• London Town and Gardens - ADA Parking Lot ($100,000)

• Anne Arundel County Firefighters Firemark Building ($1,000,000)

• Luminous Health Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department ($1,400,000)

• George Phillips Jr. Recovery Community Center ($175,000)

• Eastport Heroes Park ($70,000)

• Wiley H Bates Legacy Center ($25,000)

• Historic Annapolis Programs Funding ($1,074,100)

• Annapolis Maritime Museum Programs Funding ($40,216)
  

Delegate Jones’ Legislation - Passed this Session

The Freedom to Read Act: Passed and on the Governor’s Desk - One of the First in the Nation.

Statewide, Maryland has seen significant increases in book challenges in our school and public libraries that are only rivaled in states like Florida and Texas. Last Spring and Summer I met with countless librarians, media specialists, parents and teachers who made clear that the time was now for Maryland to take action to protect our library collections and the librarians who curate them. I am so proud to have sponsored and passed the HB 785, the Freedom to Read Act, making Maryland one of the first in the nation to take a stand to protect literature, libraries and librarians.

I want to thank the countless librarians, parents, teachers, advocates and constituents who helped me with this effort, and express my immense gratitude to Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones for her courageous support, co-sponsorship and inclusion of HB 785 in her Decency Legislative Agenda. This crucial and timely legislation will safeguard our libraries, librarians, and literature from becoming the next frontier of censorship and protect the freedom for readers to choose for themselves.

Waterway Incident Notification System: Passed Unanimously, on the Governor’s Desk. Anne Arundel County is home to over 533 miles of shoreline and Maryland totals nearly 3200 miles of shoreline. HB 256 works to develop an innovative emergency alert system for Maryland’s waterways, helping to improve safety for all on the water!

Income Tax Subtraction Modification for Diaper Donations: Passed Unanimously, on the Governor’s Desk. HB 490 is an extension of my original bill in 2021 which established a subtraction modification to encourage donations of diapers and other hygiene products. Donations encouraged by this bill will help ensure every mother, child, and person in this state has access to the essential hygiene products they need to lead safe, healthy, and dignified lives!

Firefighter and EMS Retention and Recruitment: Passed with Overwhelming Bipartisan Support, on the Governor's Desk. HB 899 will bolster the recruitment and retention of Maryland’s firefighter and EMS workers to fortify our state’s emergency response capacity. Continuing education is a critical part of an emergency responders career, and this bill helps reduce education costs that can be a barrier to recruiting and retaining our cherished first responders.

Public Schools Student Telehealth Appointments Policy and Access, Passed and on the Governor’s Desk. For two years, parents, teachers, students and advocates have come to me asking how to address the issue of telehealth access in our public schools. Currently, the policy is that students must be signed out of school by parents in order for them to access their telehealth appointments. This arrangement is inequitable, unnecessary, and reduces seat hours. In response, I introduced HB 522. After hours of deliberation and compromise with stakeholders, it passed! This bill paves the way to provide Maryland’s students equitable and efficient access to telehealth providers. Nothing should be a barrier to our students getting the healthcare they need.

Vineyard and Wineries Grant Modifications, Passed Unanimously and on the Governor’s Desk. HB 914 makes small fixes to an existing grant program that will have a big impact on Maryland's wineries and vineyards! By making existing capital funding more accessible to their small businesses, this bill is budget wise and greatly increases efficiency!

Firefighter (Professional & Volunteer) Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program - Funding, Passed Unanimously and on the Governor’s Desk. The second bill in my legislative package to support first responders, HB 1472 will increase funding for cancer screening tests for Maryland’s professional and volunteer firefighters. Cancer is the #1 killer of firefighters, and this increased funding will go a long way to catching cancer early!

Election Judge Revisions, Passed with Bipartisan Support and on the Governor’s Desk. Expanding on my legislation from last year that increased the minimum compensation of election officials, HB 700 helps make it easier for our localities to recruit and retain election judges. The bill requires the State Board of Elections to develop and implement a recruitment marketing campaign for localities, develop standardized onboarding paperwork, and requires local governments to allow employees to take administrative leave to serve as an election judge. Election judges are truly the backbone of our Democracy, and I’m proud to pass legislation supporting them!

Human Services - Individuals With Disabilities and Service-Disabled Veterans Boating Fund, Passed with Bipartisan Support and on the Governor’s Desk.: District 30A is home to numerous amazing organizations that provide truly transformative on the water experiences for our intellectually disabled and service disabled communities. HB 773 establishes a fund that will expand capacity for these programs and allow more people to experience and enjoy accessible boating activities that empower them to lead better lives!

Judges Retirement System Special Death Benefit, Passed Unanimously and on the Governor’s Desk. Last fall, Maryland was shocked and heartbroken when a Washington County judge was murdered at his home in a targeted attack based on his ruling in a divorce proceeding. This tragedy exposed a gap in the judge retirement system that a line of duty death benefit was not established for the surviving family. HB 768 fixes this omission and makes revisions to Maryland’s State Pension System to equally apply existing line-of-duty death benefits to our judges.

Shellfish Aquaculture - Harvest Hours, Passed Unanimously and on the Governor’s Desk. In May of last year, I was appointed by Speaker Adrienne Jones as the House member of the Aquaculture Coordinating Council. HB 857 is a result of my work on the council, and will allow harvest hour flexibility for Shellfish aquaculture in Maryland, helping to make Maryland open for aquaculture!

Education - State Library Resource Center - Funding, Cross-file Passed and on the Governor’s Desk. Every day, the Maryland State Library Resource Center provides a wide range of services and bolsters the impact our local libraries have in our communities. This legislation increases funding for the SLRC and will allow them to continue to provide valuable resources and thousands of hours of training across the State.

Election Administration – State Administrator, Local Boards, and Election Directors, Cross-file Passed and on the Governor’s Desk. Will ensure accountability of the State and local election administrators, increase oversight and communication between the SBE and local boards, and develop security standards for our election equipment.

I was proud to co-sponsor fourteen critical pieces of legislation with Governor Moore to deliver for our state.

• The Victim Compensation Reform Act will modernize Maryland’s victims compensation reform program to make sure that victims of a crime get the support they need to recover.

• Growing Apprenticeships and Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act works to ensure that Maryland is training and supporting highly-qualified law enforcement professional to protect our communities.

• The Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention will be created within the Department of Health to consolidate and better coordinate our State’s public health approach to preventing gun violence. This new center will serve as a partner to local governments, advocates, and medical professional engaged in the work of hospital and community based violence intervention programs.

• The ENOUGH Act of 2024 is a first-in-the-nation state level effort to end concentrated poverty. Through place-based interventions in selected communities across the State, the ENOUGH initiative will give communities the support and resources they need to identify the root causes of poverty in their neighborhoods and begin to address them.

• The Housing Expansion and Affordability Act seeks to directly address Maryland’s housing supply and affordability crisis to lower costs and expand economic opportunity for Marylanders across the state.

• The Housing and Community Development Financing Act strengthens state financing tools for housing construction and community development investments. It establishes the Maryland Community Investment Corporation as an independent state entity to invest in and provide financial assistance to low-income communities throughout Maryland.

• Renters’ Rights Stabilization Act of 2024 addresses immediate needs of renters in the state who are experiencing housing instability.

• The Behavioral Health Services Act includes a number of important behavioral health reforms to ensure that Marylanders who need behavioral health services are able to get them. This bill aligns Maryland with 47 other states with the establishment of an in-place assisted outpatient behavioral health support program.

• The Critical Infrastructure Streamlining Act of 2024 removes barriers to the growth of Maryland’s technological infrastructure by streamlining the regulatory process. In doing so, this bill will ensure that the growing technology industry, such as data centers, in the mid-Atlantic is located in Maryland and furthering Maryland’s regional competitiveness.

• The Maryland Road Worker Protection Act implements the legislative recommendations of the Governor’s Work Zone Safety Work Group to protect Maryland road workers and initiate a culture change among motorists to adopt safer driving behaviors.

• The Protecting Election Officials Act will help stop the epidemic of threats and harassment targeting election officials, which poses a fundamental threat to our State’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.

• Caring for Public Employees in the Safety Profession (CAPES) Act expands worker compensation presumptions for firefighters to cover thyroid, colon, and ovarian cancers.

• The Families Serve Act of 2024 will support Maryland’s military families by expanding job opportunities for military spouses.

• The Time to Serve Act ensures that state employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserves are fully supported by the State in both areas of service.

Protecting our Environment

Watershed Restoration - Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Restoration and Funding (Whole Watershed Act). To restore the Chesapeake Bay, HB 1165 moves us away from random acts of restoration and incentivizes holistic restoration projects by streamlining funding streams and approval pathways for five innovative watershed projects. The bill also sets up guardrails for stream restoration projects, including increasing public engagement; codifying approval processes that will maximize ecological uplift while minimizing detrimental impacts such as tree or habitat loss; and ensuring co-benefits like climate change mitigation or carbon sequestration.

Environment - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions - Manufacturers. HB 990 brings both manufacturing and cement production under the state greenhouse gas emission standard. Under the bill, Maryland joins other states to remove exemptions and ensure that these industries can be regulated in the joint effort to reduce carbon emissions.

Environment – Water Pollution Control – Protecting State Waters from PFAS Pollution (Protecting State Waters From PFAS Pollution Act). Building on our work to address the problem of PFAS chemicals, known as "forever" chemicals, HB 1153 addresses PFAS discharged into our water by tasking MDE to identify the industrial source and develop a plan to mitigate the contamination.

Maryland Paint Stewardship. HB 1 establishes a state Paint Stewardship program to deal with recycled paint. The bill requires producers to assess a fee for paint to run the program. This is key to ensuring that producers pay their fair share toward products introduced into the waste stream.

Clean Water Justice Act of 2024. In 2023, the Supreme Court decided Sackett v. EPA, which cut several streams and wetlands from being protected by the Clean Water Act. HB 1101 restores citizens' ability to sue to protect those waterways, which is crucial to helping communities fight water pollution and state agencies enforce these laws.

