Delegate Eric Bromwell's Legislative Wrap-Up

During the 2016 Legislative session, there were 2,817 bills introduced and 834 bills approved. After the 2014 election, I promised to work with Governor Hogan to move Maryland forward. I am happy to report that I have done just that, having passed five important pieces of legislation in 2016.

One of those bills, the ABLE Act, was the first legislator’s bill to be signed by Governor Hogan just yesterday. I do not take that honor lightly, and appreciate Governor Hogan acknowledging my efforts to work across the aisle and with his administration.

ABLE BILL = ACHIEVING A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE PROGRAM: I was the lead sponsor of legislation to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds to support persons with disabilities. This revolutionary program, made possible by a bipartisan effort in the US Congress, and overwhelming bipartisan support in Maryland, assists disabled individuals in maintaining health, independence, and quality of life. The program will work much like the state's College Savings Plans that save money for college tuition, and will in fact be administered by the College Savings Plans Board. Anyone saving money through the ABLE Program will be entitled to an income tax subtraction modification, similar to modifications for contributions to existing 529 plans. This secure funding will supplement, (not supplant) Medicare, social security, or other benefits for which an individual is already otherwise eligible.

BUDGET: The Governor's $42 billion budget was approved in record time with bipartisan agreement. Spending was kept in line with available revenue. In fact, the Governor's budget left $139 million in on-hand revenue. Spending growth was kept to 4.6%, even though the Spending Affordability Committee recommended spending growth up to 4.85%. The budget surplus is over $400 million and the Rainy Day Fund exceeds $1 billion. Funding for public schools increased 2.7% to $6.3 billion. The $1 billion capital budget includes $280 million for statewide school construction and renovation.

TRANSPORTATION SCORING: was approved by the legislature, vetoed by the Governor, and in the end, the veto was overridden by the legislature. I was one of the only Democrats to oppose this legislation, as I believed it to be political in nature. Furthermore, I did not vote to override Governor Hogan’s veto of this bill.

HEROIN ADDICTION AND OVERDOSE DEATHS: In 2014, there were 578 heroin overdose deaths, a 25% increase over Maryland's total for 2013. Spending on substance abuse disorders increased by $12.1 million, including $5.4 million for new and expanded services and treatment. Legislation was approved to make registration and participation in the state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program mandatory for pharmacists and physicians. Before filling a prescription, pharmacists must check the Monitoring Program's database for the four previous months to determine if the customer has a history of opioid abuse.

INDEPENDENT POLICE COMMISSION: The creation of the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission was approved by the Assembly to exercise a wide range of authority in establishing uniform standards for hiring, training, punishing and helping officers. The legislation was a product of the Public Safety and Policing Workgroup appointed in May 2015 for the purpose of examining police training resources, recruiting and hiring practices and community engagement policies, as well as considering a statewide oversight panel for some types of investigations. The panel also reviewed the 1974 Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights and changed from 90 days to 366 days the deadline for filing a police complaint.

FANTASY SPORTS: Legislation to regulate Fantasy Sports betting and/or put the question on referendum in the November general election was rejected. I am sure that Fantasy Sports legislation will be on the 2017 agenda.

EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK: legislation was approved. The bill expands and strengthens the state's equal pay law. The measure prohibits businesses from retaliating against employees for discussing or disclosing salaries. The window of time for an employee to bring suit against an employer for gender discrimination in wages paid is three years after the date of the employee's last check.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: was approved. Maryland has over 20,000 incarcerated individuals. In 2014, 58% of prison admissions were for nonviolent offenses. The Legislature passed legislation to keep nonviolent drug offenders out of jail and in treatment. More than 3,200 people are sent back to prison annually when they have their parole or probation revoked for technical violations. A technical violation could be failing a drug test or failing to keep an appointment with a parole officer. The bill limits the penalty for the first technical violation to 15 days in jail, 30 days for the second violation, and for the third violation, up to 45 days. Judges can impose longer sentences if they feel the parolee poses a public safety risk.

DRUNK DRIVING: Maryland now has the strictest drunk driving laws in the Country. All convicted drunk drivers, including first offenders, and those who refuse to take a breathalyzer have an ignition interlock devise installed in their car for anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Studies show that ignition interlocks reduce drunk driving recidivism by at least 60% and as much as 90%. A bill was approved to toughen penalties for adults who knowingly allow an individual under age 21 to possess or consume alcohol from a fine of $2,500 to a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to one year. However, the prison time and the enhanced fine would be imposed only if the adult knew the underage drinker was going to drive and his or her subsequent driving would result in serious injury or death.