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2009 State Legislative Report
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2009 State Legislative Report
The 2009 General Assembly session was overshadowed by the economic crisis and continued erosion of state revenues. Prior to the beginning of session, the Governor announced substantial state program cuts and a planned layoff of state workers. However, the passage of the slots proposal by Maryland voters last fall alleviated the need for layoffs, at least for the short term.
There were 1581 House and 1073 Senate bills and 21 joint resolutions introduced with 799 bills and one resolution passing during the 90-day session. The construction industry along with other business groups responded to a number of measures that sought to impose new regulatory restrictions over many already strictly regulated industries.
See a summary of bills >>>
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Contacts |
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Michael Harrison
Director of Government Affairs
410-265-7400, ext. 109
michael@homebuilders.org
Service Area:
Baltimore, Carroll, Howard Counties, State Legislation and Green Building, Upper Chesapeake (serving Cecil & Harford Counties), Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, State Legislation and Land Development Council
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Government Affairs - Working For You |
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This department is responsible for monitoring state and local legislative, governmental and regulatory activities, which impact the housing industry, and coordinating HBAM’s actions and responses. Government Affairs represents HBAM members before state and local government officials, the business community and the public. Members of this department monitor local legislation, attend public hearings and keep chapter and council members informed of relevant local issues.
The Government Affairs department works for the HBAM membership in the following ways.
Legislative Advocacy and Political Education
HBAM offers effective legislative representation and lobbying at the national, state and local levels, representing housing industry interests and advocating strong positions on issues which impact you. On your behalf, HBAM fights overly restrictive legislation and resolutions which are detrimental to the housing industry and your county and works proactively with government to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Local
Your legislative concerns are represented at the local level by HBAM, which keeps members updated on issues and local ordinances. Chapter leadership meets regularly with local officials to advocate housing laws affecting the housing industry. The association offers several volunteer committees throughout its seven chapters for the specific purpose of representing the local building industry.
State
Each year during the Maryland General Assembly session, HBAM reviews each of the over 3,000 proposals, monitoring every bill which impacts housing. The association greatly utilizes its legislative arm in Annapolis, the Maryland State Builders Association, which employs a lobbyist to monitor the activities of various state legislative committees and to meet with members of the House of Delegates and the State Senate.
National
Your membership in the Home Builders Association of Maryland also includes membership in the National Association of Home Builders, the national advocate for the housing industry. The NAHB legislative staff ranks among the most highly respected lobbying forces in Washington, D.C.
Political Action
HBAM has one of the most unique and successful political action programs in the nation, realizing that the election of a candidate is truly the start of effective legislative involvement. As a member, you can participate in state and local PACs designed to promote the candidacy of elected officials who support a viable housing industry.
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