Submitted by: Sam Denes
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
title
Letter in Opposition to SB-11 Establishment of School Zones
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the City Council to authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the General Assembly Environment and Transportation Committee and the State Delegates of District 22 and 47B in opposition to SB-11: Establishment of School Zones.
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Summary Background:
Maryland State Senate passed SB-11 (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/sb/sb0011t.pdf) which reduces school zones from one half mile to 500 feet. Our children and families deserve safe routes to school for their entire commutes, not just for the last 500 ft. A default reduction of school zones is inappropriate and unsafe, and prevents targeted enforcement around some of our most vulnerable community members. As a city with multiple neighborhood schools, which already have limited options for transportation provided by PGCPS, we should not be inhibiting our ability to ensure that getting to school is safe. This bill is in active opposition to the Moore Administration’s goals to encourage walkable, sustainable communities.
The MML Legislative Committee also submitted a letter in opposition to SB-11.
Next Steps:
Draft and send letter in opposition to SB-11.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
City Administrator Comments:
N/A
Community Engagement:
N/A
Strategic Goals:
Goal 2 - Ensure the Long-Term Economic Viability of the City
Legal Review Required?
N/A