Gally Public Affairs, Inc. -- Maryland Lobbyist

May 16 -- Annapolis, MD -- Maryland Governor Wes Moore had his last bill signing for the 2024 regular session today and once again we had a bunch of bills become laws and a bunch of clients leave the State House very happy. Among today's success stories were:

SB 11 -- Pushes the state toward automated expungement for most criminal offenses when the person is otherwise legally entitled. The bill requires the Department of Corrections to obtain the necessary hardware and software to create a program that automatically expunges charges when all requirements have been met. Right now in most cases people have to endure a complicated and lengthy process to get the expungement even after they have met the legal requirements. Because of that many thousands of Marylanders still have charges on their record that are eligible for expungement preventing them from getting second chances in employment and other areas of life. Future legislation will be needed to fully implement the automated expungement process. (Clean Slate Initiative)

SB 244/HB238 -- Adds Va**ng ino the Clean Indoor Air Act, protecting workers and the public from second hand discharge of known and unkown carcinogens and chemicals. Va**ng will now be prohibited in all enclosed workplaces and public places. (American Heart Association

HB 411/SB 408 -- Requires the Maryland Department of Health to report, on or before December 1, 2024, December 1, 2025, and December 1, 2026, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee on current opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration and, for any approved opioid overdose reversal drug, whether the Department has added the drug to a standing order and, if not, the reasons why the drug has not been added. (Indivior, Inc.)

HB 1092/SB 649 -- Provides additional training for 911 operators on how to coach people to provide CPR out in the field and pays for that training from the state's 911 fund. Training includes novel techniques that have proven effective and are believed to have saved lives in Charles County and other Maryland Counties. (AHA)

SB 362 -- The Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act includes a $1.75 per pack increase in the price of ci******es and a corresponding tax increase for va**ng products and smokeless to***co. The new revenue will be used to fund the Blueprint For Maryland's Future, a dramatic increase in K-12 education funding. (AHA)

May 9, 2024 -- Governor Wes Moore signed a bunch of bills today that we had the great priviledge of working on. We were proud to stand with our clients! Some of those bills included:

SB 1056 -- Strengthens the state enforcement program that ensures stores aren't selling to***co and ni****ne products to people 21 and under. The new law requires more compliance checks from county health departments that will be funded by increased license fees and fines for those who don't comply. (American Heart Association is the client.)

HB 990 -- Gives the state Department of Environment authority to regulate the greenhouse gas emissions of manufacturers in the state of Maryland. Manufacturers had previously been exempt from state greehouse gas regulations that apply to other sectors of the economy. (Maryland League of Conservation Voters)

SB 1074/HB 991 -- Establishes a regulatory program in the Maryland Department of Agriculture to combat the amount of disgusting sludge that is laid out on fields in certain parts of the state. This sludge, largely the result of mass food processing, is terrible for the environment and smells awful. There were supporters from all over the state who wanted to stem the flow of this noxious product from their neighborhoods. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation

HB 864 -- Revamps and enlarges a statewide program whereby power companies help homeowners achieve better energy-efficiency. Each electric company and large gas company must develop and implement programs and services to encourage and promote the efficient use and conservation of energy, demand response, and beneficial electrification by consumers, electric companies and gas companies. (Earthjustice)

April 25, 2024 -- Today Governor Moore signed the Bailey Bullock Act into law. This new law, proposed by our client, the American Heart Association, requires public and private schools in Maryland to have venue-specific emergency action plans for cardiac events that may occur in their athletic facilities.

Big thanks to Del. Jessica Feldmark and Sen. Ben Brooks for sponsoring the bill. And to the Ways and Means and Energy, Environment and Education committees for pushing the bill through.

There were a handful of people who lost friends or loved ones in attendance and that really made the day poigniant. One of those in attendance was Bo Kimble (pictured above with Eric Gally) whose college basketball teammate Hank Gathers died of cardiac arrest on March 4, 1990 while playing for Loyola Marymount University.

Hank Gathers was a stud basketball player -- already a college superstar and destined for NBA greatness. Until that day when millions saw him hit the floor, spasm and never come back to life. Kimble and his teammates played on in Gathers' honor and made it to the Final 8 that year in the NCAA tournament.

Kimble went on to play 3 years in the NBA but has never forgotten his good friend and teammate. So here he was, 34 years later, working to make sure what happened to Hank doesn't happen to others.

Bailey Bullock's mom, Patrice, testified in both committee hearings and was here today to see the bill become law. Her strength was truly an inspiration for us all.

When you spend the day with people like this, it reminds us why we do what we do.

https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/04/03/house-fiscal-leader-cant-rule-out-extended-session-on-budget/

House fiscal leader can't rule out extended session on budget - Maryland Matters The chair of the House Appropriations Committee said he is not foreclosing on an extended session as a disagreement with the Senate continues over a $1.2 billion tax and gaming package.

