Getting Back to "Normal" at the Maryland General Assembly

The Maryland General Assembly begins the 444th Legislative Session on the second Wednesday in January. Much of pre-COVID public participation will be restored this year. Legislators will meet in person with citizens and advocates permitted to participate live in daily activities. During the 90-day session, 188 elected officials will consider almost 3,000 bills.

The 2022 session occurs during an election year and is expected to be dominated by discussion of legislative re-districting and spending programs. The 2022 session will also feature new leadership on the Economic Matters Committee, the House Committee with jurisdiction over most bills that impact energy, electricity and the laws that guide the Cooperative.

Long - serving Chairman Dereck Davis has been selected by the Legislature to become the next State Treasurer, replacing Nancy Kopp, who announced her retirement in
October.

Delegate C.T. Wilson, of Charles County in southern Maryland, is the new Chairman of the Committee he has served on since 2015. Chairman Wilson was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2010. He is an Army veteran and a practicing attorney. He is familiar with the operation of electric cooperatives as SMECO serves his constituents
in Charles County.

Choptank Electric Cooperative will monitor all the bills introduced to identify those that may have an impact on the service we provide to cooperative members. Our goal
continues to be affordable, reliable service to members. We will continue to work closely with the Eastern Shore Delegation.

These 16 legislators, who serve on various committees, caucus every Friday morning during session to protect the interests of the Eastern Shore. You can monitor bills that are introduced and watch Committee hearings on the MGA website at https://mgaleg.maryland.gov.