MD General Assembly Updates

Things are moving even more quickly as a few important dates are approaching for the 2009 Legislative Session. The first one is March 9th which is the final date for introduction of bills without the suspension of Rules. The next date is March 30th and is known as the Opposite Chamber Crossover date. This means each Chamber (the House and the Senate) must send to the opposite Chamber those bills that it intends to pass favorably. If the bill doesn’t make it to the opposite Chamber by March 30th, it is usually considered to be dead. Although opposite Chamber bills can crossover after that date, they are subject to referral to the Rules Committee. At that point, it’s up to the Rules Committee as to whether they will allow the bill to crossover. While MISA is currently monitoring about 68 bills, that number could jump dramatically in the next week. Some of the bills of most concern today are:HB 344 – Consumer Protection – Sale or Distribution of Personal Information – Limitations. The language of this bill is so restrictive that it would close many businesses. After some detailed communications with Delegate Carolyn Howard, she stated she would withdraw the bill. See HB 344

HB 1120 – Social Security Numbers – Prohibited Uses. Linda Mack, Vice President of Investigators and Kathy Morris, Legislative Chair of MISA met with Andrew Isaac, Legislative Director for Delegate Susan Lee, sponsor of this bill, on February 23, 2009. After much discussion (and previous contacts by telephone and emails), Mr. Isaac stated that Delegate Lee would be working on amendments to HB 1120. Isaac was clear that the intent was not to harm the business community. Ms. Mack and Ms. Morris will be providing pertinent information as a follow-up. Mr. Isaac said they would welcome assistance with language that will accomplish their goal of trying to reduce methods that criminals use for identity theft and still protect the legitimate and lawful use of the SSN by businesses. The Hearing is set on March 4th. See HB 1120

Stay tuned for more as things develop. MISA members, please continue to check your emails daily for the next few weeks.