The 2007 Session gave me an opportunity to play a more prominent policy making role.  I was appointed Chair of the House Subcommittee on Banking, Economic Development, Science and Technology. 

In that capacity, I successfully piloted the passage of several key bills including two important measures to combat identity theft: 

HB 117 Consumer Reporting Agencies - Security Freezes, allows consumers to place a freeze on their credit reports to prevent unauthorized access to those reports; and

HB 208 Personal Information Protection Act, boosts consumer protections and notification procedures when data systems containing personal information have a security breach.

I introduced HB 449 Vehicle Protection Products Act, a consumer measure which, when signed into law, will ensure that businesses honor the warranties they sell for auto theft prevention devices. 

Another measure I introduced and gained passage of is HB 494 Elevator Safety - Third-Party Qualified Elevator Inspectors, legislation addressing the longstanding, massive backlog of uninspected elevators in our state, a real public safety hazard.  

Environment

HB 359 The Clean Indoor Air Act was a major piece of legislation passing out of the Economic Matters Committee on which I serve.  This measure will prohibit smoking statewide at bars and restaurants.  My own unofficial survey of District 15 constituents showed that 93% of respondents favored the ban.

Among the environmental measures enacted this year was HB 131 The Maryland Clean Cars Act, which I co-sponsored.  This law will reduce car emissions that cause global warming.  The reduction in emissions will also benefit the 800,000 Marylanders who suffer from respiratory ailments.  

Energy generation using fossil fuels impacts our air quality, as well.  Two clean energy bills I co-sponsored will help us reduce pollution and Maryland's dependence on imported natural gas and fossil fuels:

• HB 1016 to promote the development of solar power by changing the State's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard; and
• HB 1072 Generating Stations - Wind to speed the creation of wind energy generation facilities.

In addition, we passed legislation to decrease the phosphorus in dish detergent which will cut down on the damaging runoff that is choking the Chesapeake Bay.  We also fully funded Program Open Space to preserve our State's green areas.

Bioscience

As in previous sessions, I continue to push for legislation to promote our emerging biotechnology industry. 

I co-sponsored HB 135, creating the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board whose mission is to develop a comprehensive long-term strategic plan to promote research, development and commercialization of the life sciences sector in the State.  In addition, I supported the efforts leading to an increase in stem cell research funding from $15 million to $23 million this year.

Also, a bill I introduced, HB 327 Credit for Property Used as a Publicly Sponsored Business Incubator, enables counties to free up critically-needed funds through property tax relief for technology business incubators.

Local Projects

Several local projects receiving capital funding include:

• $1 million for the Germantown Business Incubator at Montgomery College;
• $550,000 for a Germantown Boys & Girls Club gymnasium;
• $175,000 for restoration and preservation of the Loving Charity Hall at the Warren Historical Site near Poolesville; and
• $500,000 for the Woodstock Equestrian Center offering innovative programs for disadvantaged and disabled children and adults. 

Finally, I want to thank you for your input and your support through this year.  For a more extensive and detailed review of the Legislative Session, click here to go to The 90 Day Report.

Best regards,