Electricity - Offshore Wind Projects - Alterations. HB 1296 seeks to ensure that Maryland can meet its offshore wind goals by allowing remaining offshore wind projects to modify project size, pricing, and schedule considering recent market changes. Absent legislation, Maryland faces the potential of losing 900 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity out of the initial 2,000 MW awarded, resulting in the state’s inability to meet its 8,500 MW goal by 2031.

Public Safety

Juvenile Law – Reform. This bill refines earlier work done by the legislature to ensure that juveniles committing serious

crimes are held accountable and that appropriate and effective diversionary programs exist to ensure best outcomes. The previous law that was passed exposed deficiencies in the system that were not in the best interest of the community or the juvenile offenders. HB 814 will improve oversight of the juvenile system, ensure people in the system both get and complete the rehabilitative services they need when they are found delinquent, and focus attention on the highest risk juveniles who have previously committed serious crimes and commit new crimes while they are under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Services Specifically, the bill accomplishes the following:

1. Creates a new commission to provide needed oversight of the Juvenile Justice system.

2. Requires DJS to move faster when a child is charged with a crime so those children can get to services sooner.

3. Requires police officers to write a report whenever the officer arrests a child.

4. Requires DJS to communicate electronically with victims and police officers when they decide not to go forward with a case - not through the US Mail.

5. Requires DJS to notify the Court, the State’s Attorney, and the defense attorney for a juvenile if the juvenile violates the rules of electronic home monitoring.

6. Requires DJS to certify both when they complete the preparation of a treatment plan for a juvenile and also when that program is underway.

7. Makes structural changes to ensure that the Governor’s office continues to focus on the juvenile justice system.

Criminal Law – Weapon Crimes – Switch/Auto-Sear. HB 810 prohibits the use of a Glock switch - or any other auto-sear device in Maryland, which makes a gun operate like an automatic weapon. The high volume of these devices in circulation and the fact that they can be produced by a 3D printer in someone’s home make it very difficult to control their use. Despite a federal prohibition, law enforcement and prosecutors in Maryland believe the bill will provide them with an additional tool to get Glock switches and similar devices off our streets.

Civil Actions - Public Nuisances - Firearm Industry Members (Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024). HB 947 establishes that any “firearm industry member”, a person engaged in the sale, manufacture, distribution, importation, or marketing of firearm products, may not create, maintain, or contribute to harm the public through the sale, manufacture, distribution, importation, or marketing of any firearm-related products. A firearm industry member who violates the Act creates a public nuisance and the Attorney General, county attorney, or Baltimore City Solicitor may sue the firearm industry member and seek appropriate relief.

Supporting Education and Families

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – State Supplement. HB 666 is anti-poverty legislation to help ensure that every Maryland resident is food secure. The bill expands benefits to low-income seniors, age 60+, and increases their minimum to $50/month. This will help approximately 39,000 Marylander seniors, and I’m looking forward to its implementation.

Public Schools - Active Shooter Safety Drills or Trainings - Requirements. HB 416 establishes procedures to help reduce the potential mental health impacts these drills have on our students. The bill requires: Age-appropriate drills and conversations about them, Notification before and after drills sent to families, drills designed with trauma-informed care; and a requirement that schools send home safe gun-storage information annually and provide additional support for students/staff with a disability or who have experienced trauma. Tragically, active shooter drills are a part of life, but HB 416 works to make them easier on students and faculty.

Education – Access to Attorneys, Advocates, and Consultants for Special Education Program and Fund – Established. HB 903 provides funding for resources and services to eligible students with disabilities and their families who need legal, advocacy, and consultant services. By allowing lower income families to access assistance, more families will be able to benefit from the advice, support, and representation that other families are able to secure on their own and will be better able to address difficult issues with their child’s IEP team.

Education – Initial Teacher Certification – Requirements. HB 945 creates additional pathways for those choosing to enter the teaching profession. By establishing new pathways to teacher certification, the bill will address record shortages and the insufficient pipeline of educators and help to diversify the profession to meet the Blueprint’s goals for a highly qualified and diverse workforce.

Healthcare

Residential Service Agencies – Reimbursement – Personal Assistance Services (Homecare Worker Rights Act of 2024). HB 39 ensures that essential homecare workers who work as in-home caregivers are classified as employees by residential service agencies before those agencies are reimbursed through the Department of Health. This means that these homecare workers receive the benefits and pay that they deserve from these service agencies, which for too long have been dodging responsibility. In-home caregivers are essential to those Marylanders that they are charged with supporting – it is only right that we do what we can to protect them from exploitation while they care for our loved ones.

Health Insurance – Qualified Resident Enrollment Program (Access to Care Act). HB 728 allows undocumented Maryland residents to purchase health insurance through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, the state’s health insurance marketplace. The bill will reduce the number of uninsured Marylanders, lower health insurance premiums, and save the state money by reducing the amount of uncompensated care ($842M in 2022).

Maternal Health – Assessments, Referrals, and Reporting (Maryland Maternal Health Act of 2024). HB 1051 ensures that Maryland codifies practices in our healthcare system that protects new mothers and newborns. The bill ensures that hospitals across Maryland are taking steps to not only provide new parents with the resources and information they need postpartum but also reaching out to parents after discharge from the hospital to check in on them once they are home. The bill will also develop a report card for those birthing facilities throughout the state. These simple steps will protect new parents and their children and ensure that we are providing the care that Maryland families need and deserve.

Services - Maryland Emergency Department Wait Time Reduction Commission – Establishment. HB 1143 establishes the Maryland Emergency Department Wait Time Reduction Commission in the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems to review emergency room wait times in Maryland and develop strategies to improve them. The Commission will determine best practices and work on development and implementation of standardized protocols and operational efficiencies in hospital emergency departments.

Key Bridge Collapse

Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade (PORT) Act. On March 26th, Maryland was shocked by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. That Tuesday morning, six Maryland families lost fathers, sons, brothers, and friends who were working on the bridge. With less than two weeks before adjourning, the General Assembly swiftly worked with Governor Moore’s Administration, our federal partners, and small businesses to pass legislation to support those impacted. HB 1526 provides financial assistance for affected workers and companies, as well as scholarships for the children and spouses of those who perished on the bridge. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Governor to use up to $275 million to offset wage losses by employees of the Port, independent contractors, and Port dependent businesses. The bill also ensures that the Transportation Authority has the resources it needs to get the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuilt.

Consumer Protection

Commercial Law - Consumer Protection - Sale and Resale of Tickets - SB 539 requires ticketing platforms to implement all-in-ticketing to allow consumers to see the total cost of a ticket up front and ends the sale of speculative tickets. The bill also requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct a study on ways to prevent ticket scalping. I was proud to vote in support of this legislation that will protect Maryland consumers and ensure transaction transparency when purchasing event tickets.

Maryland Online Data Privacy Act of 2024. HB 567 protects consumers' online data. Currently, companies may collect unlimited amounts of online data - and profit from it - from Marylanders without their knowledge or consent. With HB 567, consumers will be able to know what information is collected and what is done with it, be able to have the information deleted or corrected, and opt-out of the sale of their information. The bill also has the strongest "data minimization" standard in the country by limiting the data that is collected from consumers to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate to the service provided.

Consumer Protection – Online Products and Services – Data of Children (Maryland Kids Code). HB 603 requires 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. HB 603 is a meaningful step to ensuring children’s data is protected, and products are designed with children’s development in mind.

Housing Affordability

Housing Innovation Pilot Program Act of 2024. HB 7 creates a Department of Housing and Community Development fund to award grants for the Housing Innovation Pilot Program to three counties based on affordability requirements tied to the building for its useful life. This program looks to provide another tool in the toolbox to leverage public and private relationships to create more housing.

Housing and Community Development - Just Community Designation. HB 241 allows areas in the state to receive a “just community” designation, which makes it part of a priority funding area. The designation is based on whether the area has been negatively impacted by (1) forms of legal racial segregation, (2) demolition of residential neighborhoods through eminent domain or State or federal funding, (3) a State imprisonment rate higher than 750 per 100,000 persons, or (4) unequal exposure to environmental and health hazards.

HB 283 Housing and Community Development - Affordable Housing - Identifying Suitable Property - HB283 helps DHCD better identify and review property that can be converted into affordable housing units. By making the criteria more flexible for the Department, the State can more efficiently designate additional housing stock.

State Retiree Prescription Drug Coverage

Many of you have reached out on this topic so I want to take a moment to address the State Retiree Prescription Drug coverage. This is an understandable concern for our state government retirees. Long before my time as your Delegate, in 2007, the state began examining if it could continue to meet its future obligations to employees and retirees. After two workgroups a decision was made in 2011 to transition state retirees from a state-sponsored prescription drug plan to Medicare Part-D prescription drug coverage.

Litigation was filed in 2018 against the state by a group of retirees. During this on-going litigation period no changes were made in coverage to retirees. The litigation ended with a final decision by the court that the state is allowed to make these benefit changes. Retirees received letters at the beginning of 2024 explaining the change and the transition plan to a Medicare Part D plan that the retiree will choose. The Medicare part D plans will be available for review in the fall of 2024. A state benefits team will assist all retirees with this transition and is planning in-person, online, and telephone contacts to ensure the transition is smooth.

If this change affects you or a family member and it does not go smoothly this fall, please reach out to our office for assistance. We will do our best to advocate for you and let the benefits people at the state know where the transition is challenging or not working for retirees.

Looking Forward

With the 446th legislative session behind us, I am looking forward to spending time again engaging directly with you in our community. As I have said many times, I don’t take this responsibility lightly or casually. As I carry out my work for you every day, my motivation and mission is always the same - how can we continue to strengthen the amazing community we all live in. I pledge to continue working in the best interests of the entire district, as I have for the last four years.

I will be attending community events throughout the interim, and I hope to see you around the district soon. You can see our ever-changing schedule of events by going to my website or my social media where I will be adding events regularly.

To stay up to date on the happenings here in the district, sign up for my newsletter via my website and please stay in touch with me throughout the year! If you need constituent assistance, do not hesitate to call or email the office at 410-841-3211 or Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us.

