YEAR-ROUND SUNDAY HUNTING IN ST. MARY’S COUNTY!A bill that would allow virtually year-round Sunday hunting of almost every species of game mammal and game bird has passed the Senate and moved over to the House. This bill (SB390), if it passes the House and is signed by the Governor, will become law. THIS MEANS IT IS VERY CLOSE TO PASSAGE, as the House is likely to approve it UNLESS THEY HEAR FROM YOU!
If this bill passes for St. Mary’s, it will very likely come back next year to add additional nearby counties, such as Charles, Calvert and even PG and Anne Arundel.You can read the text of the bill here: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2019RS/bills/sb/sb0390t.pdf. Language in bold type is what is being added to current law. Language in brackets is what is being deleted or changed elsewhere in the bill.The hearing on this bill has not yet been scheduled. We will let you know when it is – likely very soon. If you would like to go and testify or even if you just want to attend to show your interest, please let us know. The number of attendees at a hearing, even if they don’t speak, really does have an impact on the Committee members.
Since this is a county specific bill, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT LOCAL RESIDENTS COME TO TESTIFY; very little weight is given to others who come from outside the affected County. Contact MHC Exec. Director Carrie Hull at chull@mdhorsecouncil.org, if you can come to testify. WE NEED YOU!
IN THE MEANTIME, YOU CAN STILL MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! CONTACT THE LEGISLATORS BELOW TODAY!
Some tips – Keep your comments short (some information/talking points are below), and make sure you say so if you are a resident of St. Mary’s County.
Some comments you might consider making in your contact: Tell them if your activities or schedules are affected by the desire to avoid encountering hunters, and that you would like one day per week preserved for other users of the outdoors: trail riders (which are the largest group among Maryland riders), hikers, bird watchers, dog walkers, etc.
Share with them the info that shows what an important contribution horses and horse people make to Maryland’s economy (data sheet attached – feel free to share the data sheet with lawmakers and their staffs)Don’t forget to tell them if you are in their district!Delegate Kumar P. Barve (Chair)Phone: 410-841-3990 | 301-858-3990Delegate Dana Stein (Vice Chair)Phone: 410-841-3527 | 301-858-3527Delegate Carl Anderton, Jr.Phone: 301-858-3431 | 410-841-3431Delegate Pamela BeidlePhone: 410-841-3370 | 301-858-3370Delegate Alfred C. Carr, Jr.Phone: 301-858-3638Delegate Andrew CassillyPhone: 301-858-3444 | 410-841-3444Delegate Jerry ClarkPhone: 410-841-3314 | 301-858-3314Delegate Robert L. FlanaganPhone: 410-841-3077 | 301-858-3077 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3077 Bob.Flanagan@house.state.md.usDelegate William G. FoldenPhone: 410-841-3240 | 301-858-3240 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3240 William.Folden@house.state.md.usDelegate David Fraser-HidalgoPhone: 410-841-3186 | 301-858-3186 | Toll-free in MD: 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3186 david.fraser.hidalgo@house.state.md.usDelegate Barbara FrushPhone: 410-841-3114 | 301-858-3114Delegate Jim GilchristPhone: 410-841-3744 | 301-858-3744Delegate Anne HealeyPhone: 410-841-3961 | 301-858-3961Delegate Marvin HolmesPhone: 410-841-3310 | 301-858-3310Delegate Jay A. JacobsPhone: 410-841-3449Delegate Jay JalisiPhone: 410-841-3358 | 301-858-3358Delegate Tony KnottsPhone: 410-841-3212 | 301-858-3212Delegate Stephen W. LaffertyPhone: 410-841-3487 | 301-858-3487Delegate Robbyn LewisPhone: 410-841-3772 | 301-858-3772Delegate Cory V. McCrayPhone: 410-841-3486 | 301-858-3486Delegate Herb McMillanPhone: 410-841-3211 | 301-858-3211Delegate Charles J. OttoPhone: 410-621-0200Delegate Shane RobinsonPhone: 410-841-3021 | 301-858-3021Delegate William J. WivellPhone: 410-841-3447 | 301-858-3447You can find out more about each of these Delegates here: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmmain.aspx?pid=legisrpage&tab=subject6. Click on each Delegates’s name and you will find a link to his/her bio.Here is the Maryland Horse Industry economic impact information. Feel free to share widely, it’s a great story!Thank you for your continued efforts!
Your Maryland Horse Council Legislative Committee
