State Delegate Matt Morgan, representing District 29A in St. Mary’s County, issued a two-part end-of-session newsletter to constituents on April 23 and 24, 2026, summarizing the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session and detailing his legislative positions.
Morgan described the session as one marked by missed opportunities on kitchen-table issues such as public safety, healthcare costs and lowering the cost of living for Maryland families, particularly in Southern Maryland. He noted that the General Assembly passed the largest budget in state history at $71 billion, built on the previous year’s largest tax increase, while projecting a $3 billion structural deficit for the next fiscal year.
In the newsletter, Morgan reported voting no on the budget package contained in Senate Bills 282, 283 and 284. He highlighted concerns including unfunded liabilities exceeding $8 billion, cuts to the Department of Disabilities budget and the absence of new taxes in the current year being offset by prior increases and fund raids.
On energy policy, Morgan addressed rising electric bills affecting Southern Maryland residents. He voted no on House Bill 1532, the Energy Omnibus Bill, which provided limited rebates of approximately $12.50 but did not address underlying costs from green energy policies. He co-sponsored several Freedom Caucus measures including HB 66 to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, HB 79 for economic safeguards on climate mandates and HB 521 to repeal the EmPOWER surcharge, none of which advanced.
Regarding public safety and immigration enforcement, Morgan opposed three bills he said weakened cooperation with federal authorities. He voted no on HB 444, which prohibits new 287(g) agreements with ICE; HB 351, the amended Civil Actions bill allowing suits against federal agents; and SB 791, the Community Trust Act restricting inquiries into immigration status. All three measures passed.
Morgan detailed his votes on election-related legislation. He co-sponsored HB 964, the Secure the Vote Act, which sought voter ID, proof of citizenship and limits on mail-in ballots but did not advance. He opposed HB 488 and related amendments to SB 5 on mid-decade redistricting, as well as SB 949 on absentee ballot deadlines and SB 255 on voting rights enforcement. He also voted no on SB 141 concerning election misinformation.
In education, Morgan co-sponsored HB 1039, the Right to Learn Act for alternative school options, which did not receive a committee vote. He opposed HB 486 on Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, HB 355 expanding state control over sex education curriculum and HB 288 allowing the state superintendent to declare prolonged emergencies. He voted no on several property rights bills including HB 313, HB 774, HB 543 and HB 146.
On healthcare, Morgan voted no on SB 496 expanding Medicaid coverage for obesity treatments and HB 637, the Vax Act, which passed and was signed. In transportation, he opposed SB 188 increasing Maryland Transportation Authority borrowing authority and HB 437 requiring climate assessments for road projects.
Morgan highlighted Freedom Caucus efforts that achieved partial successes, including transparency provisions for nonprofits added to the budget and media attention on HB 941. He noted support for SB 242 modernizing civil relief for service members and SB 8 on AI deepfakes. He introduced HB 15 on nonprofit transparency, HB 827 on the Transportation Trust Fund and HB 1646 on private airport screening, with limited advancement.
The delegate, who serves St. Mary’s County, emphasized the Maryland Freedom Caucus’s role in forcing debate and amendments. He expressed commitment to opposing future tax increases and addressing out-migration from Maryland as noted in the Comptroller’s housing report. Morgan invited constituent contact and stated his continued focus on making the state more affordable, safe and prosperous.
The newsletter reflects ongoing debates in Annapolis that directly impact Southern Maryland residents in areas including Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. The 90-day session concluded with several high-profile measures reaching the governor’s desk while others failed along party lines.