Stay safe & healthy,

Delegate Dana Jones

Dear Neighbor,

It is an amazing privilege to represent Maryland’s District 30A in the legislature, and this year we have accomplished so much for the District and our State. As I serve you in the General Assembly, my promise to you continues to be driven by my steadfast commitment to promoting, fighting, and advocating for the needs of our community. I’m proud to say that the Speaker’s Office and my fellow colleagues have entrusted me with several new leadership positions. This Session I was appointed to the Appropriations Committee, and to Vice Chair the Sub-Committee on Health and Social Services. Additionally, my colleagues in Anne Arundel County voted me Vice Chair of the County Delegation, my fellow women legislatures elected me First Vice President of the Women’s Caucus, and the Speaker appointed me to the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review. These positions will allow me to continue to serve the District more effectively, as you will see in the report below on this 445th legislative session.

This session, as a new member of the Appropriations Committee, I hit the ground running by guiding legislation and participating in budget hearings determining priorities for the State’s Health and Social Service programs and pension system. These policy areas include fully funding some of our State’s most critical departments, including: the Departments of Health, Aging, Medicaid, and the law enforcement pension systems. I want to thank my fellow committee members, from both sides of the aisle, who I have worked with to pass the budget in addition to well-informed, fiscally responsible, and sound legislation that serves the needs of all Marylanders. I also want to thank Governor Moore, who worked closely with my Committee, to pass a budget that meets the needs of our communities and moves Maryland forward while also maintaining healthy cash reserves and a robust Rainy Day Fund.

In the pages to follow, I review this session’s highlights and accomplishments - including the 8 of 14 bills I sponsored which passed the House, and some of the 60 bills I co-sponsored. In addition, I will break down the $27,290,000 million in funding which I and our Senator, in coordination with the Governor, have secured for projects to better the infrastructure and economy of this district. This session was a huge step in safeguarding rights, our safety, and economic security, as The Baltimore Banner described: “...lawmakers have strengthened access to reproductive health care, rewritten rules for carrying guns, raised the minimum wage and created a legal marijuana industry with an eye toward redressing historic injustices from the war on drugs…”.

I was proud to partner and co-sponsor ten critical pieces of legislation with Governor Moore to deliver for our state.

• The SERVE Act will create a first-in-the-nation service year option to boost volunteering among young people to give back to our communities;

• Family Prosperity Act tackles child poverty by permanently extending the Earned Income Tax Credit;

• Fair Wage Act which will raise the minimum wage in the State to $15 an hour benefitting 160,000 workers;

• Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act will provide grants to entrepreneurs to break into new modern industries to help boost the economy;

• Maryland Educator Shortage Act of 2023 will help train, recruit, and retain highly trained educators for our schools and child care facilities as well as help provide better behavior health services to students;

• Office of Statewide Broadband - Study of Broadband Expansion Incentives will be essential to developing data-driven policies to ensure that we close the digital divide in all communities;

• Access to Banking Act will expand access to capital and financial services for individuals and small businesses in low-income communities across the state;

• Clean Transportation and Energy Act takes on one of the largest contributors to climate change, transportation-related emissions, that has a disproportionate impact on our most vulnerable residents;

• Healthcare for Heroes Act and Keep our Heroes Home Act provides Veterans under fifty-five with the largest State tax cut in a generation and cuts health care costs for members of the Maryland National Guard.

We crafted and passed a balanced budget that includes $122 million to aid local police departments; $40 million will go toward State support for crime victim services of domestic violence, rape, and other crimes; $160 million toward supporting State parks and forests; $60 million toward Chesapeake Bay restoration; and almost $200 million reserved for tax relief including funding for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and new tax cuts for Veterans.

Funding For the District

• Anne Arundel County Joint 911 Center ($10,000,000)

• Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park ($5,000,000)

• Historic Annapolis ($3,000,000)

• Annapolis City Dock Flood Mitigation ($3,000,000)

• AACO Food Bank ($200,000)

• Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department ($1,000,000)

• South Shore Park ($1,000,000)

• Anne Arundel County Trails ($1,000,000)

• AAMC Adult Behavioral Health Suite ($863,000)

• Anne Arundel Community College Florestano Building ($720,000)

• Hospice of the Chesapeake ($300,000)

• Chesapeake Bay Trust Green Campus ($250,000)

• Charles “Hoppy” Adams Jr. House Restoration - Annapolis ($145,000)

• Anne Arundel County FairGrounds ($152,000)

• Stanton Community Center Water Access Dock ($100,000)

• William Paca Garden ADA Accessibility ($100,000)

• The Bernie House - domestic violence transitional housing ($100,000)

• Peerless Rens ($75,000)

• Naval Academy Primary School - NAPS ($75,000)

• Annapolis Dragon Boat Foundation ($55,000)

• Elks Camp Barrett ($50,000)

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation ($50,000)

• Eastport Veterans Park ($30,000)

• HoopBus - Non-Profit Youth Engagement Bus ($25,000)

Delegate Jones’ Legislation - Passed this Session

Library Funding: PASSED Unanimously & on the Governor’s Desk. The library system is a core part of communities across the State, HB 276 will ensure that library funding continues past FY 2027, and safeguards that our libraries are supported with the resources necessary to adequately provide the services that our residents need and deserve.

Tax Relief for Disabled Federal Officers: PASSED Unanimously & on the Governor’s Desk. For two years, I have worked tirelessly with my constituents to expand property tax credits to our disabled Federal Law enforcement officers, and I am proud to say HB 508 has passed and is on the Governor's Desk. This bill will require a county or municipality to define who is a disabled law enforcement officer or rescue worker to expand an already existing tax credit to disabled federal officers. It shows our intent on retaining these brave men and women in Maryland as neighbors, community members, and heroes.

City of Annapolis - Art Establishment Alcoholic Beverages License: Passed Unanimously, on the Governor's Desk. I was proud to sponsor HB 520, which creates an “Arts Establishment” beer and wine license for our non-profit arts organizations in Annapolis – this will save our cherished art establishments, like Maryland Hall, staff time and money which will allow them to host more programming and events for our community.

State Disaster Recovery Fund: Passed and on the Governor's Desk. I’m proud to have worked with the Governor's Office and my partner Senator Elfreth to pass HB 789/SB 650, which creates a disaster recovery fund under the Maryland Department of Emergency Management that will allow City & County Emergency Management to respond more efficiently & rapidly to local disasters. The critical need for this legislation became clear when an EF-2 tornado tore through the district and dozens of businesses sustained devastating damage.

State Administrator of Elections - Term, Vacancy in Office, and Removal From Office: Passed Unanimously and on the Governor's Desk. At present, the State Board of Elections Administrator is appointed to a lifetime term. This arrangement lacks the fundamental accountability needed for any important public office - and is the only office that benefits from a lifetime appointment. I am proud to have partnered with Senator Kagan to sponsor HB 899/SB 863 that reforms the terms of removal for the State Board of Elections Administrator to establish that no one has a lifetime appointment in Maryland, and can be held accountable.

Election Judges Minimum Compensation: Passed with Bipartisan support, on the Governor's Desk. For multiple elections cycles, we have seen counties across the State struggle to find the required amount of election judges needed to properly run our Democracy. HB 1200 strengthens the backbone of our elections by raising the minimum compensation for our election officials. Considering the significant responsibility and importance of our State’s election judges, we must do better to incentivize and retain them.

Student Telehealth Appointments Access: Passed House, but ran out of time in the Senate. Over the summer, teachers, students, parents, and advocates all came to me asking how to address the issue of telehealth access in our public schools. Currently, it is the policy that students must be signed out of school by parents in order for them to access their telehealth appointments. This arrangement is inequitable, unnecessary, and reduces seat hours. In response, I sponsored HB 878, which ensures our middle and high school students are able to access telehealth services in schools, improving mental health and increasing instructional time. I was thrilled to see this bill pass the House, but unfortunately ran out of time in the Senate. I am looking forward to introducing this critical bill again next Session.

Road Safety - Bicycles, Play Vehicles and Unicycles: Passed House, but ran out of time in the Senate. Tragically, bicyclists continue to be at serious risk on Maryland roadways. Just recently, our community heard the devastating news that a local grandfather died when he was struck while riding his bike home from work. To help address this issue, I sponsored HB 519 that amends State law to allow bikes to ride safely on our sidewalks, unless prohibited by local authority - thus, protecting our children and bikers from these common, preventable, and often deadly accidents.

Reproductive Rights

Declaration of Rights – Right to Reproductive Freedom. HB 705, for which I was the co-sponsor of - the Reproductive Freedom Constitutional Amendment, establishes a constitutional right to abortion and other reproductive health care. It allows Maryland voters to decide in 2024 whether the fundamental right to reproductive freedom should be enshrined in our state constitution, which is the highest level of protection that we can give to Marylanders in the wake of the devastating U.S. Supreme Court decision last summer which overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

Public Senior Higher Education Institutions – Reproductive Health Services Plans - Requirements. I was so proud to support HB 477 that focuses on reproductive services at higher education institutions. It requires these institutions in the state, in consultation with their students, to develop and implement a reproductive health services plan. The plan would be designed to refer students to a broad range of reproductive health services, either on-campus or off-campus. Universities and Colleges would be required to provide 24-hour access to over-the-counter contraception.

Health – Reproductive Health Services – Protected Information and Insurance Requirements. I was proud to vote for HB 812, which shields medical records involving reproductive health services. It provides additional privacy protections for medical records relating to abortion services that are legal in the state of Maryland. The bill will protect patients’ reproductive healthcare data from being used in criminal prosecution or civil litigation outside of the state.

Reproductive Health Protection Act. Another critical bill which I supported, HB 808, protects out-of-state patients seeking legally protected abortion care in Maryland. The bill prohibits the court from requiring a person to give testimony or a statement or produce evidence for a case involving an alleged violation of the criminal law of another state relating to abortion care in Maryland.

Public Safety

Civil Actions - Child Sexual Abuse - Definition, Damages, and Statute of Limitations (The Child Victims Act of 2023). House Bill 1 removes the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse. Data shows that the average age a victim of childhood sexual abuse will come forward is between 50 and 70 years old. Removing that statute of limitations for child sexual abuse will allow those victims to get justice regardless of how much time has passed. The Attorney General’s report on sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore was released April 2023. This legislation is critical to all the victims of our state, so that they have an opportunity to hold these abusers accountable.

