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Dear Friends,
Happy Black History Month! As this country faces so much uncertainty and the erasure and rewriting of history by the federal administration, it is imperative that we celebrate and document the stories and experiences of Black Americans. Black history is Maryland history and Black history is American history. I was grateful to see so many community members joining us to celebrate Black History Month at the Council last week.
On Monday afternoon there was a shooting at Wootton High School. I am heartbroken and deeply concerned by this incident. I am grateful to the Montgomery County Police Department, the Rockville Police Department and the first responders for their quick response. We are sending our best wishes for a full recovery to the individual injured and our thoughts are with their family and all the students and staff. This violence has no place in our county, especially our schools. The investigation is underway and the shooter is in custody and has been charged. A reminder that 988 is available via call or text if you or someone you know needs to speak to a mental health professional.
The County is continuing to deal with cleanup from Winter Storm Fern, which combined with sustained below freezing temperatures, has contributed to ongoing frustration and issues throughout the county. The Council received a briefing on the Winter Storm/Snow Operations on February 3rd, which you can watch on YouTube. There will be a follow up to this briefing in front of the full Council with a date yet to be announced. If you are still experiencing difficulties with snow/ice buildup in a particular area, please let my office know, and we will follow up with the relevant agency.
As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sincerely,
 Kate Stewart
Councilmember
(she, her)
The Maryland General Assembly has been in session for about a month and there are many pieces of legislation I am monitoring. As a Council we are tracking a number of bills including the Governor’s housing package. In addition, here are five I am tracking closely:
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HB 220/SB 130: Environment - Water - Individual Unit Meters
- This bill provides regulations for individual unit water meters and protections against excess fees, and grows out of the experience of residents at the Grand.
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HB 363/SB 468: Income Tax - Local Child Tax Credit - Authorization
- This bill authorizes a county to provide a tax credit against the county income tax for certain dependent children.
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HB 386/SB 281: Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026
- This bill reworks the funding structure from the state of Maryland to WMATA and moves us toward more stable funding for WMATA.
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HB 774/SB 462: Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases and Holdover Tenancies - Local Good Cause Termination (Good Cause Eviction)
- This bill authorizes a county to adopt local provisions that would prohibit a landlord of residential properties from failing to renew a lease without good cause.
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SB 626: Certificates of Birth, Licenses, and Identification Cards - Sex Designation (Birth Certificate Modernization Act)
- This bill simplifies the process for updating Maryland birth certificates, making it easier for transgender people and their families to have accurate identification documents.
The 2026 Montgomery County Point in Time (PIT) Count took place overnight on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Despite having to reschedule the PIT Count due to the recent snowstorm, there were over 200 people who signed up to volunteer. Thank you to those who offered their time and to the Department of Health and Human Services, particularly the Services to End and Prevent Homelessness team, for leading this event and the support you provide our residents year round.
I joined Parkside Condominium in North Bethesda for a productive resident town hall last week. We discussed a variety of issues such as mental health resources, road infrastructure, and neighborhood safety. Thank you to everyone who came out to participate!
Last week, I joined the Community Action Agency and Montgomery County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Partnership for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day and VITA Kick-Off. The event consisted of a resource fair with information to tax assistance programs, including the VITA programs which offer free tax aid to income-eligible households. Learn more about the VITA Program.
JSSA - Teen Mental Health First Aid:
ATTENTION MCPS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Are you interested in getting certified in Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)?
JSSA is hosting a new training in February for MCPS high school students aged 15 and above. Participants who complete the training will get $100 as an appreciation for their commitment to fostering a supportive school environment.
Location: JSSA Fallsgrove Office, 200 Wood Hill Rd, Rockville, MD 20850, 3rd Floor Boardroom
Days/Times: 2/16, 2/18, 2/20 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. (Must attend all 3 sessions)
Register here: https://jssa.jotform.com/252304641163953
Participants will learn:
- Common signs and symptoms of mental illness
- Common signs and symptoms of substance use
- Common signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis, particularly suicide
- How to open the conversation about mental illnesses and addiction with friends
- The impact of school violence and bullying on mental health
- How to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult
Participants Must:
- Be at least 15 years of age and attend a Montgomery County Public High School
- Be available to attend all scheduled sessions
- Complete a pre & post-participation survey
Interested? Register Here: https://jssa.jotform.com/252304641163953
*Dates and times may be subject to change depending on how many students register and weather conditions.
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Office of Councilmember Kate Stewart
