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2025 Legislative Session

Dear Friend:

What a session! Over the course of 90 days, under uniquely difficult fiscal and political circumstances, the General Assembly approved a balanced budget and passed 878 bills. Limited resources and competing priorities meant making trade-offs and adjusting plans. Compromise wasn’t always easy, but it was necessary– and I’m proud that 16 bills I sponsored are headed to Governor Wes Moore’s desk!

Defending Our Values

This year, we faced a barrage of reckless acts by the “Trump/Musk” Administration, forcing us to respond to both fiscal and legal crises. We’ve seen punitive policies; harmful budget cuts and freezes; cruel mass layoffs of our devoted public servants; and blatant attacks on our fundamental rights. These intrusions often influenced our debates and forced swift action to safeguard our State’s stability and our residents’ dignity.

Attorney General Anthony Brown has led or joined nine lawsuits challenging the White House’s depraved maneuvers. While the layoffs and forced leaves of more than 100,000 federal employees is devastating, I am particularly mindful of “our” agencies– those with significant presence in Montgomery County– including NIH, HHS, FDA, NSA, NOAA, NRC, and NIST. 

Protect Our Federal Workers Act (SB683: Sen. Charles, co-sponsored by Sen. Kagan)– Allows for the reallocation of State funds to assist federal employees (77,000 of whom live in Montgomery County) affected by Trump-directed layoffs. It also expands the authority of our Attorney General to pursue litigation. Passed!

Federal Jobs Act of 2025 (SB1040: Sen. Hester, co-sponsored by Sen. Kagan)– Would have established the Expedited Hiring Program in the Department of Budget and Management to bring laid-off federal workers into vacant State government positions. Sadly, this bill did not move in the House of Delegates.

Protecting Sensitive Locations (SB828: Sen. Smith)– Would have restricted the access of the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in schools, libraries, courthouses, hospitals, places of worship, and State government buildings. This bill was incorporated into HB1222, which terminates agreements that allow local police to act as ICE agents and halts new ones from being created.

Data Privacy Act (SB977: Sen. Lam)– Would have stopped ICE from accessing State records and information without a valid warrant; required agencies to document access requests; and maintained trust in government services. This bill passed the Senate but did not move out of the House Judiciary Committee.

Budgeting for Our Future

We’ve known for some time that achieving balance in the next few fiscal years would be challenging. Our fiscal year 2026 budget (HB350 & HB352) addresses the structural deficit and preserves critical services by:

  • Cutting $1.6 billion in spending:
    • $455 million from the General Fund (the largest decrease in a decade);
    • $700 million from the Special Fund; and,
    • $300 million in Federal Funds;
  • Generating $1.2 billion in new revenues; and,
  • Leaving a $15 million structural surplus, $317 million cash surplus, and $2.1 billion in the Rainy Day Fund. 

I am hopeful that this budget puts Maryland in a strong position to absorb most of the strain caused by financial uncertainty. Depending on future federal actions, we may need to reconvene this fall in a Special Session.

Strengthening Nonprofits & Our Economy

The more we uplift our nonprofits, the more we uplift Marylanders. Nonprofit organizations employ 13% of our workforce (only slightly behind first-place retail at 14%). Their services and resources make nonprofits the social and economic backbone of our communities. Tragically, the pernicious policies of the Trump/Musk Administration are threatening their financial stability. As the “Senator for the Nonprofit Sector,” I partner closely with Maryland Nonprofits and others to address the needs of these vital organizations. I am dedicated to supporting these superheroes in every corner of our State– perhaps now more than ever. 

Nonprofit Navigator (SB365: Sen. Kagan)– Did you know that in 2023, nonprofits in Maryland were awarded more than 4,800 contracts and grants, totaling $1.7 billion, to meet State priority needs? My emergency legislation creates ONE new position within the Department of Commerce– sharing grant opportunities, answering questions, resolving bottlenecks with contracts, and representing nonprofit needs within government– similar to services already available to our small businesses. Passed!

Indirect Costs (SB127: Sen. Kagan)– My 2018 bill established a 10% minimum allowance in State grants and contracts for unseen expenses like rent, accounting, and staff training– in line with federal policy at that time. In 2024, the federal level was raised to 15%; this made updating Maryland’s rate both common sense and a top priority. Early Trump actions made clear that this legislation must become effective immediately and that 15% be set as a floor to protect our nonprofits from backwards movement. Passed!

