Yesterday, the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) convened for a rare Special Session with two objectives: electing a new Speaker for the House of Delegates and voting on potential overrides of vetoes from the previous legislative session.
Yesterday, the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) convened for a rare Special Session with two objectives: electing a new Speaker for the House of Delegates and voting on potential overrides of vetoes from the previous legislative session.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Yesterday, the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) convened for a rare Special Session with two objectives: electing a new Speaker for the House of Delegates and voting on potential overrides of vetoes from the previous legislative session.
Former Speaker of the House of Delegates, Adrienne Jones, served as a fair and steady leader before stepping down this month from her role as Speaker of the House. Her rise to leadership 25 years ago encouraged many Marylanders to enter public service. She will continue to serve Baltimore County during this session.
The House elected Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk to serve as Speaker of the House for the 2026 legislative session. Although we serve in separate houses and represent opposite sides of the aisle, I look forward to working with Speaker Pena-Melnyk as she embarks on this new journey.
The Maryland Constitution requires the Governor to either sign or veto legislation within 30 days of presentation from the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House. In 2025, after bills passed both chambers of the General Assembly, Governor Moore vetoed 16 Senate Bills and 14 House Bills. State law also requires the Governor to supply written explanations for each veto, which can be found at the provided link.
Listen to the discussion via the provided link.
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation – Total Assessed Cost of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Study and Reports
The veto was overridden by the Senate (31–13). This study utilizes $600,000 in limited State resources toward a study that could be more appropriately funded and conducted by nonprofit or private organizations, rather than prioritizing core government responsibilities.
McKay voted: Nay
Vehicle Laws – Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems Pilot Program – Inspection and Extension
Applies specifically to Montgomery & Prince George’s Counties to use noise abatement monitoring systems on State & local highways to record sound violations of State vehicle law and terminates on June 30, 2028.
McKay voted: Yea
Maryland Disability Service Animal Program – Established
The veto was unanimously overridden by the Senate. Senate Bill 157 establishes the requirement of the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) to select one or more nonprofit service animal training organizations to match trained service animals with eligible individuals.
McKay voted: Yea
Security Guard Agencies – Special Police Officers – Application for Appointment
The veto was unanimously overridden in the Senate and House of Delegates. Senate Bill 455 expands eligibility for the appointment of Special Police Officers.
McKay voted: Yea
Confined Aquatic Disposal Cells – Construction – Moratorium
The veto was unanimously overridden by the Senate and House of Delegates. Senate Bill 168 establishes a temporary moratorium, from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2029, on the review or approval of applications to construct confined aquatic disposal cells in Maryland’s tidal wetlands or waters.
McKay voted: Yea
State Government – Maryland Reparations Commission
The veto was overridden (Senate: 31–14). This bill establishes the Maryland Reparations Commission to study and make recommendations regarding potential benefits for individuals whose ancestors were enslaved in the State or who were affected by certain inequitable government policies.
McKay voted: Nay
Courts – Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program – Establishment
The veto was overridden by the Senate. The bill launches an AI grant program, requires inventorying high-risk AI systems and data, and mandates adherence to DoIT policies before deploying new AI systems.
McKay voted: Yea
Please update your records with my new Maryland General Assembly Senate email address:
mike.mckay@senate.maryland.gov
By Authority: Citizens to Elect Mike McKay
Treasurer: Jeremy Bender
Mailing Address:
407 Washington Street
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-697-2622