Katie Fry Hester Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform
MD Senator
District: 9 • Democrat
2025 DEM Alignment:
6.52%
Lifetime Alignment:
7.88%
Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter
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Sen. Katie Fry Hester (D-MD-9) earned a 7% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Katie Fry Hester voted on 46 of the 47 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 2 years rated, Katie Fry Hester's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 8%, with 111 votes recorded across 113 scored bills. Katie Fry Hester represents the 9th District in the Maryland State Senate.
Title
Lawmaker Position
HB 1020
Senate 2025
1xHB 1020Senate 20251x
Driving Up Healthcare Costs by Banning Reporting Medical Debt to Credit Score Agencies.
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Fair Medical Debt Reporting Act," prohibits healthcare providers and collection agencies from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies. Additionally, consumer reporting agencies may not include medical debt in any consumer files. If such debt is included in a credit report, that information may not be used when evaluating a person''s creditworthiness. This bill drives up healthcare costs by exposing healthcare providers to greater levels of non-payment.
Chapter 4 – Bring Back the American Dream and Make it Affordable Again For Families, Young People, and Everyone – Section #3 – Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase Transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 1037
Senate 2025
1xHB 1037Senate 20251x
Hiking Electricity Costs through the Creation of an Unnecessary New State Energy Planning Bureaucracy.
Against DEMs
This bill requires the creation of a new state entity - the Strategic Energy Planning Office (SEPO) - which is expected to cost $6 million annually. The office is tasked with ensuring the State''s clean energy goals are met, among other duties. The operating costs of this new entity are assessed on utility companies and ultimately collected from ratepayers.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #4 – Lower Everyday Costs: Republicans will reduce the Regulatory burden, lower Energy costs, and promote Economic Policies that drive down the cost of living and prices for everyday goods and services.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 1111
Senate 2025
1xHB 1111Senate 20251x
Expanding Cronyism by Providing Property Tax Credits for Solar Energy Systems in Certain Locations.
Against DEMs
This bill allows counties and municipalities to grant property tax credits for nonresidential solar energy generating systems that are located on a brownfield, water retention pond, or quarry. The areas must be designated for industrial use, or have been in the past. A "brownfield" includes former industrial or commercial sites determined to be contaminated or polluted, closed landfills, or mined land. This bill provides competitive advantages to government favored energy systems while shifting tax burdens onto other taxpayers.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #4 – Reliable and Abundant Low Cost Energy: Republicans will increase Energy Production across the board, streamline the permitting process, and end market-distorting restrictions on Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 1222
Senate 2025
1xHB 1222Senate 20251x
Weakening Public Safety and Fueling Illegal Immigration by Restricting Access within "Sensitive Locations" for Federal Immigration Enforcement.
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Maryland Values Act," requires public schools, public libraries, and state and local government executive branches located at a "sensitive location" to deny access for federal immigration enforcement, unless the individual has a valid federal warrant or exigent circumstances exist. A "sensitive location" includes locations such as government healthcare facilities, state-funded shelters, and "any other location" that the Attorney General determines "requires special consideration." Additionally, the bill requires federal law enforcement officers to notify local law enforcement or government agencies of federal immigration enforcement actions. Finally, the bill requires the Attorney General to publish guidance on topics such as verifying the identity of federal immigration enforcement officers and validating immigration enforcement documents related to specific individuals.
Chapter 2 – Seal the Border, and Stop the Migrant Invasion – Section #5 – Stop Sanctuary Cities: Republicans will cut federal Funding to sanctuary jurisdictions that release dangerous Illegal Alien criminals onto our streets, rather than handing them over to ICE. We will require local cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 1253
Senate 2025
1xHB 1253Senate 20251x
Increasing Bureaucracy and Taxpayer Costs by Creating a Woke New Bureaucracy to Advance "Social Equity".
Against DEMs
This bill establishes the "Department of Social and Economic Mobility" to support "social equity" in the state and "propose new and innovative approaches to social equity programs."
Chapter 9 – Government Of, By, and For the People – Section #1 – Republicans Will Stop Woke and Weaponized Government: We will hold accountable those who have misused the power of Government to unjustly prosecute their Political Opponents. We will declassify Government records, root out wrongdoers, and fire corrupt employees.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 1315
Senate 2025
1xHB 1315Senate 20251x
Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Allowing the Insurance Commissioner to Expand the Vaccines Insurance Companies Must Cover under Minimum Family Member Coverage.
Against DEMs
This bill allows the Insurance Commissioner to adopt regulations requiring health insurance policies offered in the state to cover any future vaccines recommended by the CDC for children and adolescents, as part of mandated minimum family member coverage. Insurance companies are required to cover all costs for these vaccinations. The bill also allows pharmacists to administer vaccines recommended in the future by the CDC to individuals age 7 or older. While the provision expanding the ability of pharmacists to administer vaccines expands access to healthcare and competition, each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.