Hate Crimes – Civil Remedy. HB 13 enables victims who have suffered hate crimes to bring a civil action against the person or persons who committed the act, even as hate crimes are dangerously increasing in Maryland and the nation. Thirty-three states currently have civil action (civil remedy) as part of their hate crime law, and Maryland is overdue to join them.

Public Safety – Regulated Firearms – Possession and Permits to Carry, Wear, and Transport a Handgun. HB 824 strengthens gun safety in Maryland by adjusting Maryland's concealed-carry permitting process to include additional disqualifications to state law. The bill complies with last summer’s Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, which struck down Maryland’s requirement that concealed carry permits could only be obtained by individuals with a special safety need. Among other new requirements, HB 824 prohibits possession of a regulated firearm by a person who is younger than 21, a person who suffers from a “mental disorder” and has a history of violent behavior, or a person who has been involuntarily admitted for more than 30 consecutive days to a facility for treatment of a mental disorder. It also doubles the fees for a wear-and-carry permit, a renewal or subsequent application, and a duplicate or modified permit; these fees have not been increased since 1992.

Criminal Law - Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting Firearms - Restrictions (Gun Safety Act of 2023). Senate Bill 1 makes communities safer by limiting the circumstances where firearms can be concealed-carried. The bill tightens Maryland state gun laws in an effort to combat gun violence and in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision that rendered some existing Maryland gun laws unconstitutional. It makes the licensing process for wear and carry permits stricter, prohibits an individual from knowingly wearing, carrying or transporting a firearm on private property without consent, and prohibits guns in certain locations, including courthouses, hospitals, schools and areas where alcohol is served.

Firearm Safety - Storage Requirements and Youth Suicide Prevention (Jaelynn's Law). Senate Bill 858 strengthens Maryland’s gun safety laws and reduces children’s unsupervised access to firearms. The bill enhances the penalty for violating the state’s safe storage laws and increases the age restricting unsupervised minors to possess or have access to loaded firearms from 16 to 18. The bill also takes action to help prevent youth suicide by requiring the Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services to develop a youth suicide prevention and firearm safe storage guide.

SB 185 / HB 3 Maryland State Police Gun Center – Firearms Surrendered Under Final Protective Orders. Enabling the Maryland State Police Gun Center to track firearms surrendered under peace orders. This will allow the State Police to collect data on adherence to the requirement, which will allow the police and the legislators to develop more effective policy based on data.

Protecting our Environment

Maryland Sustainable Buildings Act of 2023. House Bill 6 requires the Department of General Services to develop and periodically update standards for energy conservation in State buildings in order to decrease energy use. The bill requires that newly constructed buildings that are undergoing major renovations, and buildings that are over 50% state-owned are compliant with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Pesticide Regulation - PFAS Testing - Study. A growing body of research shows the significant negative health effects of PFAS chemicals, including increased risk of cancer, changes to liver function, and decreases in infant birth weights. Maryland must address the wide-spread use of these chemicals in pesticides and determine the best way to limit their use. That is why I was proud to support HB 319 that will study the impact of PFAS chemicals, certify methods for testing, and efforts to regulate and ban these dangerous “forever” chemicals.

Offshore Wind Energy – State Goals and Procurement (Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources Act). House Bill 793 increases Maryland's offshore wind capacity and directs the state to find solutions related to transmitting offshore energy to land. To support our transition to a clean energy economy, the rapid deployment of renewable energy and investments in infrastructure must be prioritized. This bill supports the expansion of offshore wind power by setting an offshore wind goal of 8.5 GW by 2031, initiating a state process to build coordinated transmission infrastructure, and investing in the full build-out of the existing offshore wind lease areas.

Electricity – Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program and Property Taxes. HB 908 Establishes an equitable community solar program to increase access to renewable energy. Community-based, innovative solutions like community solar are critical to diversifying our energy portfolio. Makes the community solar pilot program permanent with equitable access to renewable energy.

Animal Testing and Research - Human-Relevant Research Funding. Maryland should be proud of both its investments in biotech industries, and strong animal welfare protections. That’s why I was proud to support HB 626, which creates a fund to encourage the development of human-relevant research technologies that do not rely on animal testing. This bill provides an opportunity for Maryland to invest in an emerging scientific field, while helping to end abusive animal testing practices.

Department of the Environment – Zero-Emission Medium-and-Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Regulations (Clean Trucks Act of 2023). House Bill 230 reduces Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions by electrifying medium- and heavy-duty trucks in Maryland. The bill requires the Maryland Department of Environment to adopt the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule by the end of this year, which sets requirements for vehicle manufacturers to sell an increasing annual percentage of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including electric trucks, delivery vans, and school buses, in the state beginning in Model Year 2027.

HOV Lanes-Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicles. House Bill 123 extends the state program allowing owners of zero-emission vehicles to buy tags to drive in the HOV lane. This will help encourage more consumers to buy electric and cut carbon emissions.

Clean Transportation and Energy Act. I was a proud co-sponsor of HB 550, which is a step in the right direction to electrifying transportation and creating climate friendly transportation infrastructure. This legislation expands commercial truck electrification by increasing the grant fund to $10,000,000 to pay for up to 75% of the cost difference of buying a zero-emission truck versus a conventional model. The bill also increases the electric vehicle charging rebate program from $1.8M to $2.5M to encourage more businesses and individuals to install charging infrastructures at their businesses or homes.

Natural Resources – Forest Preservation and Retention Passed the House. House Bill 723 modernizes our forest preservation strategy, updating forest goals and definitions to provide clarity and to reflect new data. The bill stipulates that all development projects must proceed with no net loss of trees and reauthorizes the practice of forest mitigation banking to achieve this goal. It also ensures local governments significantly greater flexibility to pursue solutions that meet local needs.

Economy - Expanding Tax Cuts – Wages

Fair Wage Act. I was a co-sponsor of The Fair Wage Act, which accelerates Maryland’s $15/hr minimum wage. It moves the state’s $15 minimum wage up from its January 1, 2025 timeline to January 1, 2024. The Fair Wage Act will increase wages for approximately 163,000 Maryland workers, benefitting 120,000 children in Maryland.

Family Prosperity Act of 2023. I was proud to co-sponsor House Bill 547 which will reduce childhood poverty and help Maryland families by making the 2021 expansion of Maryland’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) permanent. It expands the state’s Child Tax Credit to cover taxpayers with children 5 and under who have a federally adjusted gross income of $15,000 or less. The bill retains the existing credit for children older than 6, which only applies to children with disabilities and removes the $530 cap for adults without qualifying children. I’m thankful to the Governor for making Maryland’s working-class families a top priority of his legislative agenda.

Economic Development – Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program and Fund (Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023. House Bill 552, for which I co-sponsored, establishes the Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program within the state Department of Commerce to better support technology projects, develop innovation infrastructure, and bring needed jobs across the state. The program will leverage state dollars for grants to businesses, local governments, non-profits, and academic institutions for infrastructure and technology programs. The bill pairs with the existing Innovation Investment Tax Credit (IITC) and Biotechnology Investment Tax Credit (BIITC) to expand access to capital and bring about significant tech-driven investment in Maryland.

Serving Every Region Through Vocational Exploration Act of 2023. I was pleased to co-sponsor House Bill 546 that provides access and exposure to public service for young Marylanders by creating a service year option for high school graduates to work for community organizations and nonprofit groups. The program will serve as a springboard for participants to enter post-service year employment, higher education, or apprenticeships. This will create a lifelong culture of service in our young people and our communities across the state. The service year option will incorporate a flexible design to allow for programs that appeal to a broad spectrum of young people with a wide range of career interests.

Financial Regulation - Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund - Establishment (Access to Banking Act). House Bill 548, that I co-sponsored, incentivizes banks to stay in low to moderate income neighborhoods, provide better access to banking and establish and retain new business. The Governor’s bill establishes the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund to develop opportunities for banking institutions and credit unions to better serve needs of low- to moderate-income areas and encourage private investment.

Cannabis Reform. HB 556 creates an equitable licensing, tax and regulation framework for the new cannabis industry. The bill incorporates the best recreational cannabis practices from other states and learned lessons from the Maryland medical cannabis implementation. The legislation allows license seekers to apply for the combined medical and recreational adult-use licenses. It includes a low tax rate that will help discourage an illicit market while still helping fund support for social equity applicants and traditionally disenfranchised communities. It also creates a more equitable application process to give those who were disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, an equal opportunity to compete for licensees.

Supporting Education and Families

Higher Education - Maryland 529 Program – Reform. For months I’ve been appalled as I’ve personally spoken to dozens of families who have shared how they have been impacted by the unacceptable failure of the Maryland 529 Board. As a member of the House Appropriation Committee, we held the first hearings to get to the bottom of the collapse of leadership. Senate Bill 959 reforms the Maryland 529 Prepaid College Trust Program to address the program’s ongoing issues. The legislation abolishes the Maryland 529 Board, moves oversight of its programs to the Maryland State Treasurer, and phases out the troubled Prepaid College Trust. It also includes a claims process for those who were impacted and takes effect June 1, 2023. Please note, the Maryland 529 College Investment Plan has had no problems and is still a great way to save for college.

Trans Health Equity Act. As a proud co-sponsor, I was thrilled to see this legislation pass. HB 283 ensures Maryland Medicaid offers the same comprehensive healthcare coverage to the transgender community as private insurers already do! HB 283 reduces the significant health inequities for low-income Marylanders in the transgender community who do not have private commercial insurance, and it prevents state officials from interfering with the patient-provider and/or patient-parent-provider relationship. This is low cost, high impact, legislation which will increase mental wellbeing, reduces suicide, and save lives.

Blueprint for Maryland's Future - Publicly Funded Prekindergarten. HB 770 works to achieve the goals of the Blueprint to ensure that every child has access to high-quality prekindergarten. It expands access to full-day prekindergarten for more students in need by allowing homeless students, income eligible students with disabilities and income eligible students who come from a home in which English is not the primary spoken language to qualify for free full-day Prekindergarten.