“G.R.E.E.N.” Renewable Energy for Nonprofits (SB105: Sen. Kagan)– An interest-free revolving loan fund would help nonprofit organizations transition to renewable energy, since they aren’t eligible for the tax incentives that subsidize businesses. Despite passing the Senate for the FOURTH year in a row (inspiring federal programs in the meantime), the House Economic Matters Committee didn’t even hold a hearing for the revised Senate version.

Reducing Your Electricity Bills

We are facing an energy crisis– and with skyrocketing costs, growing demand, and the retirement of key power plants, Marylanders are justifiably concerned about our energy grid. Our Democratic majority advanced a bold package of three bills to lower utility bills; improve grid reliability; and create a stable, forward-looking regulatory framework to ensure that our energy future is both sustainable and secure.

Next Generation Energy (SB937: Pres. Ferguson)– Expedites approval for 3,100 MW of new energy; provides incentives for nuclear power; regulates data centers to protect rate-payers; and removes incineration from Maryland’s Renewable Energy Portfolio. Passed!

Resource Adequacy & Planning (SB909: Sen. Hester)– Establishes the Strategic Energy Planning Office to develop forecasts, requiring electric utilities to share data needed for long-term grid reliability. Passed!

Renewable Energy Certainty (SB931: Sen. Feldman)– Identifies State-owned land for solar use; limits solar projects to 5% of protected farmland (a first-in-the-nation cap on development in protected areas); and streamlines permitting while preserving local authority. Passed!

Enhancing Education

Excellence in Maryland Public Schools (SB429: Gov. Moore, co-sponsored by Sen. Kagan)– In 2021, the “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” fundamentally changed K-12 public education in Maryland. Recognizing our fiscal challenges, this legislation launches a statewide teacher recruitment campaign and adopts the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to address our growing teacher shortage; establishes the Academic Excellence Program; and delays the planned increase in teacher collaborative time and new grant programs. Passed!

Civic Excellence (SB8: Sen. Kagan)– This Program would award Seals of Civic Excellence to students who earn high marks in relevant courses and exams and complete a community Student Service-Learning (SSL) project. It would also allow public schools to gain recognition as Centers of Civic Excellence. Co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Justin Ready and cross-filed by District 17’s own Del. Joe Vogel, this bill would reward involvement in State and local affairs. Despite unanimous Senate support for the third year in a row, it was again held up in the House Ways & Means Committee.

Holocaust Education Grants (HB71: Del. Edelson)– Antisemitism is often the result of ignorance. This bill establishes a modest $50,000 grant program for public schools. Passed! 

GED Language Access (SB451: Sen. King, co-sponsored by Sen. Kagan)– Maryland now joins the other 49 states in allowing individuals to take all parts of the General Educational Development (GED) test in Spanish. Passed!

Student Cell Phone Use (SB130: Sen. Benson)– Through this legislation, the State Department of Education would create guidelines on the use of personal electronic devices during school hours. Each County Board would then work with students, parents, teachers, and staff to adopt their own policy. Despite changes to accommodate different grade levels and students with disabilities, this bill was ultimately unsuccessful.

Supporting 9-1-1 and First Responders

Improving our emergency response systems has been my personal mission since three people died in my district when 9-1-1 failed. I established and chaired the Maryland Next Generation 9-1-1 Commission and am now chairing the new 9-1-1 Specialist Recruitment & Retention Workgroup.

Protecting 9-1-1 from Cyberattacks (SB81: Sen. Kagan)– Our 9-1-1 call centers are vulnerable. Penalizing the criminals behind these attacks makes our emergency response systems safer. After introducing this bill many times, it finally passed!

9-8-8 & 9-1-1 (SB36: Sen. Kagan)– It was important to strengthen the connection between 9-1-1 and the 9-8-8 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. Signed into law!

MDEM Regulatory Authority (SB138: Sen. Kagan)– When my legislation elevated the Emergency Management Agency to a Cabinet-level office, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) was not granted regulatory authority. This bill corrects that oversight. Signed into law!

Expanding 3-1-1 (SB775: Sen. Kagan)– According to The Baltimore Sun, up to 80% of Baltimore City’s 9-1-1 calls are for non-emergencies! For years, I’ve worked to implement a Statewide, non-emergency hotline to allow easier access to government services and relieve pressure on our understaffed 9-1-1 centers. This bill studies implementation– including the use of Artificial Intelligence– with a report due in November. Signed into law!