Chapter 4 – Bring Back the American Dream and Make it Affordable Again For Families, Young People, and Everyone – Section #3 – Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase Transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 161
Senate 2025
1xHB 161Senate 20251x
Fueling "Gender Identity" Indoctrination on School Children by Imposing New "Content Standards" on School Districts.
Against DEMs
This bill requires the State Board of Education to develop "content standards" for each subject and grade level, in addition to the already mandated curriculum standards and resources. County curriculums are required to align with the state standards, and failure to do so may ultimately result in state funding being withheld. Such content standards include the "Maryland Comprehensive Health Education Framework" that requires school districts to provide lessons on different gender identities starting in kindergarten and teach sixth graders to "define sex assigned at birth, gender identity, and gender expression." Measures such as this bill increase the likelihood of classrooms being weaponized to advance political or social agendas onto children.
Chapter 7 – Cultivate Great K-12 Schools Leading to Great Jobs and Great Lives for Young People – Section #6 – Knowledge and Skills, Not CRT and Gender Indoctrination – Republicans will ensure children are taught fundamentals like Reading, History, Science, and Math, not Leftwing propaganda. We will defund schools that engage in inappropriate political indoctrination of our children using Federal Taxpayer Dollars.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 19
Senate 2025
1xHB 19Senate 20251x
Socializing Even Greater Levels of Student Loan Debt of Nurses and Nursing Support Staff onto Taxpayers.
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Building Opportunities for Nurses Act of 2025," extends the termination date of the State Board of Nursing albeit with a number of new and expanded taxpayer subsidies for the nursing industry. Most notably, the bill expands eligibility for the existing student loan repayment program for nurses and nursing support staff. Under the bill, nurses and support staff employed at a for-profit healthcare provider in an area determined by the state to have a "health care workforce shortage or public health need" are eligible for student loan repayment. Previously, eligibility was limited to those employed by a non-profit organization or the state or local governments. The bill also authorizes additional student loan assistance for nurses and support staff who practice in a specialty determined by the state to have a shortage in the area and agree to work in that area for a certain amount of time. The free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of nurses and nursing support staff across the state.
Chapter 1 – Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices – Section #2 – Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 214
Senate 2025
1xHB 214Senate 20251x
Growing Government Dependency and Run Away Spending through a New "Maryland Assistive Technology Program" within the Department of Disabilities.
Against DEMs
This bill creates the "Maryland Assistive Technology Program" within the Department of Disabilities with the purpose of expanding access to assistive technology and devices. The private sector - not government bureaucrats - is best equipped to drive innovation and assist individuals with disabilities.
Chapter 1 - Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices - Section #2 - Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 268
Senate 2025
1xHB 268Senate 20251x
Further Socializing Hospital Costs by Mandating Low-Income Patients Receive Reduced Cost Care.
Against DEMs
This bill imposes new mandates on hospitals that require them to reduce out-of-pocket expenses (such as co-payments and deductibles) incurred by "low-income" patients. The percentages range from a 75% discount for patients with a family income up to 250% of the federal poverty level, to a 35% discount for those with a family income of up to 500% of the poverty level. Additionally, the bill extends the period of time during which a hospital is prohibited from filing a civil action to collect debt, from 180 to 240 days. Finally, hospitals may not charge interest on debt of patients eligible for financial assistance until a court issues a judgement. The nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Lawmakers should work to reduce regulations to provide greater access to healthcare and drive down costs for patients.
Chapter 4 – Bring Back the American Dream and Make it Affordable Again For Families, Young People, and Everyone – Section #3 – Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase Transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 270
Senate 2025
1xHB 270Senate 20251x
Expanding Government and Paving the Way for Additional Regulations Through an Unnecessary Data Center Analysis.
Against DEMs
This bill requires an analysis of the environmental, energy, and economic impacts that are likely to occur due to the development of data centers. The bill''s fiscal note estimates this study to cost up to $502,000. While the state should eliminate crony tax exemptions designed to incentivize data center development, this bill requires an unnecessary study that is likely to result in additional regulations and mandates in the future.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #1 – Cut Regulations: Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 277
Senate 2025
1xHB 277Senate 20251x
Hiking Construction Costs Through New Building Mandates Requiring Water Bottle Filling Stations.
Against DEMs
This bill requires at least one water bottle filling station to be installed in all new buildings wherever required under the International Plumbing Code. The bill also contains provisions requiring replacing drinking fountains with water bottle filling stations during certain renovations of existing buildings. These one-size-fits-all mandates lead to unnecessary expenses.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #1 – Cut Regulations: Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 324
Senate 2025
1xHB 324Senate 20251x
Mandating School Board Members Undergo Politicized "Implicit Bias" Training.
