Friends & Neighbors:
 
We're nearing the end of Maryland's legislative session & I have updates below on legislation surrounding child care, health care, marijuana, guns, abortion & more.
 
NOTE: The Democratic Primary Election date has changed to Tuesday July 19, 2022.
 
Please support my re-election by displaying a FREE "David Moon" lawnsign or sticker:
 
Thanks again for being engaged!
Delegate David Moon
david@davidmoon.us
 
P.S. College & Grad School Scholarships Available - The state makes scholarships available to residents of District 20 attending a Maryland school. Applications for 2022 are now open (due 5/15/22): Apply Online.
 
 
Maryland House Policy Updates
 
This week was a key deadline to pass legislation in either the House or Senate, and I was proud to vote YES on a few noteworthy bills. Here are some highlights:
  • HEALTH CARE - I Voted to Provide Dental Care to Adults with Low Incomes, 8% Funding Increases for Health Providers, and Care for Pregnant Residents Regardless of Immigration Status (HB 6 & HB 937).
  • PEACE - I Voted to Divest Maryland's Pension Fund from Russia & for a Resolution in Solidarity with Ukraine (HB 1482 & HJ 8)
  • GUN VIOLENCE - I Voted to Ban Sale/Possession of Untraceable Firearms (HB 425)
  • CHILD CARE - I Voted for Over $100 Million to Support Child Care Staff, Facilities & Scholarships (HB 89, HB 1100, HB 993, HB 995)
  • MARIJUANA - I Voted to Legalize Cannabis Possession & Home Cultivation and Automatically Expunge Records (HB 1 & HB 837) - NOVEMBER BALLOT QUESTION
  • COLLEGE TUITION - I Voted for $112 Million a Year for College Scholarships to Students from Families with Low & Moderate Incomes (HB 743) & 20% Increase in Higher Education Spending (Annual Budget).
  • REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS - I Voted to Protect Choice in the Maryland Constitution & Expand Access to Services (HB 1171 & HB 937) - NOVEMBER BALLOT QUESTION
  • RENTERS - I Voted for Legal Aid for Tenants, Compliance with Housing Laws for Landlords Seeking to Evict, and to Shield "Failure to Pay Rent" Records for Tenants Impacted by COVID-19 (HB 571, HB 174, HB 932, HB 521)
  • SCHOOLS - I Voted for Planning to Ensure Adequate School Bus Drivers, Smoother Transition to Virtual Learning, Bonuses to Retain Support Staff (HB 937 & HB 1163) & Historic $8 Billion Public School Funding.
Note: We need the House & Senate to agree on bills before final approval.
 
Support my re-election by displaying a "David Moon" lawnsign or bumper sticker:
 
 
A Few Of My Bills Passed the House
 
So far ten of my bills passed the House of Delegates. Here's what they do:
  • Double Pay for Jury Duty (HB 208) - The House passed legislation I introduced to increase jury pay from $15 to $30/day (the same as Virginia & DC). 
  • Stop Arresting Residents for Debts Under $5000 (HB 349) - The House voted to end the practice of arresting people for small claims cases with under $5000 in dispute. Right now, creditors can put a lien on your body to force your arrest.
  • Repeal Crimes Used to Harass LGBTQ Residents (HB 209) - The House passed my bill to delete the crime of "unnatural & perverted" practices. This includes oral sex & risks 10 years in prison, but we voted to repeal it after consenting gay men were recently arrested.
  • Use Data to Improve Safety at School Bus Stops (HB 813) - The House passed legislation I introduced to require school bus fine data to trigger additional safety measures & reduce solutions built solely on fines.
  • Ban Sexism & Racism In Compensation for Injuries  (HB 244) - The House voted to stop letting those responsible for injuring others pay women & minorities less, on the basis that they tend to earn less. 
  • Remove Prison Penalties on Syringe Possession (HB 481) - The House voted again to end harsh 4-year penalties on syringe possession (the drugs are still illegal with 1-year jail). I introduced this last year, at the request of harm reduction advocates seeking to facilitate clean needles, but Governor Hogan vetoed the bill. 
  • Fund Animal Shelters During Cruelty & Hoarding Cases (HB 1062) - The House passed legislation to compensate humane agencies for animal care during lengthy cruelty & neglect cases, often involving hoarding with dozens of animals.
  • Decriminalize Minor Drivers License Offenses (HB 206) - We voted to repeal yet another law subjecting drivers to arrest over petty license violations. We've steadily deleted jail penalties on a range of driving offenses unworthy of incarceration.
  • Defelonize "Wiretapping" (HB 272) - Maryland's insurrectionist Rep. Andy Harris pressed felony charges against a college student who livestreamed a protest at his office without consent. The House passed legislation to drop this offense to a misdemeanor, due to the unwarranted employment issues caused by felony status. 
  • School Discipline Reporting & Right to Attorney (HB 146) - The House passed legislation to report on how schools handle offenses committed by students & to ensure those facing discipline have the right to an attorney. This legislation results rom concerns about the handling of some special education students.
 
Support my re-election by displaying a FREE "David Moon" sign or sticker:
 
 
Recent News Coverage of My Work
 
My 100% Environmental Voting Record: I voted for the environment 100% of the time. I'm proud to have a perfect score with Maryland League of Conservation Voters:
 
 
 
By Authority: Friends of David Moon. Chair: Marlana Valdez. Treasurer: Nathaniel Giddings.
 
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