Saturday in the State House! I can feel the history when I’m in this building.

January 22 -- We are very excited about the fantastic bills and budget items we are working on this year on behalf of our clients. Some of hottest issues are listed below. We will be back over the next few days to talk about some of the others.

Automated Expungement -- We are working with the Clean Slate Initiative to remove the red tape currently enveloping the expungement process. This bill doesn't add any rights to expungement -- it simply says that if the state has determined that you are entitled to expungement on a certain charge that it would happen automatically. Right now the process often requires paperwork, fees, lawyers and hearings. A daunting process for somebody who is trying to get their life together.

Space for Egg Laying Hens -- Right now egg laying hens can be crammed into tiny little cages where they can barely turn around, much less actually move around. SB 193 would require facilities that give confined hens at least one square foot of space. That's right -- ONE square foot per hen is all this bill seeks. (Human Society of the United States)

Universal School Meals -- The American Heart Association - Maryland is leading a coalition in support of free breakfast and lunch at all K-12 public schools in Maryland. All kinds of experts say that universal school meals would improve child health and likely improve test scores. (American Heart Association - Maryland

Increased Access to Opioid Overdose Reversal Drugs -- Right now the state is limiting public access to opioid overdose reversal drugs to just one of the FDA-approved medicines in its standing order to pharmacies. This legislation requires the state to open access to all FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal drugs. Currently there are two and there are valid reasons why a particular person would want one or the other. Also it is only a matter of time until there is a third and fourth FDA-approved medication. We should work to increase access, not severely limit it. (Indivior)

Sludge Regulation -- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation will be working on better regulation of industrial sludge, which is being dumped on Maryland farms in massive amounts. This sludge smells awful and of course causes serious environmental issues. Check out this blog post. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

Stop the Influx of Industrial Sludge! Maryland has become a dumping ground for the region's industrial sludge waste. But what is industrial sludge and why does it matter?

Happy Birthday Governor Wes Moore!

New statewide revenue estimates were just released!

News Release: Maryland Board Updates Revenue Estimates for FY 2024 and Adopts Initial Estimates for FY 2025 News Release: Maryland Board Updates Revenue Estimates for FY 2024 and Adopts Initial Estimates for FY 2025 Comptroller of Maryland sent this bulletin at 09/28/2023 03:30 PM EDT Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Maryland Board Updates Revenue Estimates for FY 2024 and Adopts....

So proud to have worked with our client American Heart Association to enact this ordinance in Montgomery County. It was fun to celebrate today.

Annapolis -- July 17, 2023 -- The Maryland League of Conservation Voters recently released an evaluation of Governor Wes Moore's first 6 months in office. The report stresses that the Governor has had a very good start, but that a lot of hard work remaines over the next 3.5 years. Attached is a link to the report...

Kim Coble
Governor Wes Moore

Six-Month Assessment: Moore Administration’s Environmental Actions to Date are Strong, but Tough Work Lies Ahead - Maryland League of Conservation Voters Read the new report from Maryland LCV, First Look and Next Steps. The Moore/Miller Administration's Environmental Record Six-Month Assessment.

One of our capital budget projects this year!

Sultana's Lawrence Wetlands Preserve - Harwood Nature Center Construction Timelapse The Harwood Nature Center takes shape at Sultana Education Foundation's Lawrence Wetlands Preserve. General Contractor, Emory Hill, tackles framing walls, ro...

May 8 -- Today Governor Wes Moore signed dozens of bills -- including three that we worked on during session. We are very proud of this legislation and what it will mean for Marylanders.

Forest Conservation Act Revision
Preserves Maryland Forest (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

After years of battle with developers and the counties, our client and its allies hammered out a consensus plan that will protect Maryland's precious forest cover and tree canopy. The bill modifies the State’s policy to encourage the retention and sustainable management of forest lands by replacing the outcome of achieving no net loss of forest with the outcomes of increasing, as measured every four years, the acreage of (1) forest land in the State and (2) land in the State covered by tree canopy, for land located inside an urban area and outside an urban area. We worked with leaders in the House and Senate to implement this deal and resolve this controversial and long-standing issue. Special thanks to our sponsors Senator Sarah Elfreth and Delegate Sarah Love who led the negotiations and hammered out the specifics with a host of interested parties. SB526/HB723

Innovative Research Program Funds Human-Relevant Projects (Humane Society of the United States)

Under HB626/SB560, entities that use animals for testing in Maryland will contribute to a fund that will finance projects specifically aimed at reducing the need for animals in research. After months of intense negotiations, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland System and a host of private corporations agreed to help fund this program, which is the first of its kind in the nation. Every Maryland-based entity that uses animals in research will pay into the fund based on the number of animals they use. The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) will administer the fund and the program, which was crafted based on the Stem Cell Research program also administered by TEDCO. Senator Guy Guzzone and Delegate Bonnie Cullison sponsored this first-in-the-nation legislation and were critical to its success.

