2023 Legislative Session is Off and Running

Over the last two weeks, appointments by Governor Moore have garnered significant attention but amid new state department Secretaries, legislation is quickly being proposed. In some instances, legislation pertains to previously discussed topics and in other times, policy is all together new. One topic that has been debated and that seemingly will not go away is that of minimum wage. Although the matter has been settled in Howard County with legislation that surpasses that of the state, Governor Moore and other legislators want to expedite the move to $15 and tie future increases to a consumer price index (CPI), the latter of which is fraught with concerns. Now, discussions of changing the tip credit has not entered the debate and hopefully it will not. 

Another huge issue is that of the family and medical leave insurance (FAMLI). This bill was passed last session despite a host of concerns and in resolved issues. To date, a modifications bill has been drafted with another under development. It remains to be seen whether these bills truly address employer concerns. Stay tuned. Other labor matters pertain to New workplace harassment legislation (SB 214), Right to Sit (HB 17), and Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Small Employers (SB59). The Chamber’s Labor & Employment Subcommittee of the Legislative Affairs Committee will be reviewing these in the days ahead, thus no formal position has been taken yet. 

Two other bills of interest fall into the category of economic development. Combined reporting (HB 0046) is back for once again. Seemingly introduced in perpetuity, this legislation essentially treats the parent company and its subsidiaries as one corporation for state income tax purposes. The Howard County Chamber and other business groups will be opposing this bill as we have done in the past. Of a similar nature is HB0039, which pertains to the corporate tax rate. 

Garnering local interest is legislation pertaining to BWI airport. Senate Bill 162/House Bill 204 alters the membership and duties of the Maryland Aviation Commission, which is the board appointed by the Governor of Maryland to oversee and guide operations at State-owned airports. There is concern that some of these provisions will hinder progress at BWI by making one aspect of airport operations and noise, taking priority over economic development considerations.

Economic development aside, the Chamber is also monitoring legislation concerning data privacy and cybersecurity, transportation (SB 151/ HB 012), and climate change (HB0147). The latter is of great interest and importance as its implementation impacts both commercial and residential. Most agree that environmental and sustainability matters are great importance. As always, how we address and subsequently legislate matters is where things get sticky.

The General Assembly session is always fast paced. Stay tuned for more updates in the weeks ahead. If public policy is of interest to you, I encourage you to join one of the Chamber’s legislative subcommittees or the full committee itself. 

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