Against DEMs
This bill requires county school board members to complete antibias training during each term in office. The training must include content such as "cultural awareness" and be designed to "reduce implicit bias." Such mandates enrich providers of such services.
Chapter 7 – Cultivate Great K-12 Schools Leading to Great Jobs and Great Lives for Young People – Section #6 – Knowledge and Skills, Not CRT and Gender Indoctrination – Republicans will ensure children are taught fundamentals like Reading, History, Science, and Math, not Leftwing propaganda. We will defund schools that engage in inappropriate political indoctrination of our children using Federal Taxpayer Dollars.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 33
Senate 2025
1xHB 33Senate 20251x
Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Hiking Wage Rates Under the Maryland Corps Program - An Unneeded Entity.
Against DEMs
This bill amends various provisions of the Maryland Corps Program, which resembles the federal AmeriCorps. Under the bill, participants in either the Young Adult Service Year Option Pathway or the Maryland Service Year Option Pathway must be paid either the county or state minimum wage, whichever is higher, rather than $15 per hour (Montgomery County''s minimum wage ranges from $15.50-$17.65 depending on the number of employees). The bill also expands eligibility for the Young Adult program to include individuals 18-25 years old, rather than having graduated high school within 3 years.
Chapter 1 – Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices – Section #2 – Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 334
Senate 2025
1xHB 334Senate 20251x
Paving the Way for Additional Government Dependency and Expanded Medicaid Welfare through a Workgroup on Newborn Home Visiting Programs.
Against DEMs
This bill establishes the "Workgroup on Newborn Home Visiting Services" to study and make recommendations regarding various aspects of home-visitation programs for newborns. One requirement is to "identify workforce needs, including issues related to cultural competency" for these programs.
Chapter 9 – Government Of, By, and For the People – Section #1 – Republicans Will Stop Woke and Weaponized Government: We will hold accountable those who have misused the power of Government to unjustly prosecute their Political Opponents. We will declassify Government records, root out wrongdoers, and fire corrupt employees.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 350
Senate 2025
1xHB 350Senate 20251x
Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a $67.3 Billion Budget Funding Countless Wasteful and Unnecessary Initiatives.
Against DEMs
The FY 26 Budget Bill, contains over $67.3 billion in total spending. As a whole, the bill represents an increase of $714 million in total spending over FY 2025. Included in the budget are appropriations such as over $257 million for the Maryland Stadium Authority, over $159 million to the Maryland Energy Administration for "Renewable and Clean Energy Programs and Initiatives," over $133 million for the Division of Neighborhood Revitalization, over $55 million for the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, and $53 million for the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.
Chapter 1 – Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices – Section #2 – Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 350 (Jennings Amd. 603127/1)
Senate 2025
1xHB 350 (Jennings Amd. 603127/1)Senate 20251x
Restraining Government Growth by Implementing a Statewide Government Hiring Freeze.
Against DEMs
The Jennings amendment #603127/1 to the FY 2026 Budget Bill. The amendment requires a statewide hiring freeze for employees in the State Personnel Management System (state direct custody and care positions are excluded). The amendment also eliminates 25 new positions in the Office of the Public Defender, and reduces appropriations for salaries and fringe benefits by over $364 million across general, special, and federal funds, though the amendment allows reductions to be distributed to executive branch agencies in a schedule considering the cost savings from the hiring freeze. While the spending reductions should not be redistributed, this amendment is a step in the right direction towards reining in growth in the size and scope of government.
Chapter 1 – Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices – Section #2 – Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Support
HB 351
Senate 2025
1xHB 351Senate 20251x
Indebting Taxpayers by Over $1.8 Billion for Wasteful Capital Projects and Rental Housing Programs.
Against DEMs
This bill authorizes the Board of Public Works to issue over $1.8 billion in bonds (debt). These funds are to be used for various public works projects, such as building construction, renovation, and replacement, and property acquisition. Among the specific projects included in the bill are $85 million for rental housing programs, over $62 million for renovation and reconstruction of the Smith Hall for the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Towson University, $54.7 million for a new Interdisciplinary Engineering Building at the University of Maryland, and over $8 million for the Randallstown Library and Recreational Center in Baltimore County. The majority of these initiatives and buildings do not pertain to the core and necessary duties of government.
Chapter 1 – Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices – Section #2 – Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 352
Senate 2025
1xHB 352Senate 20251x
Fueling a Mass Exodus of Businesses and Wealth from the State by Hiking Income Taxes and Raising Fees.