Maryland Educator Shortage Act of 2023. I was excited to co-sponsor HB 1219, which addresses the record vacancies in Maryland’s schools by establishing the Teacher Development and Retention Program as a pilot initiative to encourage college students to pursue teaching careers. The pilot program will help recruit more diverse teachers by providing stipends for students enrolled in a teacher preparation course at certain HBCUs. The bill also enhances existing programs to recruit and retain new educators, including expanding existing teacher scholarships and reforming the way we qualify childcare providers.

Young Readers Program Act of 2023. HB 243 moves the Baltimore City Young Readers Program and the Young Readers Matching Grant Program to the State Library Agency. Additionally, it increases the appropriation for the statewide Young Readers Grant Matching Program which sends a free book every month to children under 5 to enhance reading, literacy and learning readiness at home to families that opt into the program.

Institutions of Higher Education – Transcripts. HB 384 prevents colleges and universities from withholding transcripts because of outstanding debt. Withholding transcripts prevents students from getting jobs or submitting applications to further their education. This bill will allow us to find fairer practices for recovering student debt.

Nonpublic Education - Placements of Children with Disabilities - Teacher Salaries Teacher Pay Parity Act. HB 448 requires a nonpublic school in which a child receiving special education services is placed to pay its teachers a salary that is equivalent to the local school salaries, phased in as specified over three years, beginning in 2025. These teachers are public school funded and should be paid the same salary as their counterparts who teach in public schools.

Supporting Service and our Veterans

Health Care for Heroes Act of 2023. Supporting the men and women that protect our country is one of the most important priorities we have in the Legislature. That is why I co-sponsored the cross-file of Senate Bill 554 that reimburses members of the National Guard for their health and dental premiums up to $60 dollars per month. This first-in-the-nation program will support our National Guard members and is an important recruitment and retention tool for service members.

Subtraction Modification for Military Retirement Income (Keep Our Heroes Home Act). I was a proud co-sponsor of HB 554 that expands the state’s existing tax exemption for military retirement income to encourage more of our military veterans to retire here at home in Maryland. Currently, retirees under age 55 may exempt up to $5,000 of military retirement income and retirees over age 55 may exempt up to $15,000. The legislation would eliminate the age distinction and allow for the exemption of up to $25,000 for the taxable year beginning after December 31, 2022, and $40,000 for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023.

Looking Forward

With the 445th legislative session behind us, I am looking forward to spending time again engaging directly with you in our community. As I have said many times, I don’t take this responsibility lightly or casually. As I carry out my work for you everyday, my motivation and mission is always the same - how can we continue to strengthen the amazing community we all live in. I pledge to continue working in the best interests of the entire district, as I have for the last three years.

I will be attending community events throughout the interim, and I hope to see you around the district soon. You can see our ever-changing schedule of events by going to my website at www.danajones30a.com or my social media (that you can find via my website) where I will be adding events regularly.

To stay up to date on the happenings here in the district, sign up for my newsletter via my website and please stay in touch with me throughout the year! If you need constituent assistance, do not hesitate to call or email the office at 410-841-3211 or Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us.

Stay safe & healthy,

Delegate Dana Jones

Dear Neighbor,

It is an absolute honor to represent Maryland’s District 30a in the legislature. I am so proud of what we have accomplished over the past two years. I am humbled to have been entrusted by my colleagues to take a more active leadership role, including leading the floor debate on a dozen bills, named as the Chair of the Education Subcommittee for the Anne Arundel County Delegation, and recently elected to the executive committee of the Maryland Women’s Caucus.

I treasure serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee where I’ve had the opportunity to work on so many critical issues. Our committee was assigned more bills than any other committee; from legislation to cut taxes and provide relief for Maryland families, to supporting our teachers, students, and parents through education policies, securing our elections, and ensuring elected officials are held accountable for campaign finance violations. I want to thank my fellow committee members, from both sides of the aisle, who I have worked with to pass well-informed, sound legislation that serves the needs of Marylanders.

This year, I was determined to pass legislation that would address the rise in crime we have seen in our communities. I voted for several measures that would not only address crime, but also the root causes of crime. I voted to help get “ghost guns” off our streets and to invest in behavioral health and public safety. I supported Republican Minority Leader Jason Buckel’s amendment on HB 425 that would have classified the theft of a firearm as a felony and established stricter penalties for this crime. We have seen too much crime and gun violence here in Annapolis and across the state. I believe it's past time that we take action against these criminals and acts of violence.

I sponsored thirteen bills, eight of which I’m proud to say passed the House, all with bipartisan support and some unanimously. We passed the largest tax cut package in state history that will provide $2 billion dollars of tax relief for retirees, Maryland families, and small businesses, which Governor Hogan hailed as, the “best session yet” of his eight years in office. As part of this historic tax relief the House introduced “Family Budget Boosters,” a package of six bills that brought targeted tax relief for families. I was the sponsor of two of the bills included in this package and co-sponsor on the other four. This package of bills will save Marylanders $300 million over the next five years. We also passed the Retirement Tax Elimination Act which would reduce, or in some cases remove, income tax for around 80% of Maryland’s retirees. This bipartisan agreement, which Governor Hogan described as “major and long-overdue relief” is a huge step in reducing the retiree tax burden.

In the pages to follow, I review this session’s highlights and accomplishments - including the nearly $60 million in state funding which I and my district mates, in coordination with the Governor, have secured for projects to better our district.

Funding For the District

This year, working with my fellow Delegation members, in coordination with the Governor’s Office, I helped to secure nearly $70 million in funding for the district. This includes $1,200,000 dedicated to the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation for the acquisition of Carrs and Sparrows Beach to preserve these historic properties, converting them into a state park where Marylanders can enjoy the outdoors while learning about their rich history. Additionally, we have secured funds for three dozen capital projects for numerous different community projects, including;

• Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park ($26,000,000)

• City Dock Stormwater & Flood Mitigation ($10,000,000)

• Anne Arundel County Local Parks, ($5,350,000)

• Historic Annapolis Restoration of the Brice House ($3,000,000) and an additional $970,000 for operating costs

• Girl Scouts Central Maryland Camp Woodlands ($2,000,000)

• Newtowne Community Resource Center ($1,500,000)

• New Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis ($830,000)

• Truxtun Park Improvements ($700,000)

• Stanton Community Center Renovation ($600,000)

• Anne Arundel Medical Center ($600,000)

• Aging Schools Program ($506,038)

• The Summit School ($500,000)

• South Shore Bike Trail ($500,000)

• Moving Annapolis Utilities Underground ($500,000)

• YWCA Trafficking Safe House ($350,000)

• Monarch Academy Gym ($325,000)

• Anne Arundel County Food Bank ($250,000)

• Improvements to our local Maryland State Police Barrack ($232,000)

• Sandy Point State Park Critical Maintenance Program ($180,000)

• Annapolis Maritime Museum ($190,216)

• Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse ($150,000)

• Highland Beach Community Pavilion ($125,000)

• Hillsmere Shores Restoration ($109,000)

• Anne Arundel County SPCA ($100,000)

• The Annapolis Ancient City Lodge No. 175 ($100,000)

• Upgrades to the Annapolis Middle School’s Athletic Facilities ($100,000)

• Rise and Shine Bakery ($100,000)

• The Annapolis Universal Lodge No. 14 ($100,000)

• Wellness House of Annapolis ($100,000)

• Acton’s Cove Park ($100,000)

• Langton Green Community Farm ($100,000)

• Woodside Gardens Track ($100,000)

• Crownsville Hospital Patient Cemetery Memorial ($100,000)

• Hammond-Harwood House Preservation/ Improvements ($75,000)

Supporting our Small Businesses & Non-profits

Disaster Relief - PASSED & On the Governor’s Desk

My bill, HB 386 would expand and streamline the ability of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to distribute relief money to small businesses and nonprofits who are in need after a natural disaster. The critical need for this legislation became clear last fall when a EF-2 tornado tore through the district and dozens of businesses sustained devastating damage. Unlike the response to the floods of October 2021, there was not a State of Emergency declared. Therefore, Maryland was unable to receive FEMA assistance and counties were not able to distribute certain relief funds. HB 386 would fix the problems seen in the aftermath of the tornado by allowing the Anne Arundel Small Minority and Women-Owned Business Account (SMWOBA) fund manager to issue grants in the case of a *local* emergency declaration - rather than just in Federal or State.

Targeting Crime in our Community

Like many of you, I am heartbroken, angry, and devastated over the senseless gunfire that has shattered the lives of families in Annapolis over the past year. I have had, and continue to have, ongoing conversations with law enforcement and our local partners about how we can better protect our residents and I am committed to working with my colleagues here in the legislature to better address violent crime in our communities.

Regulating Ghost Guns - PASSED, Veto Override & Enacted into Law

HB 425 addresses untraceable “ghost guns” on our streets by closing the loophole that has allowed for this new unregulated firearm market to exist. I am both proud and frankly relieved that the Maryland House chose to take this step in addressing gun violence in our state to better the health and safety of our residents. I additionally supported Republican Minority Leader Jason Buckel’s amendment on HB 425 that would have classified the theft of a firearm as a felony and established stricter penalties for this crime. We have experienced too much crime and gun violence here in Annapolis and across the state. I believe it's past time that we take action against these acts of violence.

Enhanced Security for Firearms Dealers - PASSED, Veto Override & Enacted into Law

I joined my colleagues in voting for HB 1021 which requires firearm dealers to put common sense security features like video cameras, burglary systems and safes in their shops to prevent stolen firearms. These enhanced security measures will prevent stolen firearms from going on the black market and used to commit crimes.

Judicial Transparency and Police Accountability - PASSED & On the Governor’s Desk

SB 763 requires judicial transparency measures to be implemented by the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy. Specifically, the Commission must collect and publish information for sentences involving a crime of violence, which will ensure more accountability from our courts. Too many repeat offenders are released back on our streets.

Tracking Firearm Crimes - PASSED & On the Governor’s Desk

I supported SB 861 which establishes and funds the Maryland State Police Gun Center. This gun center is responsible for the statewide tracking, screening, and vetting of all firearm crimes committed in the State. This will give our state police the data they need to investigate all firearm crimes so that we can get more criminals off the street.

