Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 1994. Member of the Senate since 1995.

Current Assignments

2003- Chair, Judicial Proceedings Committee

2007- Vice Chair, Rules Committee (Member, 2003- )

2003- Executive Nominations Committee

2003- Vice Chair, Legislative Policy Committee

2003- Management Subcommittee of the Legislative Policy Committee

Past Senate Service

Special Joint Commission on Public Safety and Security in State and Local Correctional Facilities, 2013; Standing Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting, 2011-2012; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2003-2007; Special Commission on Legislative Prayer, 2003; Deputy Majority Leader, 2001-2003; Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1995-2003; Chair, Environment Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1995-2003; Joint Committee on Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas, 1995-2003; Senate Committee on Redistricting, 2001-2002; Procurement Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1999-2001; Ethics and Election Law Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1997-2001.

Past House Service 1987-1995

Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics , 1991-1994; Environmental Matters Committee , 1987-1994; Tort and Insurance Reform Oversight Committee , 1988-1993.

Public Service

Maryland Access to Justice Commission, 2011-; Energy and Environment Committee, Southern Legislative Conference, 2008-; Agriculture and Energy Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2008-; Environment Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2008-; Agriculture, Environment, and Energy Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2007-2008; Climate Change Commission, 2007-; Law and Criminal Justice Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2007-; Environment and Natural Resources Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2005-2007; Chair, Senate Special Commission on Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance, 2004; State Advisory Council on Water Security and Sewerage, 2004; Environmental Restoration and Development Task Force, 2003; Nutrient Management Advisory Committee, 1998-2003; State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Commission, 1995-2003; U.S. Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, 1996-2002; Task Force on Energy Conservation and Efficiency, 2001; Chair, Chesapeake Bay Commission, 2001; Chesapeake Executive Council, 2001; Co-Chair, Special Committee on Gaming, 2001; Task Force on the Environmental Effects of Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE), 2000-2001; Oil Spill Prevention Advisory Committee, 2000; Delegate, Democratic Party National Convention, 2000; Study Commission on Lobbyist Ethics, 1999-2000; Smart Codes Strategy Group, Steering Committee, 1999-2000; Co-Chair, Article 66B (Planning and Zoning) Study Commission, 1999-2000; Vice Chair, Chesapeake Bay Commission, 1999; Task Force to Study Retail Electric Competition and the Restructuring of the Electric Utility Industry, 1997-1998; Senate Chair, Joint Committee to Study Mandates on Local Government, 1995-1997; Board of Trustees, Maryland Environmental Trust, 1995-1997; Maryland Recycling Advisory Group, 1995-1997; Blue Ribbon Citizens Pfiesteria Commission, 1997; Chesapeake Bay Commission, 1995-; Director, Clean Air Trust, 1995-; Task Force to Review the State's Election Law, 1995; Governor's Energy Task Force, 1991-1993; Chair, Montgomery County Delegation, 1991-1993; Governor's Work Group on Acid Deposition, 1988-1989; Member, Charter Review Commission, Montgomery County, 1983-1986; National Advisory Council, U.S. Small Business Administration, 1981-1982; Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Harrison A. Williams, Jr., of New Jersey, 1972-1976; State Legislative Liaison, Maryland Department of Employment and Social Services, 1971-1972; Board of Directors, Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology.

Memberships

Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Green Caucus, 1996-; Board of Directors, Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, 1986-1994; Executive Committee, Wesleyan University Alumni Association, 1986-1989; Board of Directors, Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 1983-1989; Board of Directors, State National Bank of Maryland, 1976-1985; Maryland Bar Association, 1972-; District of Columbia Bar Association, 1972-; Montgomery County Bar Association.

Awards

First Citizen Award, Maryland Senate, 2011; Legislator of the Year Award, Maryland Access to Justice Commission, 2011; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League, 2011, 2010, 2007; Champion for Children, Department of Human Resources and Maryland State Bar Association, 2010; Municipal Super Star, Maryland Municipal League, 2008-2009; John R. Hargreaves Legislative Fellow, Salisbury University, 2007; John V. Kabler Memorial Award, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, 2003; Leadership and Outstanding Service Award, Maryland State Bar Association, 2001; Public Official of the Year, Audubon Naturalist Society, 1999; Lawmaker of the Year, American Lung Association of Maryland, 1991; Conservationist of the Year, Sierra Club of Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia, 1989.

Biographical Information

Born, Washington, DC, October 8, 1946; Montgomery County Public Schools; Walter Johnson High School; University of Stockholm, 1966-1967; Wesleyan University, B.A., 1968; Columbia University School of Law, J.D., 1971; Attorney in private practice, 1976-; Married, Two children.