With DEMs
This bill, the "Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025," contains several provisions that increase taxes and fees. Most notably, the bill establishes 2 new tax brackets, with rates of 6.25% and 6.50% (previously, the highest rate was 5.75%), and imposes a 2% capital gains tax on individuals with income over $350,000. The bill also provides for a 7.5% reduction in allowable itemized deduction for individuals with income over $200,000 ($100,000 for married filing separately) and increases the maximum county income tax rate from 3.2% to 3.3%. Additionally, the bill imposes a 3% tax on certain computer and data services (unless a higher rate applies), establishes a "new tire fee" of $5 per tire, and provides that the sales and use tax exemption for sales of over $1,000 precious metal bullion is limited to sales at the Baltimore Convention Center. Finally, the bill increases the maximum amount of outstanding consolidated transportation bonds that may be issued by the Department of Transportation, from $4.5 billion to $5 billion.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #2 – Make Trump Tax Cuts Permanent and No Tax on Tips: Republicans will make permanent the provisions of the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that doubled the standard deduction, expanded the Child Tax Credit, and spurred Economic Growth for all Americans. We will eliminate Taxes on Tips for millions of Restaurant and Hospitality Workers, and pursue additional Tax Cuts.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 384
Senate 2025
1xHB 384Senate 20251x
Fueling Run-Away-Spending through the Creation of an Unnecessary Maryland Disability Service Animal Program.
Against DEMs
This bill establishes a new Maryland Disability Service Animal Program within the Maryland Department of Disabilities. The program will provide funding for a "nonprofit training entity" to pair "eligible individuals" with an appropriate "service animal." The private sector already provides such services, and as the Governor''s veto message noted the state is facing a fiscal crisis and "adding new responsibilities for state agencies that are tangential to their core missions makes little sense".
Chapter 1 – Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices – Section #2 – Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 4
Senate 2025
1xHB 4Senate 20251x
Infringing Private Contracting Rights through New Mandates on Homeowners Associations for Solar Energy System Installations.
Against DEMs
This bill imposes new regulations on homeowners'' associations. Specifically, the bill prohibits land use restrictions (such as deeds and homeowners and condominium unit owners association bylaws) that increase the cost of installing solar collector systems. For example, such restriction may not increase installation costs by more than 5% or reduce the amount of energy generated by the system by more than 10%. It is not the role of government to dictate the private contractual agreements and operations of HOAs and UOAs. HOAs serve as free-market alternatives to government zoning and land use standards, as individuals can choose the restrictiveness of the community they wish to join or select to live on property outside the governance of an HOA.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #1 – Cut Regulations: Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 424
Senate 2025
1xHB 424Senate 20251x
Growing Government Regulatory Power within the Pharmaceutical Industry by Expanding the Ability of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to Implement New Price Controls.
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for All Marylanders Now Act," expands the ability of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to set "upper payment limits," which limit payment amounts for prescription drugs the board determines pose an "affordability challenge." Previously, this was limited to state and local government health plans and Medicaid, as well as governmental units, such as state correctional facilities and hospitals. This bill expands the authority to all purchases, including private insurance plans.
Chapter 4 – Bring Back the American Dream and Make it Affordable Again For Families, Young People, and Everyone – Section #3 – Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase Transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 477
Senate 2025
1xHB 477Senate 20251x
Reducing Childcare Costs and Increasing Availability by Studying the Impacts of Regulations on Providers.
With DEMs
This bill requires the Department of Education to conduct an analysis of child care facility regulations, such as staffing requirements. The measure requires emphasis on regulations that limit the ability to register a family child care home, receive a child care center license, or operate a child care facility profitably while maintaining quality and affordability. This bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing excessive regulations within the childcare industry. Lawmakers should build on this deregulatory approach to make childcare more affordable.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #1 – Cut Regulations: Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.
DEM Platform Position: Support
HB 500
Senate 2025
1xHB 500Senate 20251x
Hiking Taxpayer Costs by Including DEI and Other Non-Pecuniary Factors in Government Procurement Contract Considerations.
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Procurement Reform Act of 2025," amends several provisions related to government procurement contracts. Most notably, the bill requires that for certain procurements, a contractor must use an apprenticeship program, and if the value of the procurement is $1 million or more, a contractor must use an internship program. Additionally, the bill establishes a Good Labor Practices Evaluation Factor (which increases the preference of competitive bids) for businesses that meet certain criteria, such as only employing W-2 employees, not paying workers with cash, and accepting liability for the work of any subcontractor. Finally, the bill allows the Governor''s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs to adopt regulations requiring supplier diversity plans for procurements above $250,000, and workforce diversity plans for procurements above $500,000. Additionally, most procurements of up to $1 million must be designated for small businesses (previously between 50,000-500,000). Such mandates and bid preferences in procurement unnecessarily drives up taxpayer costs.
Chapter 9 – Government Of, By, and For the People – Section #1 – Republicans Will Stop Woke and Weaponized Government: We will hold accountable those who have misused the power of Government to unjustly prosecute their Political Opponents. We will declassify Government records, root out wrongdoers, and fire corrupt employees.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 504
Senate 2025
1xHB 504Senate 20251x
Threatening a Fiscal Catastrophe by Failing to Implement Proper Reforms to the Draconian "Blueprint for Maryland" Spending Package.
