[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6543727,"mediaKeyId","2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f","parentId",2361281,"title","Senate debate clarifies scope of bill designating four interjurisdictional flood-hazard watersheds; sponsor asks for special-order time","audioSeconds",657,"startMs",1824000,"endMs",2481000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f&start=1824&end=2481","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f/thumbnail_1824000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6543727/Maryland/Senate-debate-clarifies-scope-of-bill-designating-four-interjurisdictional-flood-hazard-watersheds-sponsor-asks-for-special-order-time","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543727-f8f1d9da5790467ce6e69c199ddb9344/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155895&Signature=aZK4jNimbK0XHFfNy6wBgkLuaGUFCzoL~iqX-gjrwmAiT0ruGUDRO5gipqe32IsmWF8e-UGkIHI67vP3OP8EqLW8RDXeQAdJJigirJdmh08hSg3PTkCjkpj1ccKUibu2bUYg-VXTCO3eF31~R3VehjwHuzUrnyj21dmz64IUInlmR3qTYmZp7Om3VEy5cG3mO7IgN-HQ~-JALLeY0rLsQ0AY5GdG91W5wAuPP6Zbc2hed5RhsBh96dQXDi9coRHSYlJJOMZUw-SW~XP~YeC0fu5uk1Nsbb5wq4dpaVkgi~TBFY5wIuUtxuVz-RWVhwdy7JeL~lJQxAL02-NMD32KXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland Legislature","date","2025-02-20T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Washington introduced Senate Bill 42 to clarify that Carroll Creek, Gwynns Falls, Jones Falls and Herring Run — including their headwaters and tributaries — are recognized in statute as interjurisdictional flood-hazard watersheds. Washington told colleagues the change primarily codifies what is already defined in regulation and existing law and “does not, I repeat, it does not create any new regulations, mandates, or costs.”

Several senators pressed for detail. A senator representing Carroll County asked whether the bill would add costs or new flood-plan requirements; Washington and her staff said that the principal change is statutory clarity and that the watersheds and associated planning already exist in the law and regulations. A senator from Frederick County asked whether the Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) informational letter — which noted potential conflicts and fiscal impacts in some readings — had been fully reconciled. Washington responded the committee counsel had reviewed the language and that the bill’s definitions draw from EPA terminology; she said she expected no conflict and emphasized that the bill adds Herring Run to statutory listings so the designation is consistently applied.

The Frederick County senator asked that local jurisdictions affected by the change (county and city officials) be contacted and provide letters stating they understood potential impacts. That senator moved to special order the bill to permit consultation; without objection the Senate agreed to place SB 42 on the special-order calendar for a later floor session.

Why it matters: The bill clarifies which waterways are designated as interjurisdictional flood-hazard watersheds and explicitly includes headwaters and tributaries in that designation. Sponsors argued the change will reduce ambiguity about shared planning and funding responsibilities; at least one senator sought written assurances from affected local governments before final floor action.

Next steps: SB 42 was placed on special order for a subsequent floor session to allow sponsors to gather additional input from Frederick-area localities and to provide more detail to the floor.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Floor Session, 2/20/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Washington introduced SB 42 to statutorily recognize Carroll Creek, Gwynns Falls, Jones Falls and Herring Run — including headwaters and tributaries — as interjurisdictional flood-hazard watersheds.","taxTitle","SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15090,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6543732,"Senate sponsor revises bill to broaden 'faith institution' language; bill moved to special order",476,691000,1167000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f&start=691&end=1167","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f/thumbnail_691000.jpg","/articles/6543732/Maryland/Senate-sponsor-revises-bill-to-broaden-faith-institution-language-bill-moved-to-special-order","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543732-36b1be9f4df8a88e72f5bdbd08bf0ffa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155895&Signature=Dm225aow6BxkqLrYDJWShIveBC10v7b3a13E3ux9YB7YCJTyu8aaXxefcQX7xjY5AL-qXcnc7XZFIROVPUjM~UZsCjxkbNenqhRIR6XBabjXHj7PA6~u7IKa-tfPfEd6Jgh47a8JbTtThpx8A2EBEZEycHMFR62iNcwe5EYteP6Koy41O5hUx29RTf3JA0ceOP2kIpHNvoni4R6qSL9fyrzBDvb4ByZOZfP~zT-9HRfZvlrvPXtsIMM7ND7zDO~35gBf4YPoIJtOP9zWcHTqF55X3NxwAPXRJjhkGDB1QWI5MXp2uSuEDGnd3BIGesrY~7LrFE7GNevD4ApuvyI76A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Kagan, as the bill sponsor and floor leader, introduced legislation to update state code language that currently uses the word “church” and gendered phrases such as “clergyman.” She said the bill would make the law “more accurate” by replacing church with a broader, inclusive definition covering “churches, synagogues, temples, mosques” and other places of worship and by changing terms like “clergyman” to “member of the clergy.”

The bill drew several floor questions about how the definition would be read in practice. Senator Merchant (District 1) and another senator pressing the point asked whether the wording – in particular the clause “any other religious society or congregation of any sect, order, or denomination” – could be interpreted to include groups that many lawmakers found objectionable. “Is the House of Satan in our code?” one senator asked. Kagan replied, “I don’t think the House of Satan is in our code. This is really about options for tax treatment and gathering places…we just want to say wherever it is you worship.”