Behavioral Health & Public Safety - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY On the Governor’s Desk

We have unfortunately seen a sharp rise in crime and substance abuse across the country as a means of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties it has brought. In response, I supported. HB 1018 which would give additional support to the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services to help bolster efforts in identifying and treating at-risk Marylanders. The bill will help to certify additional peer support specialists, provide additional funding for regional training workshops and behavioral health screenings, and improve behavioral health crisis responses to help save lives.

Expanding Tax Relief

Family Budget Boosters - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY & Signed by Governor

Earlier this year Speaker Adrienne Jones, Majority Leader Eric Luedtke, and Chairwoman Vanessa Atterbeary, announced the Family Budget Boosters tax relief package to help bring relief to Maryland families. I sponsored two of the six bills in this package; My bill HB 282 exempts diapers from sales taxes while, HB 288 for whom I partnered with Delegate Brian Crosby, exempts baby car seats, bottles & baby bottles accessories from sales tax. This package of bills for which I was the co-sponsor on the remaining four, will save Marylanders $300 million over the next five years in targeted tax relief.

Retirement Tax Elimination Act - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY & Signed by Governor

I was so eager to support HB 420/SB 405, a bipartisan bill to bring overdue tax relief for retirees aged 65 and older making up to $100,000 in retirement income (or $150,000 for married couples). This bill will provide 80% of Maryland retirees substantial tax relief, and in some cases, no state income tax at all, providing $1.55 billion in relief.

Motor Fuel Taxes, Tax–Free Period - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY & Signed by Governor

I co-sponsored HB 1486 which made Maryland the first state in the nation to suspend the motor fuel tax. Maryland families are suffering from sky-high gasoline prices. This legislation provided $93.6 million in relief to help Marylanders get through this tumultuous time as we allow gas prices to stabilize.

Supporting our Law Enforcement Officers - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY in the House - Ran out of Time Finding a Consensus with Senate

My bill, HB 285, expands an existing benefit to disabled Federal agents. Many counties, including Anne Arundel, already extended this benefit to State Officers injured on the job. This bill would add Federal job series: 0083 and 1811 which encompasses officers in the U.S. Capitol Police, ATF, CIA, NIH, USPS, the Supreme Court Police, Pentagon Police – just to name a few. Last year, we watched in horror as insurrectionists stormed the Capital. The only thing that stopped these violent actors from reaching our elected officials and staff was the heroic actions taken by our Capitol Police Officers and Metropolitan Police. I believe extending this property tax credit to disabled Federal agents shows how we value these Federal officers from Maryland, their families & their dedication to our country. It shows our intent on retaining these brave men and women in Maryland as neighbors, community members & heroes.

E-Z Pass Terms and Conditions - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY & On the Governor’s Desk

Throughout the past year, many constituents have contacted the office concerned with E-Z Pass billing problems. Some individuals were charged hundreds or thousands of dollars over what they should have been paying. HB 335 will alter the terms and conditions for E-Z Pass accounts, allowing a person to dispute charges or fees up to at least three years after the charge or fee is posted to the account.

Supporting Our Schools, Our Students, and Parents

Time to Care Act - Family & Medical Leave - PASSED, Veto Override & Enacted into Law

No one should have to choose between the job they need and the family they love. That is why I was eager to support SB 275 which established a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, enabling workers to take up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave for family circumstances such as caring for sick relatives or having a baby. It would provide up to 24 weeks for a parent, if they had a serious health issue in the year of a child’s birth.

Maryland Student Investment Act - PASSED & On the Governor’s Desk

In addition to supporting Blueprint funding, I supported HB 734, the Maryland Student Investment Act, which will help expand access to higher education. It makes college more affordable for Maryland students by increasing funding to the State’s financial aid program. I think this is a commonsense step for Maryland as we continue to invest in our higher education system.

School Bus Driver Wage Study - PASSED & On the Governor’s Desk

For years, local school boards have struggled to recruit and retain an adequate number of school bus drivers to ensure our students have reliable transportation to school. Many of you felt the impact of this school year when school bus drivers left their jobs for higher-paying positions with companies like Amazon and UPS. In response, I introduced HB 753 to alleviate the challenges of hiring qualified bus drivers. This bill will help local jurisdictions identify issues related to school bus driver wages so they can make more informed decisions about how to attract and retain these desperately needed employees, and will help ensure all students have access to safe and reliable transportation to and from school.

School Bus Capacity - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY in the House

HB 283, a reintroduction of my school bus safety bill from last year, would require school buses to be routed with the intent that the number of students on the bus does not exceed the manufacturer's rated capacity. This commonsense bill passed the House nearly unanimously the past two years.

Expanding Childcare - PASSED & On the Governor’s Desk

With childcare costs soaring, I was happy to support HB 89, the Child Care Stabilization and Child Care Expansion Grant Programs, which prioritizes child care providers most in need for the State’s $50 million stabilization grant. This legislation will allow child care providers most in need a better opportunity to take advantage of the grant this fiscal year. I supported four additional bills that will help expand access to childcare and support staff including:

• HB 725 - Children - Therapeutic Child Care Grant Program - Establishment

• HB 993 - Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund

• HB 995 - Early Childhood Development - Child Care Scholarship Program

• HB 1100 - Child Care Providers and Employees - Bonuses

Making Voting More Accessible

This Session, as a member of the Election Law Subcommittee, I sponsored three election bills; removing limited restrictions on polling locations, raising the pay for election judges, and strengthening our campaign finance laws.

Expanding Polling Locations - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY & On the Governor’s Desk

HB 328 is a bill that would help our state and local boards of election make voting more accessible to voters by removing outdated restrictions on locations that can be used for polling locations.

Strengthening Campaign Finance - PASSED & On the Governor’s Desk

HB 340 would strengthen our campaign finance laws and give prosecutors the tools they need to hold politicians and contributors who maliciously break the law accountable.

Fair Wages for Election Judges - Ran out of Time Finding a Consensus

HB 327 would raise the daily wages for election judges. Ensuring that our election judges are paid a minimum wage is the least we can do for those who facilitate the very foundation of our democracy. I was proud to have the support of Attorney General Brian Frosh and agree with his statement that “Election judges stand at the front lines of democracy; their work makes it possible.” Unfortunately, we did not reach a compromise in time with HB 327, but I will reintroduce it next year to ensure that we compensate those administering the very foundation of our democratic process.

Protecting Voting Rights - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY & On the Governor’s Desk

In addition to my own bills, I supported SB 158 which requires the State and local boards of elections to provide at least the same number of in-person polling locations as the 2018 election. This emergency legislation was in response to attempts made by local boards of elections to conduct a consolidation of polling places, and was needed to prevent any chance of voter suppression. While states across the country have experienced anti-democracy legislation in recent years, Maryland will continue to be a leader and ensure equal access to the ballot and expand voting opportunities.

Ballot Initiative: Legalizing Cannabis - PASSED, Veto Override & Enacted into Law

I supported HB 1 which puts a referendum for legalizing cannabis for individuals 21 or older on the 2022 General Election ballot, allowing you the voter to decide. Additionally, I supported HB 837 which addresses criminal justice and public health issues facing legalization while building the necessary foundation to create social equity in the recreational cannabis industry. This bill automatically expunges the conviction of anyone previously found guilty of simple possession of marijuana, giving individuals an opportunity to help them regain critical access to housing and economic opportunity.

Protecting our Environment

Climate Solutions Now Act -PASSED & On the Governor’s Desk

I supported SB 528, the Climate Solutions Now Act. This landmark legislation strengthens Maryland’s commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change by setting achievable goals to reduce greenhouse gasses and meet the goal of net-zero statewide emissions by 2045. This bill proves that Maryland is a national leader when it comes to addressing climate change.

Great Maryland Outdoors Act - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY & On the Governor’s Desk

Our State Parks here in Maryland are a treasured resource that are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people each year (including my family and I!). This was highlighted during the pandemic when the public use of and demand for parks increased dramatically. I joined several of my colleagues in co-sponsoring HB 727, the Great Maryland Outdoors Act. This will be the largest investment in our State Parks in Maryland history. The bill addresses overcrowding & understaffing at our parks, addresses the deep backlog of critical repairs, and helps create new State parks - like Carr’s Beach here in D30a!

Invasive and Native Plants - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY & On the Governor’s Desk

English Ivy and other invasive plant species are choking Maryland’s native trees, threatening farmland’s, and degrading our natural biodiversity. HB 15, which I was a cosponsor of, requires a necessary update to Maryland’s list of invasive plants, requires a public listing of native species, and prioritizes the use of native plants in public projects.

Ensuring Access to Clean Water - PASSED & On the Governor’s Desk

Access to clean water is an important fundamental right that should be granted to each and every resident. Unfortunately, Maryland has not always done the best job at ensuring this right. That is why I supported HB 649 which gives the Maryland Department of the Environment the tools to improve the water pollution inspection process and end “zombie” permits - water discharge permits that have expired but continue to be used. This will prevent water pollution, ensure the safety of the state’s drinking water system, and prevent water contamination issues seen in places like Flint, Michigan.

Addressing the Conowingo Dam & Taking on Exelon - In the Courts

The Conowingo Dam has not been properly maintained for years, resulting in frequent overflows that release massive amounts of harmful nutrients and dangerous debris into the Bay. We saw this here in the district in 2018 when dangerous debris overwhelmed our shorelines and left waterways unnavigable. Unfortunately, the recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license allows Exelon to continue to operate the Dam without having to adequately address the ecological impacts, leaving Maryland taxpayers to foot the bill. What's worse is that as part of this license, Maryland has waived its clean water rights for the next 50 years, forfeiting over $8.5 billion. This January, I joined three other colleagues in signing onto an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit challenging the FERC decision. I look forward to continuing to fight for what's right and holding private corporations accountable.