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act," makes some reforms to the "Blueprint for Maryland''s Future" (education spending package) albeit at levels far short of the spending cuts needed to correct the enormous budget shortfall facing the state. Furthermore, the bill establishes several new unnecessary programs such as the "Academic Excellence Program" to ensure "equitable access" to quality instruction. The bill also authorizes a "national teacher recruitment campaign" and relocation grants of up to $2,000 for teachers who agree to work in certain high-poverty schools for at least 2 years. Finally, under existing law, counties are permitted to exceed property taxes rate and revenue limitations if necessary to fund the county budget. This bill provides that this includes payments to the Teachers'' Pension System and the Teachers'' Retirement System.
Chapter 1 – Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices – Section #2 – Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 504 (Ready Amd. 773521/1)
Senate 2025
1xHB 504 (Ready Amd. 773521/1)Senate 20251x
Ensuring Fair Competition in Public School Sport Leagues by Prohibiting Biological Males from Competing in Female Competitions.
Against DEMs
The Ready amendment #773521/1 to the "Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act," which makes several changes to public K-12 education in the state. The amendment adds the "Fairness in Girls'' Sports Act," which adds language requiring public school entities sponsoring competitive sports, and private schools that compete against public schools, to designate athletic teams as either male, female, or co-ed. The amendment defines "sex" as the biological distinction between male and female based on reproductive biology and genetic make-up and requires all participants of a female team to be of the same sex. This measure protects the competitiveness of women''s sports by ensuring females are not forced to compete against biological men. This requirement represents one of many restrictions (including height, weight, and age requirements) to ensure fair competition between public and private schools competing across the state.
Chapter 9 – Government of, By and For the People – Section #5 – Republicans Will End Left-wing Gender Insanity: We will keep men out of women’s sports, ban Taxpayer funding for sex change surgeries, and stop Taxpayer-funded Schools from promoting gender transition, reverse Biden’s radical rewrite of Title IX Education Regulations, and restore protections for women and girls.
DEM Platform Position: Support
HB 731
Senate 2025
1xHB 731Senate 20251x
Growing Government Bureaucracy through a New "Maryland Connectivity Coalition" for Wildlife Road Crossings
Against DEMs
This bill creates a new "Maryland Connectivity Coalition" to identify road and bridge improvements that improve wildlife connectivity, or the ability of wildlife to move freely between habitats to access resources. The bill also directs the State Highway Administration and local jurisdictions to consider certain wildlife factors when enacting or updating their plans.
Chapter 3 - Build the Greatest Economy in History - Section #1 - Cut Regulations: Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 767
Senate 2025
1xHB 767Senate 20251x
Weakening Property Rights and Further Delaying the Eviction Process by Forcing Landlords to Take Additional Steps to Repossess Property.
Against DEMs
This bill requires landlords to provide a written notice to a tenant who is being evicted due to not paying rent, staying over past the term, or breaching the lease agreement. The notice must be posted or sent at least 6 days before the property is to be repossessed by the landlord, and must include various information, including information on obtaining a legal referral and contact information for the District Court Help Center.
Chapter 4 – Bring Back the American Dream and Make it Affordable Again for Families, Young People, and Everyone – Section #1 – Housing Affordability: To help new home buyers, Republicans will reduce mortgage rates by slashing Inflation, open limited portions of Federal Lands to allow for new home construction, promote homeownership through Tax Incentives and support for first-time buyers, and cut unnecessary Regulations that raise housing costs.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 783
Senate 2025
1xHB 783Senate 20251x
Forcing Medical Professionals to Undergo "Structural Racism" Training in Order to Renew their Licenses.
Against DEMs
This bill expands the requirement that medical professionals undergo "implicit bias" training in order to renew their license. Under the bill, this is expanded to "implicit bias and structural racism" training. The bill defines "structural racism" as "the totality of ways in which societies foster racial discrimination by mutually reinforcing systems of housing, education, employment," etc. Medical professionals should not be forced to undergo politized indoctrination in order to obtain licensure.
Preamble – America First: A Return to Common Sense – Common Sense tells us clearly that the Republican Party must stand for Equal Treatment for All. Likewise, the Republican Party must ensure the equal application of law to all regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 853
Senate 2025
1xHB 853Senate 20251x
Threatening Public Safety by Expanding the Ability of Dangerous Criminals Involved with Murder, Rape and Violent Crime to Have Their Sentences Reduced if they Have Served 20 Years.