A different senator said an online search for the phrase “faith institution” returned extremist and fringe groups and asked whether the bill as written would encompass them. Kagan and the bill’s drafter said the language was intended to clarify existing statutory references, not to endorse or expand recognition of any particular sect. A senator asked to special-order the bill to allow time to propose alternate language; without objection the Senate agreed to place the bill as a special order for a later floor session.

Actions taken on the floor were procedural: the sponsor moved adoption of committee amendments and the favorable committee report, and then the bill was placed on special order for further consideration. No final vote on passage occurred during the Feb. 20 session.

Why it matters: The bill would modernize statutory terminology used across many provisions of Maryland law. Lawmakers said the change is intended to remove gendered language and to make clear that legal references to “church” cover all congregations and places of worship. Critics urged clearer drafting to avoid unintended inclusions or future litigation.

Next steps: The Senate placed the measure on special order so the sponsor and colleagues could refine the language and return with amended text on a later day.","Senator Kagan, as the bill sponsor and floor leader, introduced legislation to update state code language that currently uses the word “church” and gendered phrases such as “clergyman.”",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6543713,"Senate advances a broad package of bills on Feb. 20; roll calls and outcomes",1419,2858000,4277000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f&start=2858&end=4277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f/thumbnail_2858000.jpg","/articles/6543713/Maryland/Senate-advances-a-broad-package-of-bills-on-Feb-20-roll-calls-and-outcomes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543713-4dcc55d26c2e47cd1a882810aba685af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155895&Signature=Qi4aqceLXVnx6ulfNxNNuuoYZotvuI7KzbF1DLSxDNtAVMjhiSiIbgI3RzTufogmnMjAHgz0jO9qaMEBlZXBDb58LWK-e-biiu5ai3iEHzQ3dXG~f7Usq0VvkzuxGiAlAjvMwXGxfTxyZN9uWXJWpw2B-2pRmYiapqIr61zjLsnKsWLESW3eQzfL75pxySx7Tk6ZQIOn9AP0jTfTpxiUHjoF2R6nW40bq5qKMGbeqSOj0HsMNb6NgAibX-LJym4BYf8Lh3HSXC7w9F5CN-qIjWS2iYh6OhKKRHThM0EBRw2YWbMNuS4FmnfU8fNmkVR~2m2G788Gjy6-I~3Fl5rh3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Maryland Senate took final passage (third reading) votes on a slate of bills during its Feb. 20 session. The following list summarizes each bill called on third reading during that period with the outcome and the roll-call tally reported on the floor. Where the transcript did not supply a roll-call tally, the entry notes that tally as “not specified.”

Votes at a glance (bill — outcome — roll-call tally as read into the record):

- Senate Bill 5 (Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, young adult subsidy pilot program sunset repeal) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 44 (Reckless/negligent driving death: Sherry and Christian's law) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 81 (Interference with public safety answering point penalties) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 94 (Medical Assistance Program maternal health self-measured blood pressure monitoring) — declared passed — “with 45 vote 44 votes in the affirmative” (as read on the floor).
- Senate Bill 196 (Procurement electronic transfers clarification) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 326 (Public safety peer support programs for law enforcement) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 330 (Property tax credit changes for disabled or fallen officers/rescue workers) — declared passed — 43 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 344 (Property tax credit for service station conversions) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 358 (Deaf culture digital library funding) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 372 (Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 381 (Automated enforcement programs privacy protections) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 413 (Consumer protection; limited periods in consumer contracts) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 443 (Trafficking regulated firearms felony classification) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 455 (Security guard agencies / special police officer appointment process) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 502 (Property tax credit expansion to judicial officers) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 513 (Real property covenant notice requirements) — declared passed — tally not specified in transcript.
- Senate Bill 540 (Common ownership communities; access conditions) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 545 (Criminal law changes re: child exploitation prohibitions and penalties) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 548 (Family law, child custody determinations) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.
- Senate Bill 603 (University program funding item) — declared passed — 45 votes in the affirmative.

On many measures the Senate reported unanimous or near-unanimous recorded tallies. Where senators later asked to be recorded in the green (to change or confirm their vote), the clerk noted those changes on the record. Several bills were moved earlier in the session from committee reports and special orders and were advanced without extended floor debate.

Why it matters: The bills cover a broad cross-section of state policy — health, procurement, public safety, local government, education and election administration — and their recorded passage advances them to the next stage of the legislative process.