Addressing Obstructed License Plates (SB322: Sen. Kagan)– Strengthens our laws against obscured license plates, which cost Maryland lost toll and ticket revenues; impede efforts to solve hit-and-run accidents; and hamper efforts to locate missing persons through Amber & Silver Alerts. Passed!

Honoring ALL Firefighters (SB164: Sen. Kagan)– Since 1893, “MSFA” has referred to the Maryland State FireMEN’s Association. Last year, the membership officially voted to change its name to the Maryland State FireFIGHTERS Association. My legislation renamed MSFA in our lawbooks and updated other gendered terms such as “fireMEN” and “rescue squadMEN.” Passed!

James “Jimmy” Malone Act (SB374: Sen. Beidle)– Health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) will now be required to cover preventative cancer screenings for firefighters. This bill is named for my friend and former House colleague, Del. Jimmy Malone, who died from brain cancer after decades dedicated to public service as both a legislator and a firefighter. Passed!

Improving Our Elections

Maryland’s elections are surely among the very best in the country. And… there’s always room for improvement! My legislative agenda continues to focus on increasing participation, efficiency, and transparency. 

Simplified Ballot Language (SB615: Sen. Kagan)– Ballot measures should be written to avoid confusing voters, including a clear title; plain-language description of the proposed policy change; and a concise explanation of the practical outcomes of a “yes” or “no” vote. Avoiding legal jargon, double negatives, and passive voice aligns with the Moore/Miller Administration’s Plain Language Executive Order. This straightforward bill was backed by the Governor’s office, the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, the Center for Civic Design, and others. Although it passed the Senate unanimously again, it didn’t move through the House Ways & Means Committee.

Local Board of Elections (LBE) Transparency (SB337: Sen. Kagan)– During the COVID-19 pandemic, LBEs live-streamed their meetings for public accountability. Though Maryland’s election processes are fair and secure, discontinuing this practice can lead to doubts and conspiracy theories. I worked closely with MoCo Del. Marc Korman on this bill, which requires public broadcast and online access for a minimum of five years. Passed!

Special Elections (SB2: Sen. Kagan)– Did you know that roughly 25% of the General Assembly was selected (appointed) rather than elected? Voters should be able to choose their elected officials, and my Constitutional Amendment would have mandated this for many legislative vacancies. Although this popular bill passed the Senate again, the House Ways & Means Committee chose not to move it forward.

Stop Scam PACs (SB633: Sen. Kagan)– Given warnings from the FBI and the Federal Election Commission, we need to crack down on political entities that falsely claim to represent a candidate, political party, or organization. Along with District 17’s own Del. Julie Palakovich Carr, I sponsored legislation requiring registration and disclosure of expenditures. Violators will be fined and banned from future fundraising. Passed!

Risk-Limiting Audits (SB613: Sen. M. Washington)– Maryland will join 13 states that already have these post-election tabulations. Passed!

Changing the Primary Date (SB645: Sen. Kagan)– Moving Election Day from the last Tuesday to the fourth Tuesday in June will resolve scheduling conflicts with summer travel, school renovations, summer camps, and holidays; aid in recruiting Election Judges and student volunteers; and potentially increase voter turnout. Passed!

Supporting Municipal Elections (SB88: Sen. Kagan)– An emergency bill resulting from negotiations between the State Board of Elections (SBE) and the Maryland Municipal League, the State Administrator of Elections is now authorized to support our cities and towns with their local elections when requested. Passed!

Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 2025 (SB342: Sen. Sydnor, co-sponsored by Sen. Kagan)– The VRA would ban tactics that weaken the voting power of protected groups and would give the Attorney General power of enforcement. It passed the Senate but died in the House.

Language Assistance (SB685: Sen. Augustine)– Counties with significant numbers of non-native English speaking voters will need to provide more language access. After my amendments to clarify that this wouldn’t be an unfunded mandate on local government, it passed mostly along party lines.

No-Show Election Judges (SB534: Sen. Kagan)– Until now, prospective Election Judges who received the training but didn’t show up at the polls could still be paid. This bipartisan, fiscally responsible proposal clarified that Election Judges can be compensated only after they serve during Early Voting and/or on Election Day. Passed!

Partial Ballot Acceptance (SB543: Sen. Kagan)– Provisional ballots that are currently rejected due to party affiliation will be counted only for (non-partisan) Board of Education contests. Passed!

Exploratory Committees (SB27: Sen. Kagan)– We should increase transparency and close the campaign finance loopholes for Exploratory Committees by requiring disclosure; limiting the purpose for which funds can be expended; and creating processes for dissolving these committees. Although this bill passed the Senate unanimously once again, it got stuck in the House Ways & Means Committee.

