Passed - Student Data Privacy

With just over 30 days left in the 2022 Session, things in the Maryland General Assembly are busier than ever. I am so excited to say that this week HB 769, the Student Data Privacy Act, passed the House with bipartisan support and an overwhelming majority, making it the third bill of my bills to pass the chamber. I am so glad that my colleagues supported this critical step in updating our laws to reflect our increasingly digital age.

We additionally passed HB 425, a bill that would help get untraceable “ghost guns” off our streets by closing the loophole that has allowed for an unregulated untraceable firearm market to exist. I am both proud and frankly relieved that the Maryland House is choosing to take this step in addressing gun violence in our state to better the health and safety of our residents.

I also voted on an amendment 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 country. I believe it's past time we take action against these acts of violence.

Standing with Ukraine

Last week I joined hundreds of my fellow Marylanders in participating in a vigil to stand in solidarity with the country and people of Ukraine. This week, I'm turning words into action.

Today I joined my colleagues in co-sponsoring legislation that takes a stand against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This legislation would aid in the process of divesting our state's pension system from Russian assets. I'm proud that the General Assembly is taking this step to be a part of it.

Women Leading Anne Arundel

I was honored to join my District 30 colleagues Senator Sarah Elfreth, Delegate Shaneka Henson, and Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Trisha Wolford to celebrate Women’s History Month, and chat about our careers in an Anne Arundel County Public Library-sponsored virtual event this week. Thank you to everyone who joined, and for the incredible discussion!

State House Construction Virtual Public Meeting

The City of Annapolis, Maryland Stadium Authority and the Department of General Services are co-hosting a public information session (virtual) to explain coordinated construction in the area of the Maryland State House over the next 36 months. The session is at 6 p.m. on March 15 and is open to the public.

To participate or to request an invitation, send an email to: livetestimony@annapolis.gov. You can view the meeting on March 15 (without the ability to participate), go to www.youtube.com/CityofAnnapolis.

Celebrating Harriet Tubman Day!

2022 marks the 200th anniversary of Tubman's birth on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This weekend Chris Haley, Director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland, will participate in the bicentennial celebrations at the Harriet Tubman Discovery Center in Dorchester County. This FREE talk is happening on Sunday, March 13 at 2:00pm at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park.

For the full program of commemorative activities and events honoring this incredible Maryland native, click here!

Mental Health Awareness Poster Contest

The My Life Foundation is hosting a Mental Health Awareness poster contest for students in grades 6- 12 that live in Anne Arundel County. Students participating in the poster contest are required to attend one of two classes on either suicide prevention (hosted 3/26/22 from 2 - 4pm), or Mental Health Disorder Awareness (hosted 4/2/22 from 2 - 4pm). Poster submissions are accepted through April 30, 2022. Winners will be announced on May 10, 2022. Register here.

Farm Bureau Scholarships Available

Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau scholarship application is now available online. Scholarships are available to any student planning to earn an agriculture or agricultural-related degree. Parents or students must be or become a member of Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau in order to receive the scholarship. The amount for the scholarship is $2,000 per year.

For more information, you can check out the official application here.

Book Drive Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club

March is #NationalReadingMonth! As a reminder, this month, I am collecting new and gently used books for grades pre-K - 12th through March 11. All books collected will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club at Wiley H. Bates Heritage Park here in Annapolis.

The Bates Club is a wonderful facility which offers an abundance of activities and caring staff that serves children of all ages here in Annapolis. They have a lovely library which needs gently used books. My hope is to fill those shelves with books for which children can choose to read at the Bates Club - or take home and keep!

Contact my office directly if you’d like to coordinate a drop-off at my office.

Love Our Libraries

This month, AACPL is hosting a number of events around Women’s History - from a Girl Power story time to discussions around Women in Space and the History of Women’s Suffrage. The full calendar of women’s history events can be found here.

I encourage everyone to follow the Anne Arundel County Public Library’s Facebook page to get updates on programs and new resources. You can check out their calendar to find the perfect event for you and your family to enjoy!

Watermark Tours

This week, the Watermark Tour Guides joined the District 30 Delegation at the State House last week for a Q&A. These tour guides provide critical history and context to those visiting our State House and City and I am so grateful for the work they do to make the history around our city and the State House fun and engaging for the community and visitors.

Daylight Savings is back!

Spring has sprung (almost!) and daylight savings time is here! Don’t forget to change your clocks this Sunday, March 13, 2022. AND while you’re at it, make sure to check the batteries in your fire alarm. Enjoy the added daylight!

Annapolis Eyes are Smiling

Sunday was the perfect day to welcome back the St. Patrick's Day Parade with a tremendous crowd & beautiful weather! I had so much fun walking in the Parade with Jennifer's Journey.

This cause is one that my family & I have supported for years & years. We do this to help raise awareness, and funds to support Cystic Fibrosis research. You can still join me in supporting this cause.

Thank you John O'Leary & everyone at Annapolis St. Patrick's Parade! I can’t tell you how much I loved seeing everyone's faces! Thank you to all the friends & neighbors who came out to support last weekend's fantastic parade!!

You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit my new website to learn about volunteer opportunities, community resources, COVID-19 updates, and much more. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact my office by email at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3211.

Stay safe and healthy,

Delegate Dana Jones District 30A, Annapolis & Anne Arundel County