Crossover Update: My Bills Head to the Senate

Dear Friend,

It’s been a busy few weeks in the Maryland General Assembly as bills move through the process and deadlines start to shape what can realistically get done this session. 

We just wrapped up crossover, one of the biggest milestones of the 90-day session. This is the point where bills have to pass out of their original chamber, House or Senate, in order to continue moving forward. From here, everything shifts to the other side for another round of hearings, debate, and votes before anything can become law.

The days leading up to crossover are some of the most intense of session. In the House of Delegates, and especially on the Health Committee, that means long committee hearings, subcommittee meetings to work through bill details, meetings with advocates on all sides, and closely tracking my own bills as they moved through their assigned committees. Bills that make it through crossover are the ones still in play. Everything else faces a much steeper path.

I’m proud to share that several of my bills passed out of the House and are now headed to the Senate for consideration:

HB0963: Registers of Wills – Appointment of Personal Representatives

Removes an outdated provision in our Estates and Trusts Article that prevents certain otherwise qualified individuals from serving as personal representatives based solely on citizenship status. It ensures families can manage their loved ones’ estates while maintaining all existing safeguards and court oversight.

This bill was heard in the House Judiciary Committee. To watch the committee hearing click here. HB963 has passed in the House of Delegates and was heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on 3/25/26, to watch the committee hearing click here.

HB1042: Health Occupations – Structural Racism Training – Funding Sources

This bill clarifies that a structural racism training requirement for health professionals we passed last year must be funded through external sources, not the State budget, helping protect the policy in a tight fiscal year.

This bill was heard in the House Health Committee on 3/4/26. To watch the committee hearing click here. HB1042 passed in the House of Delegates and was heard in the Senate Finance Committee on 3/25/26, which can be watched here.

HB1083: Montgomery County Board of Elections – Membership

This bill would alter the membership of the Montgomery County Board of Elections to consist of seven regular members, turning the substitute members into regular members.

This bill was heard in the House Government, Labor and Elections Committee on 3/4/26. To watch the committee hearing click here. HB1083 passed in the House of Delegates and was heard in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on 3/25/26, which can be watched here.

HB1438: State Board of Education – Public High School Graduation Requirements

This bill requires the State Board of Education to review graduation requirements for public high school students to ensure that they align with that students actually need to succeed after graduation. This helps ensure our educational policies reflect real-world career readiness.

This bill was heard in the House Ways and Means Committee on 3/12/26. To watch the committee hearing click here. HB1438 passed in the House of Delegates and will be heard in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on 4/7/2026.

HB1530: Higher Education – Undocumented Students – Out–of–State Tuition Exemption Eligibility

This bill reduces the number of years of tax documentation undocumented students must provide to qualify for in-state tuition, making higher education more accessible while maintaining accountability.

This bill was heard in the House Appropriations Committee on 3/11/26. To watch the committee hearing click here. HB1530 passed in the House of Delegates and will be heard in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on 4/1/2026.

HB1569: Parking Enforcement - Vehicles in Custody or Control of Auto Repair or Storage Facility

This bill establishes clear rules for parking and enforcement when a vehicle is in the custody of an auto repair or storage facility, providing clarity for both businesses and consumers.

The bill was heard in the House Environment and Transportation Committee on 3/12/26. To watch the Committee hearing, click here. HB1569 passed in the House of Delegates and will be heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on 4/1/2026.

Joint Caucus Press Conference Recap

I got to represent the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus this week at an all-caucus press conference alongside the chairs of the AAPI, Black, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Muslim, and Women’s Caucuses, where we came together to give an update on our shared priorities after crossover. Standing together in that space was a powerful reminder that so many of the issues we’re working on are deeply connected across our communities, and that we’re strongest when we move forward together. I had the opportunity to speak about where our priority bills stand as we head into the final stretch of session, including the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead to get them across the finish line. You can read more about the press conference here: https://marylandmatters.org/2026/03/25/day-after-crossover-legislative-caucuses-join-together-to-advocate-for-bills-and-each-other/

District 16 Night

Thank you to everyone who came out to District 16 Night a few weeks ago. It was truly wonderful to be joined by so many constituents and to see such strong engagement from our community. Opportunities like this to connect in person, share updates, and hear directly from you are some of the most meaningful parts of this work.

We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to come hear from your District 16 delegation, ask thoughtful questions, and be part of the conversation. Your involvement and continued engagement make a real difference, and it’s always great to bring a little bit of District 16 down to Annapolis.

As we head into the final weeks of session there’s still a lot of important work ahead of us. I’m looking forward to continuing to hear from you as we navigate these last few weeks. Your thoughts and perspectives truly help guide the votes I take.

Please know my door is always open. Whether you have a question, need help with a state issue, or just want to share what’s on your mind, I’m here for you. It’s an honor to represent you, and I take that responsibility seriously.

I’ll be back home in District 16 tomorrow at one of the No Kings protests happening all over our country. I’d love to connect if you’re out! And if you make a sign, I’d love to see it! Feel free to share a picture with me.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Teresa