End Of Session Update

Dawn Gile

Senator, District 33

The Maryland General Assembly concluded its 2026 legislative session on April 13, wrapping up 90 days focused on lowering costs, strengthening public safety, and making smart investments in our communities. At a time of economic uncertainty and shifting federal policy, our priority was clear: protect Marylanders and position our state for long-term stability and growth.

This session, we took meaningful steps to address one of the most immediate concerns I hear from families: rising costs. The Utility RELIEF Act delivers real savings by lowering annual energy bills, increasing oversight of utility spending, and requiring large energy users, like data centers, to pay their fair share. It also invests in in-state energy generation and expands assistance programs for families who need it most. At the same time, we passed the nation’s first law to prohibit predatory pricing practices that use personal data to charge consumers different prices for the same product.

We also met our constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced state budget — without raising taxes or creating new fees. The Fiscal Year 2027 budget makes disciplined investments in what matters most, including public education, health care, and child care, while maintaining more than $2.4 billion in reserves to prepare for economic uncertainty. These were not easy choices, but they were necessary to ensure Maryland remains on strong fiscal footing.

Public safety remained a central focus. We strengthened protections for children by closing gaps in laws related to abuse by individuals in positions of authority and by creating a statewide framework to ensure schools respond consistently and transparently to allegations of misconduct. We also took steps to reduce gun violence, improve accountability for firearm dealers, and invest in prevention and rehabilitation programs that make our communities safer over the long term.

In health care, we advanced targeted policies that expand access and improve quality of care. This includes strengthening maternal mental health screening and support, expanding access to menopause-related care, improving coverage for prosthetics, and ensuring continuity of care during insurance disputes. We also increased access to treatment for opioid use disorder by enabling greater collaboration between pharmacists and prescribers, particularly in underserved areas.

We continued to invest in education at every stage. From expanding access to child care and prekindergarten to strengthening tutoring programs and dual enrollment opportunities, these efforts help set students up for success. We also passed legislation to reduce distractions in classrooms by requiring school systems to adopt policies limiting cellphone use during the school day, supporting both student focus and classroom learning.

Recognizing the importance of a strong economy, we supported small businesses, expanded access to capital, and invested in high-growth industries like advanced manufacturing. We also took steps to ensure Maryland leads responsibly in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, with new protections against fraud and misuse alongside efforts to prepare students and institutions for the future.

Just as importantly, I worked to deliver for District 33 directly. This year, with my colleagues, I secured significant capital funding for local projects, including $450,000 to rebuild the Marsh Walk at Arlington Echo, a vital outdoor classroom along the Severn River used by Anne Arundel County students; $400,000 to support a new, expanded facility for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank; and funding for improvements to parks, schools and community spaces across our district.

I was also proud to sponsor and pass legislation that makes a difference in people’s daily lives, from improving maternal mental health care and expanding access to cancer treatment supports, to strengthening protections for children and supporting small businesses.

Serving as your state senator is an honor I take seriously. I remain committed to staying accessible, listening to your concerns, and delivering results that matter for our community — both during session and throughout the year.