With the 2026 legislative session a few weeks underway, it feels different than years past, with changes within the legislature prominently highlighted. The Maryland General Assembly was called for a special session on Dec. 16 to elect the new speaker of the House, Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk. The speaker was the shair of the Health and Government Operations Committee, now known as the Health Committee. She has made several changes to the organizational makeup of the legislature, including creating a new standing committee, “Government, Labor, and Elections.” Now the legislature has seven standing committees as opposed to six, and each of those has seven subcommittees as opposed to four, which expands the opportunities for Democratic leadership roles.

In the first few weeks of session, the legislature was faced with two emergency bills. An emergency bill is defined as a bill that takes effect immediately upon the governor’s approval. A bill marked as an “Emergency Bill” must go through the full process of getting a bill passed into law with the exception of a necessary three-fifths vote in each chamber.

First, House Bill 488 alters the boundaries of Maryland’s eight congressional districts for the 2026 election and subsequent elections through the 2030 cycle. This legislation proposes a mid-cycle redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms. The passage of this bill would remove the one and only Republican member of Maryland’s congressional delegation and would disenfranchise around a million Republican voices in our state. This bill, if passed, will most likely be taken to court on the basis of unconstitutionality. H.B. 488 passed in the House and is currently assigned to the Senate Rules Committee.

The other emergency bill we were presented with this session is H.B. 444/S.B. 245, regarding immigration enforcement agreements. The supermajority’s definition of the current 287(g) program was misleading. The way that it was designed was to keep our neighborhoods safe. With the passage of this bill, it will prohibit and additionally terminate all existing 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and corrections from working with federal immigration agencies. HB444 passed third reading in both chambers and has since crossed over to the opposite chamber for final passage. This legislation passed in both chambers and was signed by Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday, taking effect immediately.

This session, to combat Maryland’s energy crisis, I am putting forward legislation regarding energy generation and transmission. This bill would allow for the construction and operation of energy-generating systems that produce energy from natural gas. It would also authorize investor-owned electric companies and suppliers, as well as private contractors, to construct, acquire, lease or operate certain generation and transmission facilities. Finally, it articulates the General Assembly’s support for additional nuclear energy and encourages PJM Interconnection to provide an expedited interconnection process.

Additionally, this session I have a few notable bills that will positively impact Marylanders. The first piece of legislation I am championing is one that protects patients’ rights when receiving blood for transfusions. This bill would ensure that patients can request autologous or direct blood donations (from self or known persons) when a transfusion is needed in coordination with their physicians. This is already legal but not uniformly protected. Overall, this bill would prioritize the patient’s safety and peace of mind without altering any changes in transfusion procedural operations.

I am also introducing a bill addressing property partition, liens and adjustments to the purchase price. This legislation will facilitate transparency and fairness for cotenants by requiring disclosure to the court of any outstanding liens and purchase price adjustments, ensuring a fair distribution of property. This will help prevent disputes and promote equitable outcomes during the partition process.

Lastly, I am proposing a state procurement bill that handles the prompt payment of subcontractors and suppliers. This bill would require contractors to pay at least 95% of an undisputed amount to which a subcontractor or supplier is entitled within 10 days of receiving a progress or final payment from the state. If a contractor withholds payment, they must provide a written notice and explanation to the supplier or subcontractor and the procurement office.

As we move forward with these important issues, I am truly honored to be here in Annapolis serving each of you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at teresa.reilly@house.maryland.gov or 410-841-3278.

Del. Teresa Reilly represents District 35A and is chair of the Harford County delegation.