Delegate Bonnie Cullison

After months of reflection and soul searching, I have decided not to run for a fifth term in the Maryland House of Delegates. These last 16 years have been an amazing opportunity to work with so many people committed to public service and helping all Marylanders have more opportunities for a better life. I am grateful to my district mates, Del Vaughn Stewart and Charlotte Crutchfield and Senator Ben Kramer for all their support and for being the most wonderful team partners. I am especially grateful to my Chief of Staff of the last eleven years, Brigida Krzysztofik, who enabled me to assume new responsibilities and succeed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Speaker Joseline Pena Melnyk, who trusted me to find ways to help others and gave me the foundation to be an effective legislator. I will complete this term, so I will continue to be on the job as a D19 delegate until January 2027. Then Marcia and I can start taking winter vacations and enjoy the golden years. Thank you to the residents of D19 for believing in me and allowing me to serve.

cullisonformaryland.com

The MD House passed HB569 – Credit for All Language Learning (CALL) Act by a vote of 137–1 which provides people who are learning English to receive credit for that coursework in the same way that English speakers get credits for learning other languages. Another example of providing more equity in opportunities for all students.

Commentary: Educators call for social justice for Maryland's multilingual learners - Maryland Matters Providing credit for multilingual learners for their language courses would help them successfully navigate coursework and complete degrees without further barriers to education, three professors write.

What’s happening in the House this week?

Defining sexual assault has been a policy/political process for MD. However, HB0496 is a bi-partisan bill being considered in the subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee on Weds. 03/06. This bill will remove the use of force or threat of force as a requirement in charging for second-degree r**e.

More: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0496?ys=2024rs

Watch the subcommittee hearing: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Meetings/Week/03032024?budget=show&cmte=jud&ys=2024rs

This year juvenile justice has been a major topic for the MD General Assembly. The Judiciary Committee passed HB 814, The Juvenile Justice Act, unanimously. It has been amended based on recommendations from the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) and other groups.

A few key things the bill does:

DJS must communicate electronically--not through US Mail--when they decide not to go forward with a case

When police officers arrest a child they are required to write a report and send it to DJS

10-12 year olds are required to come under DJS supervision if they (1) commit crimes of violence, (2) posses hanguns or other fi****ms, (3) torture animals, (4) make sexual contact

Kids will be put closer to services faster since DJS would be required to make an intake decision in two days if DJS refused to detain the child after a police officer requests a child be detained

Maryland juvenile justice bill moves forward following House committee vote The House Judiciary Committee has advanced an amended version of a bill designed to address the rise in certain crimes among juveniles.

At the beginning of every floor session in the MD General Assembly, we say the Pledge of Allegiance. The last line is “...and liberty and justice for all.” It struck me last week that it does not end with “all citizens” or “all born in the 50 United States” or “all who have some documented papers.” I would like to think that what was really intended was “all people.” And I would also like to think that “justice” includes “social, economic and health justice.” That is why I sponsored and am fighting for the HB728, the Access to Care Act, which passed in the House. Ultimately, this bill would allow folks living, working and paying taxes in MD to BUY at full price health care insurance on our Health Benefit Exchange. I am hopeful that the bill is successful soon in the Senate so that it will make its way to the Governor’s desk this session. Thank you to the many groups and coalitions who have worked with me on this bill.


Joseline Peña-Melnyk
Maryland Health Care for All!