Legislation

Jennie Forehand doesn't talk about what needs to be changed, she takes action. 

Legislation she introduced has had a positive impact on the quality of life in her district, Montgomery County and throughout the state because she understands the issues that affect our everyday lives.

 

For the list of Jennie's 2010 legislation, click here.

Jennie is responsible for numerous laws that benefit Maryland's health, safety, economy, consumers, and the vitality of our local communities.

Her 2009-sponsored legislative package created some of the State's toughest drunk driving laws.   The bills grew out of the Task Force to Combat Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol, a group created by Senator Forehand's 2007 legislation. 

Here is a list of benefits Marylander's enjoy as a result of Jennie's legislation:

Consumer Protection

Prevent funeral directors from charging for "hidden" costs and services

Require financial planners to be qualified and licensed

Guarantee protections for new car buyers (Lemon Law)

Require the Motor Vehicle Administration offices to be open on Saturdays

Protect identity theft victims by requiring immediate security freezes on their credit reports

Stop genetic-based discrimination in health and long-term care insurance

Campaign Finance Reform

Require campaigns to produce receipts for all expenses

Public Safety

Criminalise human trafficking and involuntary servitude

Make it a crime to secretly videotape individuals

Require police to force internet service providers to remove child pornography

Criminalise the intimidation of witnesses and victims

Strengthen penalties against drunk drivers

Allow judges to have police enforce child custody awards in domestic violence cases

Exclude prior reputation evidence against minors who are sex abuse victims

Allow testimony that a defendant refused a drug/alcohol test

Economic Development

Biotechnology Investment Incentive - tax credits for investing in biotech start-ups

Property tax credit for publicly sponsored business incubators to foster new companies

Children/Families

Ensure that mothers and newborns get to stay 48 hours in the hospital

Raise the age to purchase cigarettes

Require safety helmets for children on bicycles and roller blades

Bring child booster seat age/weight requirements up to Federal standards

Exempt breast-feeding supplies from sales tax

Allow out-of-court testimony from nurses in child abuse cases

Restrict the presence of tobacco vending machines

Facilitate community approval of home-based day care businesses

Require health insurance costs to be considered in child support awards

Prohibit cell phone use for driver's with a learner's permit or provisional license

Environment/Clean Air

Require emission tests on diesel vehicles

Transportation

Support the approval and funding of the Inter-County Connector

Facilitate $1.5 billion in matching Federal funds for Metro over 10 years

Local Community Development

Facilitated the development and funding for local projects for the Rockville and Gaithersburg downtown revitalization. 

Secured State funding for the development and construction of Strathmore Hall, Lone Oak, Hospice Caring, Penn Place, Red Brick Court House, Rockville Arts Place, RICA, Committee for Montgomery Health Clinic, and the conversion of the historic Rockville Post Office.

 

Jennie at the Legislature