Appropriations Committee approves package of departmental bills, including WMATA grant measure and amended college menstrual-products requirement

The Appropriations Committee held a voting session and approved a package of departmental bills, moving directly into a budget hearing afterward.

Subcommittee Chair McCaskill opened the session and introduced several measures, saying, "House bill 2 25 is a departmental bill. It's an extension for sunset," before moving House Bill 2 55 favorably. The committee recorded roll-call votes and passed the bill.

Delegate Smith presented House Bill 4 57, a proposal requiring institutions of higher education to provide free menstrual hygiene products. After two amendments passed, Smith said the second amendment "changes the delivery mechanism from restrooms to the student health center and only requires higher education institutions with on‑campus housing to have menstrual products in the student health center." The amended bill, which excludes most community colleges and the University of Maryland Global Campus from the requirement but would cover two community colleges with on‑campus housing, passed on roll call.

Delegate Spiegel described House Bill 3 86 as a transit funding and workforce measure, saying, "This bill establishes a third annual grant beginning in fiscal year 2029 to the Washington Suburban Transit District to pay the capital cost of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority" and added that the bill requires WMATA's board to approve a workforce transition plan by July 1, 2028. The bill includes a provision allowing the governor to withhold 35% of the state's capital grant in fiscal years when the plan has not been approved or specified employees were terminated because of automation. Two amendments — one technical and one clarifying how the state's proportionate share is determined — were adopted. The bill passed, with several delegates recorded as voting no.

Subcommittee Chair McCaskill also presented House Bill 9 11, an emergency measure authorizing a license at Laurel Park to conduct live Arabian-breed racing under specified conditions. The committee added several cosponsors by voice vote, moved the bill as amended and approved it on roll call.

Several other departmental bills were introduced and approved with little or no discussion. Chair closed the voting session after announcing that three bills had been withdrawn and that motions were unfavorable on those withdrawn measures. The committee then prepared to switch immediately to a scheduled budget hearing.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 2 55 (extension for sunset) — passed; House Bill 2 28 (prohibit commercial horse racing) — passed; House Bill 2 31 (delay decentralization of guaranteed access grant program) — passed; House Bill 3 86 (WMATA grant and workforce transition plan) — passed (multiple no votes recorded); House Bill 4 57 (menstrual products at qualifying institutions, amended) — passed; House Bill 9 11 (emergency Arabian racing authorization) — passed. Detailed vote records and motions are in the committee minutes.

The committee adjourned the voting session and moved immediately to a budget hearing later the same day.