MDGOP Update 2

We have just passed the halfway point in the 2024 Legislative Session, with about a month and a half left to go.  The next few weeks will be key for getting Republican priorities through committee, and stopping ill-advised Democrat bills from making it to the House or Senate floors. To make this happen, we need all of our top advocates testifying in hearings and contacting committee legislators to make their voices heard. 

Republican bills will be considered to repeal the current gas tax law, prohibit the proposed mileage taxes, increase penalties for violent offenders, protect school employees, and provide more information about gun law changes to the public.  

Meanwhile, Democrats are looking at giving illegal immigrants access to taxpayer-funded benefits, placing punitive taxes and cost-mandates on constitutionally-protected gun-owners, stripping parents of their rights, preventing accountability for crimes committed in schools, discussing tax and fee increases to pay for Governor Moore's reckless new spending plans, and working to kill the firearm industry.  See more below: 
 

HB1025/SB841 - Transportation Equity, Fairness, and Privacy Act of 2024 - A bill repealing the gas tax automatic inflation increases, and prohibiting laws that tax you by mile that you drive. Hearing scheduled in the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee on 2/28, contact Senator Justin Ready for information on how to deliver testimony: [email protected], or contact other committee Senators in support. 

HB316/SB28 - Violent Firearms Offenders Act of 2024 - A bill that increases penalties for violent offenders and criminalizes knowingly transferring a gun for a crime. Hearing scheduled in the House Judiciary Committee on 2/28, contact Delegate William Valentine for information on how to deliver testimony: [email protected], or contact other committee Delegates in support. 

HB758/SB927 - School Assault and Prevention Act - A bill to bring accountability and prevention for assaults in schools by establishing that the assault of a school employee is a second degree assault. Hearing scheduled in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on 3/5, contact Senator Johnny Mautz for information on how to deliver testimony: [email protected], or contact other committee Senators in support. 

HB1166/SB501 - Wear, Carry, and Transport Laws - Handbook Publication - A bill to require the State Police to annually inform the public of changes to handgun wear, carry, and transport laws. Hearing scheduled in the House Judiciary Committee on 3/6, contact Delegate Jim Hinebaugh for information on how to deliver testimony: [email protected], or contact other committee Delegates in support. 

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Upcoming Bills You Can Oppose
 

HB615/SB512 - Prohibited Behavior on School Grounds and Property - A bill that prevents law enforcement from holding students who disrupt school, or commit crimes at school, from being held accountable. Hearing scheduled in the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment on 2/28, contact committee Senators in opposition. 

HB947/SB488 - Gun Industry Accountability Act of 2024 - A bill that allows the Attorney General or an individual to go after the gun industry and sue them after someone else commits gun violence. Hearing scheduled in the House Judiciary Committee on 2/28, contact committee Delegates in opposition. 

HB430 - Liability Insurance for Public Wearing and Carrying - A bill that requires citizens who Wear & Carry a firearm to pay for $300k in liability insurance. Hearing scheduled in the House Judiciary Committee on 2/28, contact committee Delegates in opposition. 

HB473/SB637 - Undocumented Students - Out-of-State Tuition Exemption Eligibility - A bill that gives in-state tuition status to illegal immigrants. Hearing scheduled in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on 2/28, contact committee Senators in opposition.   

HB522/SB492 - Public Schools - Student Telehealth Appointments - Policy and Access - A bill that requires schools to allow students to do Telehealth medical appointments without parental consent, or even parental notification. Hearing scheduled in the House Ways & Means Committee on 2/28, contact committee Delegates in opposition.