What’s next: Each bill that was declared passed will be enrolled and forwarded as required by legislative process; bills identified for special order remain on the Senate calendar for future floor action.","On Feb. 20 the Maryland Senate completed third-reading action on a large set of bills. The chamber recorded final passage tallies for multiple measures and advanced others for later consideration. This roundup lists each bill taken on third reading during the Feb. 20 floor session and the roll-call tallies reported on the record.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6543717,"Senate strikes planned repeal of newspaper-ad requirement for state leases, adopts floor amendment",82,2693000,2775000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f&start=2693&end=2775","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f/thumbnail_2693000.jpg","/articles/6543717/Maryland/Senate-strikes-planned-repeal-of-newspaper-ad-requirement-for-state-leases-adopts-floor-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543717-81711dca88cb4673dc03f4e43b122ffc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155895&Signature=hEWMmPlG-9PhPhQM5F1ZKOMXkAZJshXzOKiLKejPl-eL9XFzwe7rTCH0NoktjO4tybFlqIFb19cqskDYBIiq4Mnw1HGnGKueGZ8eEm6I9lJtn~vFSsdzBboNVQWWQQYZUVx4tGjwky1YZRyQxUliY8aiOxA9YqRIIFaKGh5YNhJ95bCrgVb1T56JbZA5ajCo1dn5tI46EPjtexgWeeeVOUQKHAeTklWSzHW6U7bb7kLeohRX8A7PRnq5DFqiolmeclJgEkkopziP-ONXOVwBemk-V0HSf4D~~SvzPfEcmczto~0uMOVNZt0MfRAlx4VS0HI6lBn~dAZ-wf3zpMoxMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator May offered a floor amendment to Senate Bill 194 that would strike language repealing the statutory requirement that proposed state leases be advertised in daily or weekly newspapers. May told colleagues the amendment restores the existing advertising requirement and moved its adoption.

The floor accepted the amendment without objection. The chair of the subcommittee moved the favorable committee report as amended and the Senate ordered SB 194 printed for third reading.

Why it matters: The amendment preserves a longstanding public-notice practice for proposed state leases. Sponsor and amendment proponent framed the change as retaining a transparency mechanism for state leasing rather than eliminating the newspaper-ad requirement.

Next steps: SB 194, as amended on the floor to retain the newspaper advertising requirement, was ordered printed for third reading.","On the floor the Senate adopted a floor amendment to retain a requirement that proposed state leases continue to be advertised in daily or weekly newspapers, striking a repeal provision from a committee bill on state leasing of real property.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6543722,"Senate votes to allow State Board of Elections to formally assist municipal elections; bill placed on emergency calendar",215,1332000,1547000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f&start=1332&end=1547","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2361281-5a0e7789c2a051f8d7d0f799bd5fbb8f/thumbnail_1332000.jpg","/articles/6543722/Maryland/Senate-votes-to-allow-State-Board-of-Elections-to-formally-assist-municipal-elections-bill-placed-on-emergency-calendar","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543722-087f0db7a145a9d2dc49a23f2ccea06c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155895&Signature=huSwkQT-edTHP0Wph7FmHomDDqbb8UflUKIdXTLY4fieDzJbOPKT6aQgwtmYpccIsqZfkS8qpwmhvv3J7EnV56lOT1Z0NTObcOUTAyEAtECJl4Hzbs2v6P32nx7G2JFaFVF~35uh1or21eu9mWMyXxwoRbsHDeeXB7yGhXxiuEToba1cW57DAt5Tnw4ZnQUu4--bbNnJpu0H4hOs3sQwgaZA0CsPAyVsRahu23QVy7wg1YzsIzcBIZRpvt9tniXtpAdAZW~usqN2UnvofrrGgKe8gJFox9j1JS8~nDZqgGH6jDp0omJo4qcF2cbsJklg4LHuecGO1-XDgbK8F~tlEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Kagan explained legislation (SB 88) to permit the State Administrator of Elections to provide formal assistance — including access to voter rolls, equipment, training and technical advice — to Maryland’s 157 municipalities. She said the prior administrator had provided such help informally but lacked explicit statutory authority to enter formal agreements.

The bill includes two committee amendments: a technical amendment adding cosponsors and a timing tweak to ensure advance notice so municipalities can request and receive assistance. Minority members said the proposal was sensible and would help reduce voter confusion in local municipal elections that often occur in the spring and vary by town. Kagan said the measure had unanimous committee support and no opposition.

The Senate adopted the committee amendments without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading; it was described on the floor as an emergency bill so municipalities holding elections in March, April or May can make use of the authority immediately.

Why it matters: Municipal elections are run by a mix of local procedures and schedules. This bill creates an explicit, lawful path for the state administrator to enter memoranda of understanding with municipalities to provide election support and training, which sponsors said will reduce confusion and improve election administration in places that request help.

Next steps: SB 88 was ordered printed for third reading and was presented as an emergency bill, enabling earlier implementation if the legislature advances it to final passage.","Senate sponsors approved committee amendments and a favorable report to allow the State Board of Elections administrator to enter formal agreements to assist municipalities with voter rolls, equipment, training and other support; the measure was advanced on an emergency bill track and ordered printed for third reading.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate debate clarifies scope of bill designating four interjurisdictional flood-hazard watersheds; sponsor asks for special-order time

Senate sponsor revises bill to broaden 'faith institution' language; bill moved to special order

Senate advances a broad package of bills on Feb. 20; roll calls and outcomes

Senate strikes planned repeal of newspaper-ad requirement for state leases, adopts floor amendment

Senate votes to allow State Board of Elections to formally assist municipal elections; bill placed on emergency calendar