Legislative Session 2022
Legislative session is over. Sine Die (end of session) was April 11, 2022 at midnight. We have provided a summary of the bills that ABATE of Maryland, Inc. worked on in 2022. A note from Bob Spanburgh, Jr., our Chairman of the Board, regarding the 2022 Session is provided below:
As I write this, another Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session has come to a close. Once again, our Helmet Law Modification Bill (SB745) failed to get a vote in the Senate JPR Committee. The “Must Appear” Bill we have been pursuing for so long passed unanimously in the Senate only to be denied a vote in the House Judiciary Committee. Both of these outcomes were discouraging; however, this session should not be qualified as a failure. There were more “Bad Bills” introduced this year than at any session in recent memory. ABATE of Maryland, Inc. and other concerned citizens were able to defeat bills that would have forced the owners of EVERY gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle registered in Maryland to fork over $14 dollars per vehicle to subsidize electric vehicles. We were also able to defeat legislation that would have forced all vehicles to be re-inspected every time you renewed your vehicle’s registration. We also blocked a bill that would have allowed Law Enforcement to pull you over if they “suspected” that your vehicle’s exhaust exceeded new decibel limits contained in within the legislation.
As has frequently been the case ABATE of Maryland, Inc. expects some of these “Bad bills” to be re-filed next year. With that in mind we hope that our membership will continue to recognize the importance of being politically engaged in our ultimate goal of pursuing “Freedom of the Road”. I would like to thank all of you who called and e-mailed your representatives in regard to these bills. Together, we can make a difference. Ask the candidates in this year’s upcoming election where they stand on these issues, and don't forget to vote!
Sincerely,
Robert G. Spanburgh Jr.
Chairman of the Board
ABATE of Maryland, Inc.
Legislative Update: 12 April 2022
SB0745 Vehicle Laws – Protective Headgear Requirement for Motorcycle Riders – Exception
Bill Synopsis: Providing that the prohibition against operating or riding on a motorcycle without certain protective headgear does not apply to an individual at least 21 years old who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least 2 years, has completed a certain motorcycle safety course, or is a passenger on a motorcycle operated by a driver who has been licensed for at least 2 years or has completed a certain motorcycle safety course
SB 0745 Sponsor: Senators Hough, Eckardt, Edwards, and Salling – Link to Bill
Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee
Hearing date: March 15, 2022, 1:00pm
ABATE of Maryland, Inc. position: Support – Favorable
Status: Died in committee – no vote
HB 1333 Motor Vehicles – Modified Vehicle Exhaust System – Penalties
Altering the penalty for modifying a motor vehicle exhaust system or noise abatement device in a certain manner or for driving on a highway a motor vehicle with an exhaust system or noise abatement device that is modified in a certain manner; and establishing certain exceptions to the prohibitions governing modified motor vehicle exhaust systems or noise abatement devices.
Summary of existing law changes:
Does Not Apply to: Historic motor vehicle, historic truck, tractor or motor home & Street Rods
May be cited (ticketed) with the offense
May be issued a safety equipment order repair (inspection ticket)
Fines:
1st offense: $200
2nd offense: $300
3rd & subsequent offenses: $400
HB 1333 Sponsors: Delegates Lehman, Palakovich Carr, Pena-Melnyk, Solomon, and Watson
Environment and Transportation Committee
Hearing date: 3/10 at 1:00 p.m
ABATE of Maryland, Inc. position: Against – Urge a vote of “UnFavorable“
Status: Died in committee – no vote
HB0007 / SB0025 Reckless and Negligent Driving – Death of Another – Must–Appear Violation (Sherry’s and Christopher’s Law)
Bill Synopsis: Providing that a person charged with reckless or negligent driving must appear in court and may not prepay the fine if the reckless or negligent driving contributed to an accident that resulted in the death of another person.
HB 0007 Sponsor: Delegate Szeliga – Link to Bill
House Judiciary Committee
Hearing date: Hearing 1/19 at 1:00 p.m.
SB 0025 Sponsor: Senator Cassilly – Link to Bill
Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee
Hearing date: Hearing 1/18 at 1:00 p.m.
Committee Vote: 04Feb2022: FWA: 11 Yea (favorable), 0 Nay
Senate Floor Vote: 14Feb2022: 45 Yea (favorable), 0 Nay
ABATE of Maryland, Inc. position: Support – Favorable
Status:
HB 7 Died in committee – no vote
SB25 Passed in Senate – Died in House Judiciary Committee – no vote
HB 0046 / SB0104 Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program – Not Subject to Inspection – Fee
Bill Synopsis: Establishing a fee of $14 to be collected once every 2 years on each motor vehicle registered in the State that is granted a waiver from, exempted from, or not subject to the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program; and requiring the fee to be deposited in the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund and be used to incentivize and purchase electric vehicles and expand electric vehicle infrastructure.
HB 0046 Sponsor: Delegate Fraser-Hidalgo – Link to Bill
Environment and Transportation Committee
Hearing date: Hearing 1/20 at 1:00 p.m.
SB 0104 Sponsor: Senator Kramer – Link to Bill
Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee
Hearing date: Hearing 1/18 at 1:00 p.m.
ABATE of Maryland, Inc. position: Against – Urge a vote of “Unfavorable“
Status: Died in committee – no vote
SB0670 Vehicle Laws – Registration Renewal – Inspection Requirement
Bill Synopsis: Requiring the Motor Vehicle Administration to require, if applicable, the submission of a valid registration renewal inspection certificate before renewing a motor vehicle registration; requiring a registration renewal inspection to include a certain examination of certain motor vehicle equipment; providing that a registration renewal inspection certificate shall remain valid for 90 days; requiring a registration renewal inspection certificate to include certain information; etc.
SB 0670 Sponsor: Senator Smith – Link to Bill
Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee
Hearing date: February 24, 2022, 1:00pm
ABATE of Maryland, Inc. position: Monitoring
Status: Died in committee – no vote