After a last-minute scheduled consideration and vote, SB0331 passed out of the Judicial Proceedings Committee with a favorable DO PASS report. It now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.
What was once thought dead is now risen from the dead. Senate Bill 331, which is being carried by Senator Susan Lee, got on to the Judicial Proceedings Committee vote list yesterday and ultimately passed after a somewhat heated debate, largely between Republican committee members. The vote was 8-3, with the following roll call vote:
YES
Chairman Will Smith, Jr. (D)
Vice Chair Jeff Waldstreicher (R)
Jill Carter (D)
Shelly Hettleman (D)
Michael Jackson (D)
Susan Lee (D)(bill’s author)
Charles E. Sydnor III (D)
Chris West (R)
NO
Bob Cassilly (R)
Michael Hough (R)
Jack Bailey (R)
The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration. We are working to assure that it is considered by the full Senate this week and that procedures needed to move the bill in the House (if it crosses over) are also being pursued. As with all legislation, stay tuned because it’s a long and hard road ahead. But if you are a Maryland resident or adoptee— or an ally of of adoptee rights—please sign up with us so that we can get you more information about what you can do.
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