Calvert’s Chamber Of Commerce Talks Successes, Bridges, And Seafood At 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up Session

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SOLOMONS, Md. — Calvert’s representatives had updates, and some stories, to share with Calvert County’s business community.

The Calvert County Chamber of Commerce hosted Maryland State Sen. Jack Bailey and Maryland Del. Todd Morgan of the 29th District at The Pier at Solomons for a wrap-up event, where the representatives went over this year’s successes in Annapolis and addressed some possible challenges the business community and Calvert County may face next year.

Several government officials were present, including County Commissioners Todd Ireland, Earl “Buddy” Hance and Mark Cox, as well as County Administrator Linda Turner. Business owners from around the county also joined the event to hear updates and ask questions.

Maryland’s legislative session takes place from January to April each year as lawmakers work to push through legislation. The 90-day session ends with “sine die,” when legislators adjourn without setting a date to return. This year’s sine die was April 13, and Gov. Wes Moore began signing or vetoing bills the following day.

The event was an opportunity for local business leaders to meet with county officials and legislators, and connect with each other on common issues. Here are some of the updates from legislators, and what you can expect if you join one of these events in the future.

Bills Passed

Gov. Wes Moore signed 173 bills into law from the 2026 legislative session. Sen. Bailey and Del. Morgan said 11 of their bills passed this year, which was an achievement given their substantial minority as Republicans in both legislative chambers. Bailey attributed their success to professional relationships with colleagues and their ability to work across the aisle.

“We’re here to serve you, period,” Bailey said. “If we’re not doing that, we might as well go home.”

Some notable bills for the business community in Calvert are:

HB535 Food Establishments – Cottage Food Businesses – Maximum Annual Revenue
Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the maximum annual revenue for a business to still be considered a cottage food business

Consumer Protection – Retail Transactions for Essential Consumer Goods – Cash Payments: Prohibits merchants from refusing cash payments from essential consumer goods

HB1437/SB770 – Economic Development: Maryland’s Future Board – Establishment: Establishes a Maryland’s Future board within the Department of Commerce to develop a long-term visionary plan for the state

Del. Morgan was also instrumental in passing the popular bill to establish the megalodon as Maryland’s state shark.

Transportation Priorities

Bailey said updates to the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge remain his top priority, even after many years of not being a priority during the legislative session in Annapolis.

Concerns About Tourism And Water Industries

Several business owners in attendance raised concerns about fishing and tourism industries and how restrictions on rockfish catches impact both commercial and sport fishing.

Bailey pointed out that some of the changes around the fishing industry may need to happen at the federal level, but added that these laws do contribute to a decrease in tourism — and that for many people, conservation is learned out on the boat rather than in educational centers or in stores. Fishing and water activities have long been a core part of Maryland’s economy. Bailey also said he was working on increasing the state’s seafood marketing budget.

The Cost Of Blueprint For Maryland

Commissioner Hance asked about the increasing costs of Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future program, pointing out that Calvert County has shouldered most of the costs of aligning with this program, with very little help from the state. County officials discussed the successes of Calvert County, while also evaluating the challenges of meeting constantly evolving statewide standards amid declining state funding and finding appropriate testing to measure student outcomes.

“Next year’s funding isn’t the doom and gloom everybody thinks it is, but there are some serious challenges ahead,” Bailey said.

Calvert officials and the legislators praised Calvert County’s testing success so far and agreed that trades education need additional support.

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting another wrap-up event on Thursday, April 30, for the 27th District at Baia Coastal Italian Kitchen. You can find a list of all Chamber of Commerce events online and information about joining the chamber.

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