Legislative Success

Legislative Initiatives Led By Izzy Patoka

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Legislative Initiatives Led By Izzy Patoka 〰️

ENVIRONMENT

Bill No. 1-23: Bring Your Own Bag Act

  • Baltimore County’s Bring Your Own Bag Act aims to reduce litter, plastic pollution, and waste due to single-use carryout bags and to increase the use of reusable bags.

EDUCATION

Bill No. 31-24: Adequate Public Facilities - Overcrowded Schools

  • The legislation updates the County’s APFO to address school overcrowding by revising capacity standards, creating a school capacity committee, and establishing rules for managing school capacity in residential developments

GOOD GOVERNMENT

Bill No. 47-24: County Charter- County Council- Composition- Number of Councilmembers

  • The number of Baltimore County Councilmembers and councilmanic districts will increase from seven to nine starting in the 2026 election cycle. The changes revise district boundaries, align related boards and commissions with the expanded Council, update procedural language, adjust rules for redistricting and Charter amendments, and make structural changes. I see this as a perfect storm of opportunity to enhance representation and modernize governance in the County.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Bill No. 2-20: Assembly Areas- Capital Improvement and Capital Construction- Assistive Listening System Requirement

  • This act requires the installation of assistive listening systems in County-funded assembly areas during construction or renovation, establishes compliance and waiver processes, and involves the Commission on Disabilities in project consultations to enhance accessibility.