Legislative Session

Update on priority bills & advocacy strategy!

• Once bill hearings are completed in the 'committee of origin' (Senate committees for Senate bills, House committee for House bills), our strategy is to advocate for them to be scheduled for a vote! Once hearings are completed, committees have to vote on a bill (favorably) to move it along on the path of becoming a law. Committees, especially committee chairs, have the power to bring a bill to a vote. Quaker Voice will be emailing our members, with representatives on committees that already heard our bills, and ask them to contact their representatives to share support for bills and request a vote. Stay tuned for more information if you are on our email list! 

• Bills need to be voted on in their 'committee of origin' by Crossover Day on March 23rd! Bills heard in committee, but not voted on by this date, are less likely to be passed this year. Many bills take three or more years to pass successfully into law.

• Youth Charging Reform Act (SB323) is an active priority bill that has been voted out of its 'committee of origin'. It has transitioned to the 'opposite chamber' - so now the House Judiciary committee is considering the Senate version of the bill. Wahoo! This is great! No need for advocacy actions at this point.

Hearings & voting the week of 3/9 - 3/13! 

• • No hearings this week for priority bills - all hearings completed at this point.

  • No bills scheduled for a vote either - voting in 'committee of origin' is important right now!

Reminder on upcoming advocacy & learning events!

• Interfaith Day of Action for Immigrant Justice - Rescheduled for March 12th @ 12-2PM in Annapolis! This event was rescheduled because it overlapped with the Monks Walk for Peace; there is still time to REGISTER and be in Annapolis to stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors, friends, and families and call on Maryland's leaders to uphold our shared values of compassion, justice, and inclusivity. This event is co-organized by CASA and Maryland interfaith leaders.

• BYM Networking Day, hosted by Peace & Social Concerns Committee -The 2026 BYM Networking Day will be Saturday, March 14, 9:30am - 3pm at Friends Meeting School, 3232 Green Valley Road, Ijamsville, MD (near Frederick). We invite local meetings to come share their ideas and experiences for meeting this moment. This year’s schedule responds to Friends’ requests last year for more time and space for flexible interaction as well as workshops. 2026 focus topics will include: immigrant support, just peace for Palestine/Israel, anti-militarism, and Shepherdstown MM “harms” minute.  Learn more and register.  

Check out our calendar for all events.