Caring for All

“Right to Repair” – Powered Wheelchairs (SB382: Sen. Kagan)– This is a growing national consumer protection movement. My bill (along with Del. Aaron Kaufman) requires manufacturers to make parts, tools, software, and documentation available to wheelchair users and independent repair providers. Passed!

Public Health Abortion Grant (SB848: Sen. Guzzone)– This program will give the Department of Health access to an existing $25 million fund collected as part of the federal Affordable Care Act. It will help cover costs for uninsured and underinsured individuals, offering greater access to reproductive choice. Passed!

End-of-Life Option Act (SB926: Sen. Smith)– In line with my pro-choice stance, I am a fervent advocate for “Death with Dignity.” Creating a process to request aid in dying ensures lifelong bodily autonomy. Polls show that 70% of Marylanders support this issue, yet the bill did not pass the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Saving Lives in Libraries (SB369: Sen. Watson, co-sponsored by Sen. Kagan)– Named for Bowie resident Raymono A. Russell, whose life could have been saved by an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), this bill requires these life-saving machines to be placed in all county public libraries. Passed!

See Someone, Save Someone (SB7: Sen. M. Jackson)– Transportation employees will be trained to recognize victims of human trafficking. Passed!

Financial Exploitation of Seniors (SB466: Attorney General Brown)– Vulnerable seniors should be protected from exploitation by their caregivers. Despite passing the Senate unanimously, this bill did not move in the House.

Child Care Centers (HB1344: Del. D. Jones)– The Department of General Services (DGS) will assess State-owned facilities to determine whether they can accommodate child care centers. Passed!

Hospital Debt Collection (SB981: Sen. Hershey)– Financial assistance is now more accessible, and suing patients over minimal, or minimally delinquent, medical debt is now prohibited. Passed!

Housing Supply (SB891: Sen. M. Washington)– While Gov. Moore’s housing bill (SB430) ultimately did not advance, legislation allowing Accessory Dwelling Units will help the State to meet its housing goals. Passed!

Eric’s ID Law (SB618: Sen. Smith)– Marylanders with hidden intellectual or developmental disabilities can request a special notation on their license or identification card from the MVA. Passed!

Maryland Reparations Commission (SB587: Sen. Muse)– Establishes a study to consider appropriate actions for individuals whose ancestors were enslaved in the State. Passed along party lines.

Genetic Discrimination (SB757: Sen. A. Washington)– Insurance providers would be prohibited from discriminating based on genetic information or mandating genetic testing without obtaining written consent. (I gave a shout-out on the Senate floor to my predecessor, Jennie Forehand, who was ahead of her time in highlighting this issue decades ago.) Passed!

Addressing the Climate Crisis

Senate President Bill Ferguson always called the Education, Energy, and Environment (& Elections!) Committee the “workhorse” of the Senate, hearing substantially more bills than any other this session. As Vice Chair, I am proud of the legislation we advanced to support the goals of the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022.

Extended Producer Responsibility (SB901: Sen. Augustine, co-sponsored by Sen. Kagan)– Manufacturers of packaging materials are required to submit a producer responsibility plan to the Department of the Environment for review and approval. The administrative costs will be covered by fees paid by the companies. Passed!

Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act (SB428: Gov. Moore, co-sponsored by Sen. Kagan)– The Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program rewards farmers who adopt community-based practices; improves water quality monitoring; supports regenerative agriculture; and expands sustainable aquaculture. I was proud to defend this important initiative on the Senate floor. Passed!

Building Energy Performance Standards (“BEPS”) (SB256: Dept. of the Environment)– This bill refines how buildings measure and meet emissions and energy use targets, providing flexibility for owners; clear exemptions for secure and specialized facilities; and a phased-in enforcement timeline. It establishes waivers for buildings with older equipment or where upgrades are impractical; allows Montgomery County and others with equivalent (or stronger) standards to administer their own programs; and requires the Department of the Environment to conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. Passed!

Ensuring the Administration of Justice

Geriatric Medical Parole (SB181: Sen. Hettleman)– The Parole Commission will now consider a person’s age when determining whether to grant early release. This measure would apply for those who are at least 60 years old and have served at least 15 years of their sentence or inmates diagnosed as terminally ill with less than six months to live. Passed!