Fighting for Equality

Reproductive Health Care Access - PASSED, Veto Override & Enacted into Law

While the right to abortion has been Maryland law since 1992, more than two-thirds of Maryland counties don't have an abortion provider. Qualified providers are prevented from providing abortion care due to outdated language, and across the state, Marylanders are forced to pay out of pocket or seek third-party funding systems to pay for their healthcare. That is why I co-sponsored HB 937, which expands access by lifting restrictions on qualified abortion providers, dedicates funding for health care professionals who want to train in abortion care, and ensures that insurance covers abortion for Marylanders without cost-sharing. With this bill’s passage, Maryland will be the 15th state to allow trained medical practitioners to provide abortion care which is nearly identical to the miscarriage management care these healthcare professionals are already providing in Maryland. There was no opposition to this bill from the public health community, provider groups, state agencies or insurance carriers. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and its Maryland chapter strongly support the bill. The House voted to pass HB 937 with a vote of 89-47 and then later overrode the Governor’s veto of this legislation 90-46. While other states are severely limiting women's healthcare, this Session, Maryland chose to expand it.

Additionally, I supported HB 1171 which would have put a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot that would guarantee reproductive liberty in Maryland’s Constitution. Enshrining reproductive liberty in Maryland’s Constitution would ensure that access to reproductive health care can never be negotiated or bargained for. Although the Constitutional Amendment passed in the House, it did not receive a vote in the Senate and will not be on the ballot in November.

Restoration of Honor Act - PASSED in the House & On the Governor’s Desk

Nearly 13,000 service members were discharged during the 17 years the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was in place. These military service men and women who were forced to leave the military due to their sexual orientation were not given the dignity of an honorable discharge. HB 1380 would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adopt regulations to determine whether an individual qualifies as an honorably discharged Veteran. This will ensure that service members who were discriminated against by this policy are able to take advantage of State programs of benefits, rights, and privileges applicable to veterans.

Standing with Ukraine

We have watched in horror and disbelief as Russia has carried out its invasion of Ukraine. This Session, Maryland leaders joined together for a vigil at the State House to stand in solidarity with the country and people of Ukraine. Later, I joined my colleagues in passing House Joint Resolution 8, which declares that the State of Maryland stands in solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine as they resist the unprovoked invasion of their country by the Russian Federation and encourages all Marylanders to assist as they are able in providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine affected by this conflict.

Divestment From Russia - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY & On the Governor’s Desk

I joined my colleagues in co-sponsoring legislation that takes a stand against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. HB 1482 aids in the process of divesting our state's pension system from Russian assets. I'm proud that the General Assembly took this step to support Ukraine.

Looking Forward

With the 444th legislative session behind us, I am looking forward to spending time again engaging directly with you in our community. I will be attending many community events over the next few months, and I will be hosting several public forums in communities throughout the district to give constituents an opportunity to tell us about the issues which matter most to them! You can see our ever-changing schedule of events by going to my website at www.danajones30a.com where I will be adding events weekly.

It is an absolute honor to represent you during this historic session, and I hope to see you around the district soon. Please feel free to sign up for my newsletter via my social media pages or my website and stay in touch with me throughout the year. If you need constituent assistance, please do not hesitate to call or email the office at 410-841-3211 or Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us.

Stay safe & healthy,

Delegate Dana Jones

Dear Neighbor,

Maryland’s 442nd Legislative Session was unlike any other in the history of this state. Legislating during a pandemic has brought about many challenges. The Washington Post, I think captured it best - “This year’s marathon of lawmaking was unlike any in the four centuries that preceded it, reshaped by the coronavirus pandemic and a national reckoning on systemic racism.” Despite the unprecedented circumstances, my team and I were able to pass all four bills that I introduced this Session through the House of Delegates and helped to secure over $10 million in capital funds that will fund projects throughout District 30a. My committee members and I met over 100 times and sat in on over 300 bill hearings. All of this was in addition to the countless hours spent voting on the floor for the 2,359 bills and resolutions that were introduced this session.

In the Jones 30a office, thousands of requests for assistance and correspondence were received in the 90-day session. On top of all of the normal legislative correspondence the office receives during a Session, we continued to provide COVID-related assistance, including helping nearly 600 constituents with their Unemployment Insurance claims, answering COVID-19 testing questions, and assisting constituents in making vaccine appointments. We continued to support our community by sharing grant opportunities and economic relief packages in our weekly newsletters and on our social media pages. At the helm was our extraordinary Chief of Staff, Lydia McPherson, whose professionalism and love of her home district are unmatched. The Jones office team of Heidi, Casey, Katherine & David have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the residents of our district, and I’m forever grateful.

I am so thankful for the Maryland General Assembly staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep things up and running in this unprecedented Session. All of their additional planning and preparation kept everyone safe and healthy. Their dedication to the state of Maryland and the legislative process has been heroic.

I hope this letter conveys the seriousness from which my colleagues and I approached the critical times we as a state and nation find ourselves. I am thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, that I worked closely with these last few months, many of whom I have known for many years. If you are receiving this letter by mail, it is because you reached out to our office for which I am thankful, as I want to hear from all of you about the issues you care about or if you ever need assistance. I hope you find the following abbreviated rundown helpful and informative.

My Legislation

For my first legislative session as your Delegate, I introduced four bills - all of which passed in the House and two of which made it to the Governor’s desk and are awaiting his signature to become law. This is in addition to the legislation I co-sponsored.

Diaper Donations - Tax Deduction - PASSED

HB 711 incentivizes the donations of diapers for children and infants and personal sanitary products by creating a tax deduction of up to $1,000 for donations. This bill passed both the House and Senate UNANIMOUSLY. From working with food donation lines throughout my district, I know firsthand that diapers and other hygiene products are often the first to run out. Food banks and diaper pantries did not have the supply to keep up with demand which COVID has escalated.

Student Data Privacy - Passed in the House

HB 1062, the Student Data Privacy bill, ensures that our student's personal data is protected from fraud, theft, and intrusive marketing. It also creates a reporting requirement for school systems to increase transparency for parents & taxpayers. I am disappointed to report that this bill passed the House but ran out of time in the Senate. I am hopeful that next year we will be able to get this critical legislation through the Senate.

Tax Study & Government Transparency - PASSED

HB 712, a simple bill to improve government transparency and efficiency, has passed! Since 2007, the Bureau of Revenue Estimates has conducted a “Tax Incidence Study,” which identifies where Maryland’s tax burden lies and helps legislators, like me, make informed decisions. This bill would expand the scope of this study to use a wider range of data to make it as comprehensive as possible. This will further help lawmakers create informed and effective policies.

School Bus Safety - Passed the House

HB 87 aimed to improve school bus safety by helping to ensure every student has a seat on their way to and from school. Multiple audit reports have found that school systems across the state are not managing their transportation services efficiently and suggest that overcrowded busses could be solved simply through the use of routing software already owned by the counties. Although this bill passed UNANIMOUSLY through the House, we ran out of time in the Senate.

Co-Sponsored Legislation

Tax Refunds - PASSED

HB 158 clarifies the tax code in response to SDAT shortchanging Maryland homeowners by miscalculating a tax credit. This bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and is on the Governor’s desk to be signed.

Closing the Digital Divide - PASSED

When I was first appointed, one of my goals was to do everything in my power to help close the digital divide, especially for our students. That is why I proudly co-sponsored HB 97, known as the Digital Connectivity Act of 2021. This legislation establishes the Office of Statewide Broadband to provide grants to local governments and nonprofits to increase access to high-speed internet and to assist in the development of an affordable broadband internet infrastructure.

COVID Relief

I was appointed just two weeks after Maryland entered into a stay-at-home order. I have seen firsthand the devastation that this pandemic has had on our community, and these hardships have been at the forefront of my mind every day since I took office.

RELIEF Act - PASSED

In light of the unprecedented need, the House passed the Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs, and Families (RELIEF) Act (SB 496). This emergency legislation provided over $1.5 billion in pandemic relief. The RELIEF Act will infuse the State’s economy with $509 million in spending and provide over $1 billion in tax relief and credits to benefit both individuals and small businesses.

Unemployment Comprehensive Package - PASSED

In an effort led by Speaker Jones and Senate President Ferguson, the Maryland General Assembly took historic action to reform our broken unemployment system. A comprehensive package of several bills (HB 907, HB 908, HB 1138, HB 1139, HB 1143) was passed by the legislature and signed into law this session to improve customer service, create more accountability, and plan for the next emergency. These bills will modernize our state UI system to ensure that Marylanders can get the money they deserve.

Funding For the District

This year, working with my fellow Delegation members, in coordination with the Governor’s Office, I helped to secure over $10 million in funding for the district, including restoring the "Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT)" program for the City of Annapolis. This $760,500 program supports services that the City provides to State buildings, including police, fire, first responder, and snow removal. Additional funds will be used for capital projects for numerous different community organizations, including-

• Local Parks and Playgrounds ($9,000,000) for Anne Arundel County and ($1,000,000) for the City of Annapolis

• St. John's College Renovations ($5,000,000)

• City Dock Stormwater & Flood Mitigation ($1,400,000)

• Historic Annapolis ($1,000,000)

• Stanton Community Center ($500,000)

• Anne Arundel Medical Center ($336,000)

• Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) ( $325,000)

• Undergrounding of utilities ($250,000)

• Brewer Hill Cemetery ($100,000)

• Banneker-Douglass Museum ($75,000 )

• Peerless Rens Club ($70,000)

• PAL Park Athletic League ($45,000)

• Chesapeake Children’s Museum ($25,000)

• Chesapeake Conservancy Community Garden of Edgewater ($10,000)
  

The most recent revenue and budget projections show that Maryland’s general fund is doing much better than expected. The Maryland General Assembly passed a $52.4 billion budget that puts $2.1 billion back into our cash reserves, including $1.4 billion in the Rainy Day Fund and $696 million in the General Fund that erases projected budget shortfalls through 2024. Plus, the new capital budget is projected to create nearly 30,000 jobs at a time when many Marylanders are still struggling to find jobs as we recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, we invested $600 million to reopen schools safely to keep our students and teachers healthy as we get back to the desperately needed, in-person, class schedule. We dedicated $572 million to expand COVID testing, contact tracing, and vaccinations to help our state recover from this pandemic as quickly as possible and $1.6 billion to rebuild our Transportation and Unemployment Insurance Trust Funds to ensure these essential programs have the funding they need. We invested $85 million into local parks and playgrounds throughout the State to ensure that Marylanders have access to outdoor green spaces that have been a central part of our daily lives during the pandemic. I am confident that my colleagues and I have passed a budget that has balanced the needs of our constituents with staying fiscally responsible.

