Dear Friend,

Happy New Year! As the 2008 legislative session begins, I want to update you on a few issues that the General Assembly is likely to take up during the next three months.

Environmental Issues

• Chesapeake Bay Cleanup: During the 2007 special legislative session, $50 million was earmarked for initiatives to clean and protect the Chesapeake Bay. In the current session we will establish guidelines to spend that $50 million. It’s critical that the State spend the money where it will make a measurable difference and do the most good.  We can’t afford to waste money or time, given the Bay’s persistent problems.  I favor assigning the job of administering the funds to a small group of senior policymakers, advised by scientists, and insulated to the greatest extent possible from political considerations.
• Energy Conservation:  I plan to introduce legislation requiring electric utility companies to adopt cost-effective energy efficiency and conservation measures that will substantially reduce residential retail energy consumption.  I’ve worked for almost a decade on energy conservation legislation and chances for success finally look strong.
• Administration Legislation: The Governor is expected to introduce bills reducing greenhouse gas emissions, beefing up Critical Area protections in the Bay watershed, and promoting sustainable forestry.  
• Lawn Fertilizer Guidelines: During the 2007 legislative session, I sponsored a bill that passed with overwhelming support to reduce the amount of phosphorous in dishwashing detergents sold in Maryland.  I plan to introduce legislation during the 2008 legislative session to reduce the phosphorous content in lawn fertilizer.

Judicial Proceedings Committee
As Chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, I expect to oversee hearings on several contentious issues during the 2008 session:

• Same-Sex Marriage: The Maryland Court of Appeals upheld the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, a ruling that almost guarantees that the issue will be before the legislature this session.  An amendment to the state Constitution defining marriage as between a man and a woman will be re-introduced. It will be countered by proposals giving same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples – either through civil unions or full marriage.
• Anti-Death Penalty Legislation: Legislation to eliminate the death penalty in Maryland was an emotional, highly debated issue in 2007 and will come up again during the 2008 session. Although New Jersey recently abolished the death penalty, similar legislation will have a tough fight in Maryland this year.
• Teen Drivers: We will consider a bill that will increase sanctions against teen drivers who break traffic laws or purchase alcohol.  The state of Georgia passed similar legislation which resulted in a 40 percent decrease in teen automobile accidents.
• Foreclosures:  It takes less time to foreclose on a property in Maryland than in all but a handful of other states.  I expect legislation this session that will lengthen the foreclosure process and give better notification to people facing the loss of a home.

I will continue to update you on these and many other issues during the session. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns about our work throughout the session.

Sincerely,

Brian E. Frosh

P.S. Here's a link to profiles of several legislators, including myself, done by the Washington Post in connection with the 2008 session:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/politics/maryland/011007/frosh.html