ST. MARYS COUNTY- Delegate Todd Morgan, who represents District 29C in the Maryland House of Delegates, said constituent input drives his legislative priorities each session. Morgan, a former St. Marys County commissioner, co-sponsored bills on public safety, tax policy, environment and transportation during the 2026 session.
As a member of the Environment and Transportation Committee, Morgan described energy policy as one of his biggest challenges. The committee absorbed energy issues from another panel, requiring members to complete intensive education on the topic. Morgan supported the Relief Act but noted it was assembled quickly with limited review time. He pushed for recognition of nuclear energy as a Tier 1 resource, aiming to address costs tied to the Empower fee and save taxpayers an estimated 300 million dollars, though those provisions faced opposition.
A key win for Morgan was the living shoreline bill, which he developed with input from advocates, nongovernmental organizations, watermen and marine contractors. The legislation establishes consistent statewide standards for living shorelines, addressing erosion differences along Southern Maryland cliffs facing east, such as Drum Cliffs and Calvert Cliffs. Morgan said the measure helps farmers and waterfront property owners by replacing rigid interpretations that required expensive, sometimes ineffective projects.
Transportation issues remain a priority. Morgan highlighted ongoing raids on the Transportation Trust Fund and called for stable funding to support road projects. He expressed frustration over the lack of progress on replacing the Solomons Bridge, a long-standing top priority for the Tri-County Council and St. Marys and Calvert counties. No advancement has occurred despite years of advocacy.
On cost-of-living concerns affecting Southern Maryland families, Morgan backed gas tax, unemployment tax and sales tax holiday proposals. He stressed the need for more affordable housing policies that recognize regional differences rather than one-size-fits-all state rules. Morgan criticized recent changes to landlord-tenant laws and homeowners association requirements, saying they could raise rents and burden small property owners, including retirees relying on rental income. He urged residents to engage early in comprehensive planning and zoning processes to influence development.
Maryland has become less economically competitive, according to Morgan. He cited high taxes, heavy regulations and net out-migration of residents as factors driving businesses and families away. Population growth relies largely on international immigration, he said, while calling for proactive policies to attract employers.
Morgan successfully sponsored legislation designating the Megalodon as Marylands official state shark, working with the Calvert Marine Museum, Baltimore Aquarium, Rockville Science Center and young advocates. The bill passed with bipartisan support after amendments linking it to the Maryland Natural History Museum. Morgan described the effort as economic development for Southern Maryland, boosting tourism at the Calvert Marine Museum, generating interest in shark teeth hunting and inspiring local apparel and beverage products. He called it a feel-good measure that brought smiles amid routine legislative work.
The final days of the 2026 session drew criticism from Morgan for chaotic handling of bills, including the Maryland Voting Rights Act and other measures. He opposed the voting legislation, arguing it undermines qualified candidates and fair representation in rural districts like those in Southern Maryland. Morgan also raised concerns about rushed debate on other proposals amid protests and tight deadlines.
Looking ahead, Morgan plans to focus on transportation safety, affordability measures and energy policy improvements. He intends to seek re-election and continue building bipartisan relationships in Annapolis, where Republicans are outnumbered. Morgan noted the different demands of delegate service compared to county commission work and expressed commitment to addressing budget deficits, spending controls and regional needs in Southern Maryland.