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Maryland Second Look Act," expands the applicability of the "Juvenile Restoration Act of 2021," which allows individuals to petition a court to reduce their sentence if they were convicted of a crime as a minor and have served at least 20 years in prison. This bill includes individuals who were convicted of a crime while 18-24 years old and have served at least 20 years in prison. An individual is not eligible if they were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, are a sex offender, or were convicted of first-degree murder of an on-duty first responder. Unfortunately, so-called criminal justice "reforms" have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
Chapter 8 – Bring Common Sense to Government and Renew the Pillars of American Civilization – Section #2 – Rebuild Our Cities and Restore Law and Order: Republicans will restore safety in our neighborhoods by replenishing Police Departments, restoring Common Sense Policing, and protecting Officers from frivolous lawsuits. We will stand up to Marxist Prosecutors, vigorously defend the Right of every American to live in peace, and we will compassionately address homelessness to restore order to our streets.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 861
Senate 2025
1xHB 861Senate 20251x
Increasing Consumer Costs by Imposing New Reporting Requirements on Rideshare Companies.
Against DEMs
This bill requires Transportation Network Companies (such as Uber and Lyft) to provide drivers with a weekly "fare and earnings summary." This report must include the total fares and fees collected by the company for the driver''s rides, the total amount the driver earned, and the percentage of the total fares and fees that the driver received. Additionally, the bill requires annual reports to the Public Service Commission containing the average fare collected, the total amount of time drivers provided rides, and the total amount received by drivers.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #1 – Cut Regulations: Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 930
Senate 2025
1xHB 930Senate 20251x
Promoting Taking the Lives of the Unborn by Establishing a Grant Program to Provide Funds to Abortion Providers to Increase "Equitable Access" to Abortions.
Against DEMs
This bill establishes the "Public Health Abortion Grant Program" to distribute grants to organizations that provide abortions to "individuals without sufficient resources." The grants are designed to "support equitable access" to abortion, and are funded by abortion insurance coverage premiums, with the Governor required to provide $2 million in 2025 for the program, and a varying amount in future years. It is not the role of government to guarantee abortion. All abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.
Chapter 1 – Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices – Section #2 – Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 939
Senate 2025
1xHB 939Senate 20251x
Advancing the Socialization of Over-the-Counter Birth Control through a New Collaborative.
Against DEMs
This bill requires the establishment of the "Maryland Collaborative to Advance Implementation of Coverage of Over-the-Counter Birth Control" to study and make recommendations to expand access to over-the-counter birth control. This includes areas such as coverage requirements and public health programs. The nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare).
Chapter 4 – Bring Back the American Dream and Make it Affordable Again For Families, Young People, and Everyone – Section #3 – Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase Transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
HB 974
Senate 2025
1xHB 974Senate 20251x
Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Allowing the Insurance Commissioner to Expand the Services Insurance Companies Must Provide at No Cost or Co-Pay.
Against DEMs
This bill allows the Insurance Commissioner to adopt regulations requiring health insurance policies offered in the state to cover any future preventive services, based on federal recommendations or guidelines, without any deductible or cost-sharing requirement. Additionally, the bill allows the commissioner, as an alternative option, to adopt regulations that expand the preventive services "to the benefit of consumers in the state." Each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.
Chapter 4 – Bring Back the American Dream and Make it Affordable Again For Families, Young People, and Everyone – Section #3 – Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase Transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 363
Senate 2025
1xSB 363Senate 20251x
Worsening Government Cronyism through the Expansion of a Special Interest Loan Program Benefitting the Seafood Industry.
Against DEMs
This bill further expands a government program that provides loans to certain seafood dealers with "seafood processing projects". Specifically, the bill increases the taxpayer-funded loan amount from $10,000 to $25,000 that dealers may receive per seasonal employee they retain. The free market - not central planning schemes by government - is the best mechanism to drive job and business growth.
Chapter 1 - Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices - Section #2 - Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 399
Senate 2025
1xSB 399Senate 20251x
Hiking Electricity Costs by Paving the Way for Construction of an Unneeded NextEra Energy Transmission Line.
Against DEMs
This bill paves the way for the construction of a NextEra Energy Transmission line that brings power from Pennsylvania. Specifically, the bill reclassifies three environmentally protected wildland areas (Big Savage Mountain Wildland, Bear Pen Wildland, and Dan''s Mountain Wildland) to allow the transmission lines to be constructed. The transmission line is unnecessary (enriches NextEra Energy) while imposing substantial costs on Maryland ratepayers. Lawmakers should instead reduce the states draconian energy laws to spur local power production.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #4 – Lower Everyday Costs: Republicans will reduce the Regulatory burden, lower Energy costs, and promote Economic Policies that drive down the cost of living and prices for everyday goods and services.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 431
Senate 2025
1xSB 431Senate 20251x
Hiking Taxpayer and Business Costs through the Creation of a New Bureaucracy and Mandates Concerning Apprenticeships.
