Dear Friends:

The 2009 Session of the General Assembly ended at midnight on Monday April 13^th.  This session was dominated by the budget realities of reduced revenues reflected in the national economic crisis.  The budget issues were resolved by making hard choices and a meticulous look at expenditures.  When reviewing the budget highlights, Speaker Busch reported that this effort was accomplished with “no new taxes and no new fees.”

The Budget was not the only topic discussed as several other important issues were addressed.  Measures were approved to implement early voting approved by the November 2008 referendum and to facilitate the state’s move to voting machines that offer a paper trail by next year.  Two domestic violence bills endorsed by Governor O’Malley were passed giving judges more authority to take firearms from people accused of domestic violence.  The bill to repeal the death penalty was amended and limits capital cases to those with DNA or biological evidence, a videotaped confession or a videotape linking the suspect to a homicide.

On the environmental front, legislation was approved to reduce greenhouse gas emissions thought to contribute to global warming.  A bill was also passed to require owners of existing waterfront homes in the critical areas to upgrade failed septic systems to curb nitrogen pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.  New construction, as well, will be required to meet the new regulations on septic systems.

At the local level, the Charles County Legislative Package submitted by the Commissioners found approval in covering Auxiliary Volunteers in the Sheriff’s Office for Workers’ Compensation.  Further, the request to establish a special taxing district for hotels constructed in approved waterfront developments was granted; as were changes for penalties on alcoholic beverage violations, suspension of alcoholic licenses, and administrative proceeding.  Changes were also made in the law concerning granting alcoholic licenses in proximity of churches.

Regarding our “Fair Share” for bond bill requests, a $105,000 grant to Hospice House and a $25,000 grant to the Jaycees Field of Dreams at Laurel Springs were approved.

This year I submitted three bills and I am proud to say that we met with relative success.

HB-1363 Procurement of Green Product Cleaning Supplies has been forwarded to the Governor for his signature.  This legislation would require all county boards of education to use green cleaning products where practicable.  This bill targets the air quality in our schools which may unnecessarily contain harsh chemicals and chemical fumes which affect the health of our children, teachers, and school personnel.  It is estimated that 14 million school days are missed each year due to asthma related illnesses.  Secondarily, it will help reduce the toxic pollutants that damage our environment.  The vote was 47-0 in the Senate and 134-1 in the House of Delegates.

HB95 – Sales and Use Tax – Exemption-Veterans’ Organizations contained the same language as the cross-filed bill SB44 sponsored by Senator Peters.  It will allow veterans’ organizations throughout the state to keep their sales and use tax exemption through 2012.  It was a pleasure working with Senator Peters on this bill, and I am pleased that his bill has been forwarded to the Governor for signature.  I consider this a victory in this economic climate to preserve the sales and use tax exemptions for our veterans and their organizations.  The vote was 47-0 in the Senate and 136-0 in the House of Delegates.

HB691 – Maryland Native American Status – Standards for Recognition called for a simple change of the date in Maryland law to conform to the date in federal law. With this date change, Native People throughout Maryland will have a more reasonable opportunity to seek state recognition.  It is estimated that $17 million is lost to our state and Native Americans each year to support educational, health and economic development opportunities because they are not state recognized.  Because of the hard work and strong support of the Health and Government Operations Committee and the full support of the House, this bill passed 134-0.

In addition to the above, I co-sponsored several pieces of legislation which passed both chambers and have been sent to the Governor for signature.  Below are some which are waiting for his approval.

HB72 – The Delegate John Arnick Electronic Communications Traffic Safety Act prohibits writing or sending a text message while driving a moving vehicle.  There is a possible $500 fine for violations.

HB306 – Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children provides for expediting the records and placement of military children when their parents are transferred.  This bill requires the assessment of course requirements for correct placement and graduation requirements. Hopefully, this will ease the transition of children from one school and locality to another.

HB387 – Vehicle Laws – Lawful Status in the United States – Material Compliance with Federal Requirements approves eliminating access to driver’s licenses unless authorized to be in the United States.  Undocumented immigrants holding licenses may get a limited driving permit that would expire in 2015.

HB580 Foster Kids Coverage Act approved medical coverage for those children who were in foster care at age 18 and who are presently under 21 who earn less than 300 percent of the poverty level.

HB781 – Property Tax Credit – Seniors enables county governments and the city of Baltimore to provide for property tax credits to seniors who are over age 65.  Appropriate county measures would have to be passed in each county detailing the specifics of the tax credits.  This bill could certainly help seniors stay in their homes and continue to live independently.

The next several months will be busy ones as I have been invited to review legislative matters of the 2009 Session with several groups and clubs.  For those of you that are interested and able to attend, I plan to hold a public meeting in the next few months to review the 2009 legislative session.  Please watch the newspaper for the place and time.  I hope to see you at this meeting. However, if you can’t make it, please don’t ever hesitate to schedule to meet with me at my District Office in Waldorf.  In fact, as I begin to prepare for the 2010 legislative session, I invite you to keep in touch with me concerning your priorities.

In the meantime, if your group or organization is having an event that you would like me to attend, please contact my office and I will make every effort to accommodate you.  If you want to get a snapshot of my day and the issues coming across my desk, please go to my website www.delegatepetermurphy.com and read my personal blog to learn more.

As always, I am honored to represent you and never take for granted your support and confidence in me.

Best wishes,

Sincerely,

Peter F. Murphy
Charles County, District 28