LA PLATA, Md. – At a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner BJ Bowling strongly advocated for improved communication between the county and its residents regarding the 2025 legislative session.
During the meeting, Assistant Deputy County Attorney Danielle Mitchell provided an update on the legislative session, explaining that weekly updates would be given to the Board of Commissioners throughout the next 90 days. Despite this commitment, Bowling emphasized that more transparency was needed to keep the public informed on how legislation affecting Charles County is progressing.
“I’ve heard from many in our community who want to know how legislation moves forward once it leaves our building,” Bowling said. “We need a better way to communicate with the public about these important state-level meetings, especially since the decisions made there can directly impact our county.”
Bowling proposed that the county use local media, social media, and even re-air meetings on local channels to provide broader access to the discussions happening within the Charles County Delegation.
“Delegation meetings are crucial to the future of our county, and it’s vital that our residents understand how decisions are made and which bills are being considered,” he added.
He also suggested creating a legislative webpage on the county’s site that would feature updates, hearing dates, and links to state-level information.
“This could be a simple, yet effective way to ensure the public stays informed throughout the legislative process,” Bowling said.
In response, Mitchell confirmed that while it may be challenging to directly re-air the delegation meetings, the county could explore other ways to make the information more accessible, such as promoting the meetings on social media and potentially linking to them on the county website.
Residents and stakeholders can view all Charles County bills submitted to the Maryland General Assembly for the 2025 session at this link.
Charles County 2025 Legislative Bills and Upcoming Senate Hearings (as of Feb. 10, 2025)
- SB0727 – Charles County – Student Bus Transportation Providers – Provider Displacement
Status: In the Senate – Hearing Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.
Committee: Education, Energy, and the Environment - SB0728 (HB1284) – Charles County – Governing Bodies of Common Ownership Communities – Member Training
Status: In the Senate – Hearing Feb. 25 at 1 p.m.
Committee: Judicial Proceedings - SB0729 – Special Police Officers – County Government – Protection of Employees and Public Officials
Status: In the Senate – Hearing March 4 at 1 p.m.
Committee: Judicial Proceedings - SB0730 (HB0841) – Gaming – Charles County Gaming Permit Review Board – Repeal
Status: In the Senate – Hearing Feb. 25 at 1 p.m.
Committee: Budget and Taxation - SB0731 (HB0835) – Charles County – Alcoholic Beverages – Baseball Stadium License – Alterations
Status: In the Senate – Hearing Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
Committee: Finance - SB0912 (HB1283) – Charles County – Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles – Regulation and Enforcement
Status: In the Senate – Hearing March 5 at 1 p.m.
Committee: Judicial Proceedings
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