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act," establishes the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development to expand apprenticeships. and mandates an appropriation be included in the budget. The bill also establishes related programs, including the Maryland Pay Per Apprentice Program to help "offset costs" of apprenticeships for employers and sponsors. Finally, the bill requires a ratio of 1 journey worker to 1 apprentice, except where a deviation is recommended for nonhazardous occupations.
Chapter 1 – Defeat Inflation and Quickly Bring Down All Prices – Section #2 – Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending: Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 516
Senate 2025
1xSB 516Senate 20251x
Hiking Property Taxes and Further Socializing Childcare Costs by Increasing the Property Tax Credit for Family Child Care Homes.
Against DEMs
This bill increases the maximum property tax credit for family child care homes (up to 8 children) and expands eligibility to also include large family child care homes (up to 12 children). Under the bill, the maximum credit is increased from $3,000 to $10,000. This bill further dilutes the tax bases resulting in higher property tax burdens on other property owners to make up for the lost revenue. Instead of attempting to further socialize childcare costs, lawmakers should instead empower the free market to make childcare more affordable and accessible by reducing regulations and other anti-competitive measures.
Chapter 4 – Bring Back the American Dream and Make it Affordable Again for Families, Young People, and Everyone – Section #1 – Housing Affordability: To help new home buyers, Republicans will reduce mortgage rates by slashing Inflation, open limited portions of Federal Lands to allow for new home construction, promote homeownership through Tax Incentives and support for first-time buyers, and cut unnecessary Regulations that raise housing costs.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 587
Senate 2025
1xSB 587Senate 20251x
Fueling Division by Creating a Commission to Recommend Reparations to the Descendants of Black Slaves and Others Affected by "Inequitable Government Policies".
Against DEMs
This bill establishes the "Maryland Reparations Commission" to make recommendations on reparations for individuals who have an ancestor who was a slave or "impacted by inequitable government policies." This politicized measure merely stokes division within society. While it is impossible for government to "fix" the tragedy of slavery from generations ago, today lawmakers have a duty to ensure that everyone is provided equal treatment and opportunity under the law.
Preamble – America First: A Return to Common Sense – Common Sense tells us clearly that the Republican Party must stand for Equal Treatment for All. Likewise, the Republican Party must ensure the equal application of law to all regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 750
Senate 2025
1xSB 750Senate 20251x
Hiking Taxpayer Costs and Enriching Union Bosses by Mandating Collective Bargaining Rights for Part-Time Faculty at State Institutions of Higher Education.
Against DEMs
This bill mandates collective bargaining rights for part-time faculty at the state''s public colleges and universities, as well as Morgan State University and St. Mary''s College of Maryland. This includes nontenure track, part-time faculty who teach more than one course per semester. Public sector collective bargaining unnecessarily hikes taxpayer costs while making it harder to reward top-performing employees and dismiss poor-performing employees. All employees should have the "right to work" without being forced to join a labor union.
Chapter 8 – Bring Common Sense to Government and Renew the Pillars of American Civilization – Section #5 – Make Colleges and Universities Sane and Affordable: Republicans will fire Radical Left accreditors, drive down Tuition costs, restore Due Process protections, and pursue Civil Rights cases against Schools that discriminate.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 774
Senate 2025
1xSB 774Senate 20251x
Enriching Woke Corporations such as Comcast by Providing Special Tax Exemptions to Broadband Providers.
Against DEMs
This bill allows counties to exempt broadband service providers from property taxes under PILOT (payments in lieu of taxes) programs. Such carveouts and tax cronyism shift burdens onto other taxpayers. This scheme is especially unnecessary due to significant advances in satellite technology from the competitors of Woke broadband companies, such as Elon Musk''s Starlink.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #2 – Make Trump Tax Cuts Permanent and No Tax on Tips: Republicans will make permanent the provisions of the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that doubled the standard deduction, expanded the Child Tax Credit, and spurred Economic Growth for all Americans. We will eliminate Taxes on Tips for millions of Restaurant and Hospitality Workers, and pursue additional Tax Cuts.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 842
Senate 2025
1xSB 842Senate 20251x
Hiking Costs and Infringing Individual Liberties through New Regulations and Restrictions on the Sale of Electronic Smoking Devices.
Against DEMs
This bill prohibits manufacturers of electronic smoking devices, such as vaping products and e-cigarettes, from selling their products directly to consumers. Additionally, the bill also imposes new requirements on wholesale distributors and importers of such devices, such as requiring an invoice for each purchase and daily recordkeeping. Finally, the bill allows the Executive Director of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission to seize devices that violate these and other requirements, without a warrant. This bill infringes individual liberties and expands government overreach through a one-size-fits-all government mandate.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #1 – Cut Regulations: Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 901
Senate 2025
1xSB 901Senate 20251x
Driving Up Business and Consumer Costs Through New Mandates on Packaging Material Producers.
