Charles County delegation files five local bills, assigns sponsors and flags bond priorities including Providence of Maryland

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — The Charles County legislative delegation reported that it has filed and cross-filed five local bills and divvied up who will carry each measure in the House, and members also reviewed legislative bond priorities that include funding requests for Providence of Maryland group homes.

Delegate Patterson, chairing the Feb. 7 delegation meeting, said the delegation had filed and cross-filed five bills: a stadium beverage bill; a gaming review board bill; an ATV/unregistered motor-vehicles bill; a homeowners association (HOA) bill; and a school bus bill. She asked members to take responsibility for carrying the measures in the House and outlined initial assignments.

The delegation assigned the gaming review board measure to Delegate Patterson (Ways and Means), who agreed to handle it. Patterson also said she would take the unregistered motor-vehicles and HOA bills. A separate House sponsor for the school bus bill was identified during the meeting. Delegate Harris agreed to take the ATV bill, and staff member Terron was identified to present the stadium beverage bill before the relevant committee.

The group also noted one item “did not make the cut” as drafted: a statewide bill related to officers; the delegation discussed options to localize that proposal for Charles County. An eight-year term-limits proposal was discussed in preliminary form but did not secure local support and was not forwarded.

On capital priorities, the delegation reviewed top legislative bond requests and discussed sending two requests to the Senate for consideration. Senator Jackson was asked to decide which two the Senate should prioritize. Among the bond requests spoken about during the meeting, Providence of Maryland — described in the meeting as an organization that operates group homes for people with developmental disabilities — was identified as a capital priority. Delegation members discussed the group’s project list (including building a ramp, repairing a deck and fixing a roof) and noted the organization’s Waldorf address listed in paperwork as 4255 Mockingbird Circle. Delegation members said they would consider visits and reiterated interest in supporting projects that are already underway and serving the target population.

Delegation Chair Patterson asked that the delegation coordinate with Danielle Mitchell, legal counsel to Charles County government, on witness lists and logistics for local bill hearings. Members emphasized that, because local bills are sometimes held late in the session, sponsors should coordinate hearings and witness support early.

The delegation had no formal votes at this meeting; the actions taken were assignments of sponsors and the delegation’s internal prioritization of bond requests. Members also agreed to forward the delegation’s lists and to let Senator Jackson decide which bond requests the Senate should carry.

Looking ahead, members said they would continue to coordinate on bill preparation, committee scheduling and witness lists. The delegation scheduled its next meeting for Feb. 21 and discussed follow-up steps for the items above.