Since the General Assembly is now mid-way through its 90-day session, I wanted to update you on what's happening in Annapolis.

Two of the major legislative initiatives this year are in the areas of housing and energy.

Housing

As a slowing real estate market creates a drag on the national economy, foreclosures are emerging as a threat to stability in every county in the state. During the fourth quarter of 2007, there were 9,722 foreclosures in Maryland, compared to 715 in the fourth quarter of 2006. Baltimore County had 10.6% of these foreclosures.

The cost of foreclosures goes beyond individuals losing their homes and any equity they have built up in their property. In Maryland, the average home sold in a foreclosure sale sells for 18.8% below market value. Each foreclosure on a single-family home reduces property values within 1/8 of a mile by nearly 1%. Lenders typically lose $50,000-$60,000 on every foreclosed home.

The Committee that I serve on, the House Environmental Matters Committee, heard testimony last week on the Governor's legislative package on the foreclosure problem. Taken together, these bills will: (1) improve regulation of the mortgage industry and reform lending practices by banning pre-payment penalties for sub-prime loans, assuring a borrower's ability to repay a loan and verify sources of income, and increasing the mortgage licensing requirements, (2) create a mortgage fraud statute that covers all potential actors engaged in mortgage fraud, (3) modify the Protection for Homeowners in Foreclosure Act (PHIFA), which was passed in 2005, by banning the conveyance of real property in the foreclosure rescue context, (4) reform the foreclosure process by requiring a lender to wait 90 days after default before filing the foreclosure action, and (5) reform lending practices in Maryland by tracking rates of default and foreclosure of mortgage industry professionals; and strengthening the experience requirement to obtain a license.

Energy

Given that state-wide demand for electricity is rising much faster than increases in supply, Maryland faces the possibility of brown-outs by 2011 if nothing is done. To lower electricity bills and keep our lights on, Maryland needs to reduce demand and increase supply. The Administration has proposed six bills to address these challenges. These bills will: (1) create an energy fund that will allow Maryland to invest in energy efficiency programs and renewable energy; (2) codify the Governor's goal of reducing state-wide energy consumption 15% per capita by 2015; (3) require that all new State buildings over 7,500 square feet and all new schools (starting in 2010) be built as "green," energy-efficient buildings (according to the "LEED Silver" standard), (4) increase the percentage of electricity that must come from renewable sources (solar, wind, geothermal power) to 20% by 2022; and (5) enhance the solar and geothermal grant program.

My Legislation

This past week, I presented testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee on my anti-bullying bill, HOUSE BILL 732, which would require all school districts to develop policies on bullying awareness, prevention and response. Bullying has become an increasing problem in our schools; a 2005 study revealed that more than one-quarter of Maryland's high school students had been harassed or bullied in the previous year. Almost one-third of students reported receiving verbal slurs due to weight, size or physical appearance.

HB 732 would require each County Board of Education to develop a bullying policy in consultation with teachers, parents, students and other groups. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) would develop a model policy that includes several policies and procedures. Each County Board would also develop bullying prevention programs and a teacher and administrator development program.

Three other bullying bills have also been introduced. I am pleased that MSDE is supporting my bill.

Next two weeks

In the next two weeks, I will present testimony on several other bills that I have introduced. These include:

• HB 785, which would convert the Rosewood center property to a state park once the center closes. Many community residents have expressed concern that Rosewood not be developed after the center closes next year. There also is a shortage of open space in the Owings Mills area. My bill will address both concerns by converting the Rosewood center property to a state park.
• HB 1242, which would establish a task force to study how to improve financial literacy. The sub-prime mortgage crisis has highlighted the need to improve financial literacy, and my bill would set up a task force to study the problem and make recommendations, especially in the area of school curriculum.
• HB 1337, which would establish a Maryland Clean Energy Center to help incubate new businesses in the fields of renewable energy or energy efficiency.
• HB 1157, which defines "road rage" and establishes penalties. According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, 38 percent of all motorists fear road rage and aggressive drivers more than any other driving hazard.
• HB 1361, which would prevent automobile dealers from advertising as the selling price of a vehicle an amount that represents the balance that would be owed after deduction of a down payment, trade-in allowance or other allowance. This bill would codify provisions that are in state regulations but which are not adhered to by some automobile dealers.
• HB 1417, which would require that the Department of Housing and Community Development market its housing programs (such as first-time home buyer programs) to military personnel with health care experience who are entering the civilian health care field. This is one of the recommendations of the task force established by my 2007 bill HB 949, which aimed to reduce the barriers that military health care personnel face in entering health care professions.
• HB 961, which would require the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists to disclose exculpatory information to a licensee when charges are filed against him or her.

I am proud to be representing you in Annapolis and to be a part of the District 11 legislative team. Please contact me with any comments or feedback and if I can be of any assistance.

Best,

Delegate Dana Stein

410-841-3527