2025 Legislative Review: Sen. Jack Bailey
Senator Jack Bailey
Republican, District 29
District 29
Senator Jack Bailey had an active and results-driven 2025 legislative session, with several key pieces of legislation passed with bipartisan support—many tailored directly to the needs of Southern Maryland’s rural and coastal communities. At the same time, a few proposals did not make it across the finish line, including legislation targeting commercial fishing regulations and enhanced penalties for violent crimes.
Several of Senator Bailey's primary-sponsored bills passed with broad support, reflecting his focus on natural resources, public safety, and rural infrastructure:
SB0023 (State Boat Act - Auctioneers) –This bill streamlined regulations related to auctioning vessels under the State Boat Act, simplifying procedures and supporting maritime commerce. It passed both chambers with bipartisan support.
SB0186 (Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program) –This legislation established a pilot program to combat invasive blue catfish in local waterways. The initiative directly benefits Bailey’s Chesapeake Bay district by promoting ecological balance and supporting commercial fisheries.
SB0335 (Canada Geese - Bag Limits) –Targeting overpopulation issues affecting agriculture and ecosystems, this bill adjusted hunting bag limits for Canada geese, addressing local concerns about crop damage and water quality.
SB0363 (Oyster Shucking House Loan Program) –This bill created a loan program under the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) to assist in financing oyster shucking houses—critical infrastructure for Southern Maryland's seafood industry.
While many bills advanced, others faced opposition or were withdrawn—often due to regulatory complexity or lack of consensus:
SB0053 (Commercial Crab Harvest - Start Time) –Withdrawn by Senator Bailey, this bill sought to adjust the allowable start time for crab harvesting. Its withdrawal suggests challenges in balancing commercial interests with regulatory standards.
SB0128 (Hunter Safety Education – ID Number Issuance) –Another bill withdrawn by Bailey, this measure would have modernized identification processes for hunter education. The reasons behind the withdrawal are unclear but may relate to implementation concerns.
SB0364 (Jamari's Law) –Despite drawing attention, this proposal to impose harsher penalties for vehicular manslaughter did not advance beyond the Senate hearing phase, reflecting ongoing debates over sentencing reform.
SB0300 (Criminal Law – Theft of a Handgun) –Though Bailey co-sponsored this legislation aiming to elevate handgun theft to a felony, it was ultimately withdrawn. The proposal had bipartisan potential but may have been caught in broader gun legislation debates.
Senator Bailey also played a notable role in the debate over the Maryland Second Look Act (HB853), which allows certain incarcerated individuals to petition for sentence reductions after serving at least 20 years. During Senate deliberations, Bailey proposed an amendment to exclude individuals convicted of particularly heinous crimes—such as the murder of first responders—from eligibility. The amendment narrowly passed the Senate in a 24-23 vote, with the House adopting the amended version of the bill as law.
Of the 59 bills for which Bailey was the primary or co-sponsor, 19 passed, 26 failed, and 4 were withdrawn.
A total of $575K in bond funding was brought to District 29 by Senator Bailey across four different projects:
$100K for Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center for a new maintenance building and site maintenance upgrades related to ADA compliance. (Co-sponsored by Calvert Delegate Jeffery Long.
$100K for Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad to install solar panels. (Co-sponsored by Delegate Todd Morgan).
$25K for the St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge No. 2092 to assist with HVAC and refrigeration system replacements. (Co-sponsored by Delegate Todd Morgan).
$350K for St. Mary’s County Regional Airport Fuel Capacity Expansion which will allow the airport to begin offering a new, eco-friendly fuel. (Co-sponsored by Delegate Brian Crosby).
Many in the community are now aware of the $500K in state bond funding Senator Bailey secured last year for the Pascal Crisis Service Center, originally planned for Charlotte Hall. The owners have since withdrawn their application with the county’s department of Land Use & Growth Management. In a statement, Bailey said he was not involved with choosing the location of the crisis center but that he supports bringing needed resources to our area. Securing funds for community resources is one area where Bailey excels.
Senator Jack Bailey's 2025 legislative portfolio reflects a strategic blend of local advocacy, natural resource stewardship, and support for first responders and veterans. Bailey’s focus on natural resources and first responders is no surprise with his background as a former Department of Natural Resources police officer. His ability to push key bills through with bipartisan backing underscores his growing influence in Annapolis.