Against DEMs
This bill requires producers of certain packaging and paper products to submit a "Producer Responsibility Plan" to the Department of the Environment. This plan must include goals for recycling, composting, reuse, and return rates, as well as percentages of waste reduction, postconsumer material use requirements, and greenhouse gas reductions. The bill allows the Department to determine the date, after which, covered producers are prohibited from selling covered products if they do not have an approved plan.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #1 – Cut Regulations: Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 937
Senate 2025
1xSB 937Senate 20251x
Hiking Energy Prices and Growing Government Interference in the Energy Sector through the "Next Generation Energy Act".
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Next Generation Energy Act," contains several provisions providing subsidies to utilities and other entities within the energy sector. Most notably, the bill allows the Department of Housing and Community Development to issue loans for residential energy conservation and generating systems, declares a state policy of developing nuclear energy through, provides for the procurement of "Transmission Energy Storage Devices," and creates several new requirements on utilities.
Chapter 3 – Build the Greatest Economy in History – Section #4 – Reliable and Abundant Low Cost Energy: Republicans will increase Energy Production across the board, streamline the permitting process, and end market-distorting restrictions on Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 977
Senate 2025
1xSB 977Senate 20251x
Obstructing Immigration Enforcement by Denying Federal Requests for Facial Recognition Pertaining to Immigration Enforcement.
Against DEMs
This bill, the "Maryland Data Privacy Act," requires state employees and contractors to deny requests for a facial recognition search by any individual or government for federal immigration enforcement. Previously, this restriction was limited to federal agencies. Additionally, the bill further restricts access to government databases for federal immigration enforcement, as law enforcement agencies and governments must now deny access to anyone who "appears to be seeking access" for that purpose. Access is also to be denied unless the individual "clearly identifies the record to be accessed" (in addition to the existing requirement of a valid federal warrant).
Chapter 2 – Seal the Border, and Stop the Migrant Invasion – Section #2 – Enforce Immigration Laws: Republicans will strengthen ICE, increase penalties for illegal entry and overstaying Visas, and reinstate
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
SB 977 (Mautz Amd. 193428/1)
Senate 2025
1xSB 977 (Mautz Amd. 193428/1)Senate 20251x
Strengthening Public Safety by Excluding Individuals Convicted of Violent Crimes from the Bill Designed to Shield Data from Federal Immigration Enforcement.
With DEMs
The Mautz amendment #193428/1 to the "Maryland Data Privacy Act," which restricts access to state and local government databases and facial recognition searches for federal immigration enforcement. The amendment provides that the restrictions in the underlying bill do not apply to individuals who have been convicted of a violent crime.
Chapter 2 – Seal the Border, and Stop the Migrant Invasion – Section #2 – Enforce Immigration Laws: Republicans will strengthen ICE, increase penalties for illegal entry and overstaying Visas, and reinstate
DEM Platform Position: Support
SB 856
Senate 2025
1xSB 856Senate 20251x
Hiking Housing Costs through Costly Mandates on Landlords Concerning Performance of Mold Assessment and Remediation.
Neutral
This bill, known as the Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act, requires a landlord to perform a mold assessment within 15 days after receipt of a written notice from a tenant regarding the detection of mold. The mold assessment and remediation plan must meet specified guidelines issued by the EPA and include air sample analyses in accordance with specified standards. Additionally, landlords are required to provide informational pamphlets on mold to tenants at the time of lease signage. These new regulations expose landlords to greater costs and liabilities - particularly in cases of disgruntled tenancies - which drives up rental rates.
Chapter 4 – Bring Back the American Dream and Make it Affordable Again for Families, Young People, and Everyone – Section #1 – Housing Affordability: To help new home buyers, Republicans will reduce mortgage rates by slashing Inflation, open limited portions of Federal Lands to allow for new home construction, promote homeownership through Tax Incentives and support for first-time buyers, and cut unnecessary Regulations that raise housing costs.
DEM Platform Position: Oppose
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sen. Katie Fry Hester's voting record?
Sen. Katie Fry Hester (D-MD-9) earned a 7% National Democrat Platform score for 2025, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Katie Fry Hester voted on 46 of the 47 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2025. Across 2 years rated, Katie Fry Hester's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 8%, with 111 votes recorded across 113 scored bills. Katie Fry Hester represents the 9th District in the Maryland State Senate.
How aligned is Katie Fry Hester with Democratic Party Platform principles?
Katie Fry Hester earned a 7% National Democrat Platform score in 2025, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.
What is Katie Fry Hester's Dem Platform score?
Katie Fry Hester has a 7% Dem Platform score for 2025. Across 2 years rated, Katie Fry Hester's lifetime average is 8%.
Where does Katie Fry Hester serve?
Sen. Katie Fry Hester (D-MD-9) represents the 9th District in the Maryland State Senate as a Democrat.