“Second Look Act” (HB853: Del. Pasteur)– Inmates who had been convicted of a crime between 18 and 24 years of age for less than a life sentence can petition for a reduced sentence if they have already served at least 20 years; are not a sex offender; and have not been convicted of killing a First Responder. Passed!

Reworking the “Child Victims Act” (HB1378: Del. Wilson)– This bill establishes a deadline for filing claims under the Child Victims Act of 2023 and lowers the maximum payouts for cases reported after May 31, 2025. This vote was emotional for lawmakers torn between acknowledging the profound suffering of survivors and protecting the State’s fiscal capacity. Passed!

Increasing Transparency

Conflicts of Interest (SB723: Sen. Feldman, co-sponsored by Sen. Kagan)– No one should be allowed to use public office for personal financial gain. Incoming Governors must sign a formal pledge not to take part in any State matter involving a business in which they own at least 10%. Passed!

Homeowners Associations Reform (SB758: Sen. Kagan)– Based on a local bill sponsored by District 17’s own  Del. Ryan Spiegel, HOA and condominium governance will be more transparent, fair, and accountable through this measure requiring independent entities to oversee elections; protecting unit and lot owners’ rights to organize; expanding access to financial documents; and empowering the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division to enforce the law. Passed!

Working for Gaithersburg & Rockville

Sen. Craig Zucker, Chair of the Capital Budget Subcommittee, collaborated closely with the entire Montgomery County Delegation to secure more than $13 million for local priorities. I love partnering with Delegates Julie Palakovich Carr, Ryan Spiegel, and Joe Vogel on all the issues of significance to our district– including winning financial support for these worthy projects in Gaithersburg and Rockville:

  • Renovating the Montgomery College Rockville campus library – $4,577,000
  • Improving the Strathmore Hall Performing Arts Center –  $1,500,000
  • Upgrading the facility and equipment at Rockville’s Elwood Smith Community Center – $260,000
  • Acquiring and building a new City Hall in Gaithersburg – $300,000 
  • Renovating the Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington – $240,000
  • Building and equipping the Montgomery History Center – $270,000
  • Expanding the Sunflower Bakery with new facilities and a delivery truck – $30,000
  • Transforming the Talbott Street water tower into a new Rockville park – $200,000
  • Building a playground at Rachel Carson Elementary School in Gaithersburg – $1,550,000
  • Improving Montgomery County Public Schools – $4,500,000

Will You Attend These Upcoming Events?

There’s always lots to do in Gaithersburg and Rockville. Check out these highlights– I hope to see you there!

Senatorial Scholarships

I am always inspired by the talented students who apply for my Senatorial Scholarships. The deadline for Fall Semester applications is May 15th at 5pm. We are seeking undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about their education as well as our community. Financial need is also a consideration. Don’t wait until the last minute– members of my volunteer Senatorial Scholarship Selection Committee consider the thoughtfulness of application essays. For more information and to apply, please visit www.CherylKagan.org.

Before I Go…

There is much more to share than fits on eight pages, including highlights that weren’t legislative, such as:

  • Hosting four January 6th heroes– Officer Harry Dunn, Officer Michael Fanone, Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, and Officer Daniel Hodges— in the Senate and arranging a meeting for them with Gov. Wes Moore;
  • Convening a meeting with the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland, co-chairs of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, and leaders from the American Jewish Committee to discuss the spike in antisemitism on college campuses;
  • Welcoming constituents, advocates, and activists to “shadow” me and learn about the Senate;
  • Speaking out against an unqualified nominee for the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, leading the Senate to reject her appointment; and,
  • Inspiring an award-winning song, “Seconds Save Lives,” written by a Frederick County middle school student about my leadership on Next Gen 9-1-1.

Keeping Up with Kagan!

I am deeply honored to represent the people of Gaithersburg and Rockville, and I hope to see you soon in the community! In the meantime, please follow me on Facebook (@CherylCKagan), Twitter/X (@CherylKagan), and Instagram (@CherylCKagan) for photos and posts. My website has a portal to request help with challenges you’re having with State government. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel or Apple podcasts to be alerted to new episodes of my “Kibbitzing with Kagan” podcast. And, you can always send me questions or comments via email.

Best,

Cheryl

Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan
District 17 (Gaithersburg & Rockville)
Vice Chair, Education, Energy, Environment (& Elections!) Committee 

PS: I hope you’ll check out and subscribe to my podcast, “Kibbitzing with Kagan“. Among my featured guests have been legislators, nonprofit leaders, advocates, Scrabble players, singer/songwriters, and many more!

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