PFAS in Pesticides Study Tackles Weighty Public Health Issue

This bill (SB 158/HB 319) requires the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) – in consultation with the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Department of Health, and
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – to study the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pesticides in the State. By November 1, 2023, must report its findings and recommendations to (1) the Governor; (2) the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment; and (3) the House Health and Government Operations Committee.

Big Wins During 2023 Session

Our dynamic clients had a spectacular 2023 session. Here are just a few highlights from the 90-day session that ended April 11. All of these bills await Governor Wes Moore's signature over the next few weeks.

Forest Conservation Act Revision
Preserves Maryland Forest (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

After years of battle with developers and the counties, our client and its allies hammered out a consensus plan that will protect Maryland's precious forest cover and tree canopy. The bill modifies the State’s policy to encourage the retention and sustainable management of forest lands by replacing the outcome of achieving no net loss of forest with the outcomes of increasing, as measured every four years, the acreage of (1) forest land in the State and (2) land in the State covered by tree canopy, for land located inside an urban area and outside an urban area. We worked with leaders in the House and Senate to implement this deal and resolve this controversial and long-standing issue. Special thanks to our sponsors Senator Sarah Elfreth and Delegate Sarah Love who led the negotiations and hammered out the specifics with a host of interested parties. SB526/HB723

Innovative Research Program Funds Human-Relevant Projects (Humane Society of the United States)

Under HB626/SB560, entities that use animals for testing in Maryland will contribute to a fund that will finance projects specifically aimed at reducing the need for animals in research. After months of intense negotiations, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland System and a host of private corporations agreed to help fund this program, which is the first of its kind in the nation. Every Maryland-based entity that uses animals in research will pay into the fund based on the number of animals they use. The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) will administer the fund and the program, which was crafted based on the Stem Cell Research program also administered by TEDCO. Senator Guy Guzzone and Delegate Bonnie Cullison sponsored this first-in-the-nation legislation and were critical to its success.

Opioid-Treatment Providers Win 11-percent Medicaid Reimbursement increases (MedMark Treatment Services)

Maryland's hard-hit opioid treatment providers scored an 11-percent increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates, a much-needed boost to help fill vacant positions and retain current employees. Faced with tremendous pressure from COVID and rising inflation, providers argued this increase was necessary to maintain outstanding service in support of their patients. Rates will increase by 3 percent on July 1, 2023 and by an additional 8 percent on January 1, 2024. Governor Moore has implemented this measure through regulation.

Funding for Zero-Emission School Busses (Maryland League of Conservation Voters)

A few years ago the state created a program to help county school systems purchase zero-emission buses. But the fund had never received any money in the state budget. We specialize in budget work and lobbied the Senate Budget and Tax Committee and House Appropriations Committee to include $3 million for this program in the FY 24 budget. The program will pay the cost difference between gasoline powered buses and electric school buses and help the state toward its goal of having a 100 percent electric fleet over the next few years.

Capital Budget Grant for Sultana Education Foundation Seasonal Worker Housing (Sultana Education Foundation)

Rising inflation has hurt many employers' ability to house seasonal workers they need to operate their programs and businesses. The Sultana Education Foundation in Chestertown faces a major problem finding housing for workers and turned to the General Assembly for help. We helped secure a $550,000 capital budget request that will enable them to purchase a building next door to their headquarters and convert it to seasonal housing for employees. This building is on top of another the organization already owns down the street. With this funding Sultana will continue increasing the environmental education programs it provides for public and private schools on the eastern shore, as well as public environmental programs.

Clean Trucks Act of 2023 (Earthjustice and Natural Resources Defense Council)

We worked in a large coalition of environmental organizations to pass the Clean Trucks Act of 2023, which requires the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to establish regulations for the sale of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles by December 1, 2023. The regulation would take effect starting with the 2027 model year. MDE has the authority to delay implementation if it finds, based on an outlined study, that the state does not have the infrastructure in place to successfully implement the program.

April 7, 2023 -- One of the great bills we worked on this year was HB 626/SB 560. HB 626 has been passed and will head to the Governor's desk. SB 560 is following right behind. These bills will fund innovative research that will help reduce animal cruelty and save human lives at the same time. Huge thanks to all of the educational institutions and private companies that came to the table and agreed to help finance this effort.

