The Maryland Catholic Conference, Annapolis-based public-policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops, worked diligently throughout Maryland’s recently completed 444th legislative session to push its support for a variety of bills and also try to help defeat a bill that will expand abortion in the state.

The MCC was delighted that bills for which it advocated for youth justice reform, banning ghost guns and assisting low-income people were enacted. Other “victories” for its Catholic agenda included funding for BOOST scholarships and the defeat of a bill that would have enshrined into state law the ability to get an abortion at any stage of pregnancy. 

However, the MCC was extremely disappointed by the passage of House Bill 937, which allows non-physicians to perform abortions, provides state funds to train non-physicians, and requires expanded insurance coverage of abortion. The MCC was also disappointed that a bill supporting women in crisis did not pass.

The MCC reviewed all 3,314 pieces of legislation introduced in the Senate and House of Delegates to understand if and how each might impact the Catholic schools, parishes and ministries, as well as the elderly, persons with disabilities, immigrants, and those in low-income households. The MCC offered testimony on 206 pieces of legislation as well as working hard behind the scenes with legislators, advocates and parishioners. 

“I really want to thank our bishops for their leadership throughout the session,” said Jenny Kraska, executive director of the MCC. “On behalf of the conference staff and the people we serve throughout Maryland, I want to thank our clergy, parish staff and parishioners who stepped up to call for life and justice.

“We had a phenomenal response to our advocacy alerts and to our calls for prayer. We know it made a difference as more than one legislator commented about the emails and calls flooding into legislative offices from our parishes, schools and ministries.” 

One of the highlights for the MCC, according to Kraska was that the “Pregnant Persons Freedom Act,” which would have allowed abortion for all nine months, even for a healthy unborn child, failed to get out of the legislature thanks to “the voices of all those who utilized our Catholic Advocacy Network.”

Youth justice reform was another big victory, capping a years-long battle for basic provisions that recognize children as young as 11 or 12 are not adults and need to be treated according to age. Bills that were passed included measures ensuring parents’ rights to know when their child has been charged with a crime.

 A number of bills passed to benefit the poor as well.

“We were pleased to see a number of bills pass that help lower-income Marylanders,” Kraska said, “including dental care, which is so critical, funding for legal counsel in the event of an eviction notice, and grants to nonprofit food banks and programs. In addition, untraceable firearms (ghost guns) were banned this year and significant strides were made to help protect our environment.”

The MCC was also pleased that the popular BOOST scholarships have been funded at $10 million again this year. “We are very grateful to the governor (Republican Larry Hogan) and General Assembly for supporting this important program,” Kraska said. 

The session was not without its disappointments for the MCC. 

“The biggest disappointment this year was the passage of HB 937, which allows non-physicians to perform abortions, provides state funds to train non-physicians, and requires expanded insurance coverage of abortion, with some exceptions, such as religious objections,” Kraska said. 

The MCC also had hoped to see additional bills passed that would help mothers and their children. These include one that would help incarcerated mothers be able to care for and bond with their infants, and a bill to support pregnant and parenting college students to be able to continue their education. 

The MCC also would like to see Maryland do a better job supporting women in crisis. 

“One bill we advocated for that did not pass would have helped pregnant and parenting college students, for example,” Kraska said. “However, there were some very positive bills. These include the Healthy Babies Equity Act, which provides medical care and health services to low-income women who are not citizens, and their babies. In addition, baby products and diapers will now be exempt from sales tax. That may seem like a small thing, but it’s not when you are trying to survive on a limited income.”

Catholic advocates were able to have more access to legislators with the easing of some pandemic restrictions. 

“Being able to meet face- to-face and to have a conversation is invaluable when we are working with lawmakers. We still faced some restrictions on building and room access, but this year was a big step forward from 2021,” Kraska said. 

Highlighted bills from the 444th legislative session (these represent 24 of the 206 bills on which MCC testified). 

RESPECT FOR LIFE LEGISLATION

These bills were “wins,” with the outcome matching the MCC’s position:

 HB 1171 – opposed, bill failed 

Abortion constitutional amendment bill intended to enshrine abortion in the Maryland Constitution 

 HB 0626 – opposed, bill failed

This bill would have allowed late-term abortion for any reason (even beyond health or fetal abnormality) and with no responsibility 

HB 83/SB 29 – supported, passed

This legislation increases the minimum legal age to marry 

 HB 50 – opposed, bill failed

This bill would have required Catholic hospitals to perform abortions

 HB 1080/SB 778 – supported, passed

Medical care and other health services will be provided to low-income noncitizen pregnant women to help them have healthy babies

 HB 282; HB 288 – supported, passed, signed into law by Governor

These bills exempt baby products and diapers from state sales and use taxes.

The MCC opposed HB 937, which sadly was passed by the General Assembly, Kraska said.

HB 937 – opposed, passed, Governor veto, veto overridden

This new law allows non-physicians to perform abortions and expands insurance coverage of abortion for some employers

EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

These bills were “wins,” with the outcome matching the MCC’s position:

SB 290 – supported, passed

$10 million funding for BOOST scholarships that may be used at Catholic and nonpublic schools 

SB 53/HB 269 – supported, passed, Governor veto, override of veto

Requires law enforcement to make an effort for parental notice and access to legal counsel when a child is charged with a crime

HB 459/SB 691– supported, passed

Sets a minimum age for youths to be charged with nonviolent crimes and puts in place other common-sense youth justice reforms

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE

These bills were “wins,” with the outcome matching the MCC’s position:

SB 662/HB 724 – supported, passed

Directs abandoned property funds in FY 2024 to the “Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund,” which helps ensure access to legal counsel for low-income residents facing eviction proceedings

 SB 369 – supported, passed and governor signed into law

Establishes a program to assist low-income residents obtain an earned-income tax credit benefit if eligible

 SB 121/HB 147 – supported, passed

Provides grants to food banks and nonprofit emergency food providers to alleviate food insecurity, and establishes a farm-to-school grant pilot program to encourage use of local food 

HB 06/SB 150 – supported, passed

Provides dental coverage for low-income Marylanders

HB 492/SB 571 – supported, passed

Exempts oral hygiene products from state sales and use taxes 

WHAT’S NEXT

Bills that were passed out of the General Assembly and have not yet gone to the governor must do so within 20 days of the end of session. Gov. Hogan then has 30 days to sign, to allow the bill to become law without signing or to veto the bill.

The legislature can override a veto, with 3/5 vote of elected members in the House and in the Senate at the next regular or special session. However, this is an election year and the legislature may not override a veto during the first year of a new governor’s term, so no overrides will occur when they meet next January. Gov. Hogan is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.

Interested in the bills MCC testified on? You can find a list on its website: www.mdcatholic.org/2022testimony

Email Gerry Jackson at gjackson@CatholicReview.org

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