Crosby Hosts Town Hall

Originally Published: January 8, 2024

Previews Upcoming Session

Delegate Brian Crosby reflected on the 2023 legislative session while previewing the next during a virtual town hall last week. Among legislative victories, Crosby mentioned a law increasing penalties for sexual offenders, one enabling surviving military spouses to participate in the Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program through the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and a bill requiring operators of state owned nursing homes to immediately report deficiencies, fines, or other issues found by inspectors. The latter bill was a response to issues with the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, and was cosponsored by Senator Jack Bailey.

Also provided was a list of bond initiatives sponsored by Crosby, including $15M for the YMCA (a Commissioner bond bill), and $1.4M for a DaVinci Machine at Calvert Health Medical Research Facility, a state of the art machine that performs minimally invasive surgeries. Annmarie Garden received $175K to meet ADA compliance, while Ridge and Bay District Volunteer Fire Departments each received $200K for solar panels. Other bond allocations include $100K for a new press box at GMHS and $100K for the SOMD Regional Agricultural Center.

Crosby said the theme of the upcoming session will budget issues because the state is facing significant (billions) shortfalls. He acknowledged the Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP) for the state has been deeply cut, but committed to fighting for funding the project at Route 5/Great Mills Rd. Data privacy will be a hot topic this year, Crosby said, with legislators introducing a bill to protect the collection and selling of people’s data without their knowledge.

Turning to his legislative priorities this session, Crosby began with explaining “Third Party Retail Energy Supply Reform.” This would protect consumers by putting “significant guardrails” in place to put a cap on how much third party energy providers can raise the rate charge after a consumer signs up. SMECO must pay the supplier if a consumer signs up for a third party energy provider and cannot pay their bill. This bill would change that, easing an unnecessary financial burden on SMECO. “This will be a major, major, major battle” according to Crosby, as NRG, the nation’s largest energy supplier, has hired lobbyists to fight it. Another law will allow the Public Service Commission to expand the Supplier Education Program to better inform consumers about supply companies so we can make informed decisions.

Cross-field by Senator Bailey, Crosby will sponsor Jamari’s Law in the House of Delegates in memory of Jamari Duckett. This bill will increase the max sentences for operating a vehicle in a criminally negligent manner which causes the death of another. Crosby will also introduce an Indecent Exposure Law, for the 6th year in a row, which will increase penalties for those found guilty.

Bond initiatives for this session include funding for three autonomous lawn mowers for Historic St. Mary’s City, which will lower their carbon footprint, and funding for Three Oaks Center to set up a shower program. This project has been a goal of Three Oaks, Crosby explained, and will give the dignity of personal hygiene back to those struggling with homelessness.

Finishing up, Crosby took a few questions from those attending. The full town hall is available to watch on Delegate Crosby’s Facebook page.