December 18, 2024

Dear Friend:

In a few short weeks, the Senate will convene for our annual 90-day session. My bills this year address a wide array of issues, from improving public safety to supporting our nonprofits. I “pre-filed” a whopping 11 bills for the upcoming session, which means that you will be able to review them soon. Read on to learn more about my agenda.

We should increase transparency, simplify language for ballot measures, and remove barriers to voter registration. Although my similar bill passed the Senate but did not move in the House last year, Del. Julie Palakovich Carr and I are bringing back legislation to close the campaign finance loophole for Exploratory Committees with renewed energy.

Roughly 25% of our legislators were selected (appointed) rather than elected. Voters should choose their leaders, and my Constitutional Amendment (SB2) will mandate this for certain vacancies.

I have been working closely with Maryland Nonprofits and will be introducing three bills in 2025 to aid our nonprofit sector.

An interest-free revolving loan fund would help nonprofits shift to renewable energy systems. This idea was so compelling that it inspired a federal program, thanks to Rep. Jamie Raskin! “G.R.E.E.N.” has passed the Senate unanimously three times, and I am hopeful that a new funding source will get it through the House.

I am sponsoring two more bills to ease administrative burdens on our nonprofits: We should align Maryland cost formulas with federal guidelines and create a “Nonprofit Navigator” to help these vital community partners address grant issues, share information, and resolve other challenges they may face.

Our 9-1-1 call centers are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Last year, I sponsored legislation to penalize the criminals behind these attacks, thus making our emergency response system more secure. While this bill passed the House unanimously last year, Del. Terri Hill and I (along with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management) will work to get it passed by the Senate in 2025.

There is a mental health crisis in America, and the advent of the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2022 was a tremendous step forward in providing Americans with the support they need. I have a bill to allow for 9-1-1 Trust Fund to pay for certain 9-8-8-related expenditures.

Members of Maryland’s Boards and Commissions should reflect the full diversity of our State. While the Moore/Miller Administration has diligently focused on this, future leaders may not share that commitment. In addition, none should require citizenship in order to serve. My bill will clarify eligibility and promote inclusion.

According to a 2020 report by the Association of Religion Data Archives, there are 76 mosques, 142 synagogues, and a total of 316 temples in Maryland that do not practice Christianity. However, these faith institutions are often referred to as “churches” in law, which is insensitive and inaccurate. I am sponsoring legislation to update the Maryland Code to be more inclusive.

The Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) recently voted to officially change its name to the Maryland State Firefighters Association! This decision is important in recognizing the contributions of both women and men who serve as First Responders. After advocating for the change, I was asked to sponsor a bill to modernize unnecessarily gendered job titles, including “firemen” and “rescue squadmen.”

But Wait, There’s More!

In addition to those listed above, my legislative agenda includes several other important issues, including:

• Establishing the Civic Excellence Program (with Del. Joe Vogel);
• Increasing the transparency of Homeowners Associations and Condominium Owners Associations along with Del. Ryan Spiegel;
• Cracking down on vehicle license plate defacement to keep our roadways safer and identify lawbreakers; and
• Protecting consumers with a “Right to Repair” law for wheelchair users.

Best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

www.CherylKagan.org