VICTORY! HB626 is headed to the Governor's desk! This bill will provide grants to scientists in Maryland who are developing non-animal research methods. The first of its kind in the nation, the bill is funded through a dedicated mandatory contribution paid annually by facilities in Maryland that are using certain animals in research.

ETA read more about the bill here: https://www.humanesociety.org/news/maryland-poised-become-first-state-us-establish-human-relevant-research-fund

April 3, 2023 -- The House of Delegates just passed the final version of the budget this afternoon and the Senate will follow suit during it's evening session tonight. There is plenty left to resolve in this final week of session, including major differences between the two chambers over how to legalize recreational ma*****na.

March 28, 2023 -- House and Senate conferees are putting the final touches on the FY 2024 operating budget. The group met this afternoon and is expected to get back together around 5:30 p.m. Since there aren't great differences between the two chambers, it's very likely there will be a final deal in the next couple of days. Then the capital budget takes center stage, which also isn't expected to be controversial.

Wes Moore was sworn in today as Maryland’s 63rd Governor! Then he hosted a fantastic Inaugural Ball this evening at the Baltimore Convention Center.

January 11, 2023 -- The Maryland General Assembly convenes at noon today. All members will be sworn in and the work will begin! Looking forward to our 25th year representing clients in Annapolis!

https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/11/18/moore-transition-team-names-policy-leaders-adds-to-steering-committee/

Moore transition team names policy leaders, adds to steering committee - Maryland Matters Some old government hands and a wide array of advocates and activists.

October 24 -- Early voting in Maryland starts this Thursday and lasts for a week. Here is some information from the state Board of Elections if you are interested.

2022 Gubernatorial General Election

You can vote in person during early voting. Early voting will be held from Thursday, October 27, 2022 through Thursday, November 3, 2022. Early voting centers will be open from 7 am to 8 pm.

Who can vote early?
Any person that is registered to vote can vote during early voting. Any person that is eligible to register to vote can vote can also vote during early voting.

Registered voters have always been able to vote during early voting, but now individuals who are eligible but not yet registered can register and vote.

To register and vote during early voting, go to an early voting center in the county where you live and bring a document that proves where you live. This document can be your MVA-issued license, ID card, or change of address card, or your paycheck, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document with your name and new address. You will be able to register to vote and vote.

When can I vote early?

For the 2022 Gubernatorial General Election,early voting will be available from Thursday, October 27, 2022 through Thursday, November 3, 2022 (including Saturday and Sunday) from 7 am to 8 pm.

Where can I vote early?

For both the 2022 Gubernatorial Primary and General Elections, you can vote in an early voting center in the county where you live. The list of early voting centers for the 2022 General Election is here (en español).

How will I vote during early voting?

Voting during early voting is the same as voting on election day. When you get to the early voting center, you will check in to vote and vote your ballot.

There will be instructions available at the early voting centers to familiarize you with the ballot. You may ask an election judge to explain how to vote, but you must cast your vote alone, unless you are unable to do so because you have a disability or are unable to read or write the English language.

October 4, 2022 -- This afternoon two of our clients, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Maryland League of Conservation Voters, testified in the Montgomery County Council in support of Council Bill 25-22 with proposed amendments. The bill if amended will provide significant improvment to the County's Forest Conservation Act program. We will be working with Councilmembers to adopt these amendments and make sure we are protecting Montgomery Couunty's forests and tree canopies.

September 15, 2022 -- Our newly-redesigned website has just launched today. Please click on over and see out new look.

We’re so grateful for the support of the 2022 Choose Clean Water Conference Shenandoah Sponsors, Challenge Discovery, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, Gally Public Affairs, Inc. -- Maryland Lobbyist, Maryland LCV, Piedmont Environmental Council, Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc., and Väsen Brewing Company!

Thrilled to work with The Paw Project to enact legislation banning cat declawing in Maryland. We will become the second state after New York to outlaw this barbaric procedure.

GREAT NEWS FROM MARYLAND...
The Maryland Senate just passed the House Anti-Declaw Bill...we expect the bill will be on the Governor's desk soon.
Gally Public Affairs, Inc. -- Maryland Lobbyist

So proud of our clients Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Maryland League of Conservation Voters for their efforts to enact the Climate Solutions Now Bill, widely regarded to be the strongest climate bill in the country.

Whether the Governor signs the bill next week or it become law by veto override it will still be a great achievement that other states will likely follow. It has been a thrill working with my folks to pass this legislation.

https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/31/senate-accepts-house-amendments-on-climate-bill-setting-stage-for-possible-in-session-veto-override/

Senate Accepts House Amendments on Climate Bill, Setting Stage for Possible In-Session Veto Override - Maryland Matters The Senate gave final approval on Thursday to a wide-ranging climate bill that would set the state on a path to achieve carbon neutral...