Local Bills

Hotel Tax Transparency - PASSED

SB 529 / HB 901 will grant Anne Arundel County oversight of private organizations that receive mandated funding from the county hotel tax revenue. This will increase transparency and allow Anne Arundel County to ensure these funds are being used responsibly.

Housing Trust Fund - PASSED

I supported HB 933 which enables the County Council to create a Housing Trust Fund with revenue from the county transfer tax on transactions over $1 million. I look forward to working with the County Council to create housing affordability for our residents.

Local Tax Relief for Working Families Act - PASSED

Lower and middle-class families were among those hit hardest by the pandemic. That is why I voted in support of SB 133 / HB 319, the Local Tax Relief for Working Families Act. This will enable counties to set local income taxes at a progressive rate, allowing each county the option of lowering taxes on the majority of residents with a minimal increase on taxpayers with the very highest incomes. This is a tax model that the state already uses and will help our counties provide tax relief to our working families.

Tax Relief

Advocating for Small Businesses

In just the first ten months of the pandemic, 30,000 small businesses were forced to close their doors. Now more than ever, it is essential that our government supports our small businesses and not burden them with new taxes. That is why I decided to vote against overriding the Governor's veto of HB 732, which implements a new tax on digital advertisements. At a time where most of us were stuck at home, these businesses were forced to shift to a virtual presence to engage with their customers. I did not think it was fair to place a new tax on small businesses for simply promoting themselves in these difficult times. Additionally, I supported HB 12, which allows our restaurants to continue selling alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, and cocktails for off-premises consumption as they recover from the effects of the COVID pandemic. As many of you know I have been supporting & encouraging others to support our local eateries with #DelegatDanaDinesOut.

Relief for ALL Taxpayers - PASSED

SB 218 creates a Maryland Child Tax Credit of up to $500 for very low-income Marylanders who have a child with a disability and provides tax relief to Marylanders who file their taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (I-TIN). These individuals were left out of the $1.5 billion RELIEF Act despite the fact that Marylanders with ITINs pay $332 million a year in state and local taxes, including $108 million in income taxes. I was proud to support this bill when it came up for a vote in both my committee and on the House Floor.

Common Sense Gun Legislation

Sales, Rentals, and Transfers - VETO OVERTURNED

As someone born and raised in the Mountains of Western Maryland, I respect and support the rights of responsible hunters. However, I think it essential to have reasonable background checks to keep individuals safe. By April 16th of this year, there have been 53 mass shootings in the last 30 days - a horrific 147 this year in America. HB 4 simply closes a loophole in the background check process for long gun (rifle and shotgun) transfers. Just three years ago, the deadly Capital Gazette shooting took the lives of five local Annapolis reporters. The attack was carried out by a man who, at that time, bought a shotgun, which were much less regulated than handguns and semiautomatic weapons. This crucial public safety legislation ensures that all rifle and shotgun transfers are done above board by requiring a licensed firearms dealer to facilitate a private long gun sale. I proudly joined the majority of my colleagues in successfully voting to overturn Governor Hogan’s veto on this bill.

Violence Intervention

I joined many of my colleagues in overriding a number of vetoed bills that aim to address public safety, including;

• SB 708 which would bolster the Maryland Violence Intervention and Prevention Program,

• SB 907 which creates a statewide crime plan

• SB 929 which increases coordination between State and local agencies.

Additionally, we passed SB 800, the Inmate Training and Job Act of 2021, which expands educational and vocational training opportunities for individuals re-entering society to minimize recidivism.

Education Reform

Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - VETO OVERTURNED

HB 1300, known as “the Blueprint,” will revolutionize Maryland’s education system. The plan expands pre-kindergarten access, prioritizes hiring practices to attract and retain the most qualified teachers, and dedicates resources to help more Maryland students become college and career-ready. The bill also addresses inequities in schools through reworking our current funding formula. These students often rely on their schools not only for an education, but for essential mental and physical healthcare services, which would be expanded under the Blueprint. The House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto of this bill.

Blueprint 2.0 - PASSED

HB 1372 - the Blueprint 2.0 will build upon the original legislation to address pandemic-related learning loss and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. The majority of our students had switched to remote learning due to the pandemic causing learning loss, often referred to as the “COVID Slide.” This has been especially impactful for students from lower-income families with limited access to high-quality internet. I was proud to support this bill as it came through my committee and voted yes on the House floor.

Expanding Voting Rights

While we continue to see news coverage of other states restricting voting rights, here in Maryland, we continue to expand this fundamental right of our democracy. There were dozens of voting rights bills introduced this session which build upon lessons learned from the highly effective and secure mail-in voting system utilized for the 2020 election. All of these bills were a priority to me, not only as a voter but as a member of the Election Law subcommittee. I was proud to support access to voting because standing up for an American principle is never partisan.

Mail-in Voting - PASSED

We passed SB 683, which will create a permanent absentee ballot list to make it easier to vote by mail. This incredibly secure but easy way of voting will help simplify the voting process.

Early Voting - Both PASSED

Early voting has proven to help increase voter turnout by giving individuals more access to in-person voting sites.

• HB 745 expands the number of Early Vote sites in almost every jurisdiction.

• HB 206 expands the hours of operation for early voting sites to match the hours of operation of election day sites to increase voter access and cut back on any confusion.

Prioritizing Mental Health

The Thomas Bloom Raskin Act - PASSED

COVID has meant that we did not have the same access to our support networks when trying to deal with the grief of a global pandemic & economic uncertainty. The difficulty of this past year is why I was adamant in my support of HB 812, which aims to make mental health resources more available to Marylanders by establishing a new phone service. A call center will make periodic calls to people who have signed up for this new program and will connect people with mental health providers when requested. In a very moving motion, the bill was renamed the “Thomas Bloom Raskin Act” to honor U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin’s 25-year-old son Tommy, who died by suicide on New Year’s Eve 2020.

Justice Reform

Police Reform and Accountability Act of 2021 - PASSED & Vetoed Overturned

In the months before Session, my seatmates and I have met with advocates, police officers, and local officials to gain insight into our local police departments. During the 2020 interim, the Maryland Senate and House engaged committee hearings and workgroup analysis to develop police reform policy recommendations for our 2021 legislative session. Collectively, the workgroups facilitated more than 15 hours of oral testimony and briefings as well as accepted written testimony from members of the public and organizations including; the Maryland State’s Attorneys Association, Maryland Office of the Public Defender, State Law Enforcement Officers Labor Union, Maryland Police Standards and Training Commission, NAACP, Public Justice Center, American Civil Liberties Union, among others. I was honored to join the majority of my colleagues in addressing statewide police reform by voting yes on HB 670. This comprehensive, bipartisan police reform bill is based on the workgroup’s recommendations, which balances police accountability with new support programs for law enforcement. I agree with the Republican House Minority Leader that ‘this is a very balanced approach to improvements in policing.’

Juvenile Restoration Act - PASSED & Vetoed Overturned

HB 409/ SB 409 allows those sentenced as youth to have an opportunity for judicial review of parole after 20 years of incarceration. Although this legislation had bipartisan support and passed in both chambers, the Governor chose to veto it.

Dignity Not Detention Act - PASSED

HB 16 prohibits local jails from financially benefiting off of federal contracts at the expense of immigrants and other marginalized communities. In many cases you may have seen in the news, citizens legally going through the immigration process were picked up for no reason. Some counties were making money seeking out and picking up folks to detain. Counties should not be making a profit from taking residents from their families and placing them in detention; we are better than that. I will never support the separation of families.

Protecting Our Environment

Plastic Bag Ban - Passed the House

HB 314, which prohibits retail establishments from distributing plastic shopping bags to customers, passed in the House. Had this bill passed in the Senate, Maryland would have joined the nine other states that already have a statewide bag ban in place. I am hopeful that we are successful next Session.

Balloons Releases - PASSED

HB 391 prohibits the intentional release of balloons into the atmosphere, which is a simple, yet meaningful way to eliminate a source of harmful litter. What goes up must come down, and balloons that end up in waterways pose a serious threat to marine life, animals & have even caused serious traffic problems. That is why I voted yes on this commonsense bill.

Protecting the Bay - Both PASSED

The Chesapeake Bay is one of Maryland’s most precious natural resources. We rely on the health of our Bay as a major economic resource and for its important cultural significance. I was happy to support both HB 507, the Clean Water Commerce Act, which would increase the Bay Restoration Fund Wastewater Account, and HB 295, which modernized stormwater management plans. These bills will help our state get one step closer to our restoration goals.

Climate Solutions Now Act - Passed in the House and Senate (Stalled in Conference Committee)

I was so proud to vote yes on HB 583 / SB 414, the Climate Solutions Now Act. Sadly, the Senate & House could not come to an agreement, but aspects of this important piece of legislation were covered in other bills. Some of those included: HB 991 creating a program to plant 5 million new trees, HB 1207 strengthening the Environmental Justice Commission, and SB 137, the zero-emissions bus bill.

Office of People's Counsel Environmental Reform Act - PASSED

I also voted for HB 30, Office of People's Counsel Environmental Reform Act, which passed both the House and Senate! This will require OPC to establish a Climate Council to better accommodate the environmental needs of residents regarding energy and utility services, ensuring that climate change is part of the conversation when energy and utility regulations are considered at the Public Service Commission.

Looking Forward

With this year’s legislative session behind us, our office is looking forward to having more time again to engage directly with our community. This summer, we will be hosting several drives that will directly support various charitable organizations and nonprofits throughout our community. The “Delegate Jones’ Summer of Giving” will kick off in May with a supplies drive in honor of Period Poverty week (May 25 to 31). Make sure to check my social media pages for more details.

It is an honor to represent you in the House of Delegates, and I hope to see you around the district this summer. Please feel free to sign up for my newsletter via my social media pages and stay in touch with me throughout the year. Let me know how I can better serve you by calling or emailing the office: 410-841-3211 or Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us

Stay safe & healthy,

Delegate Dana Jones