Bill 37-26 Disruptive Behavior — Public Facilities

Testifying for County Executive Elrich, he supported the bill extending bans to multiple facilities and longer durations, and promised disability community input, community engagement, and amendments to protect free speech before the October 19 worksession.

Opposed on behalf of Jews United for Justice, arguing the bill bans vulnerable people with mental health challenges from safe spaces and could chill lawful protest.

Speaking for the We the People Civil Rights Organization, she argued the bill is in the wrong jurisdiction and that civil rights are constitutionally protected.

Representing Shepherd's Table, she supported longer orders in limited cases but opposed bans extending to multiple facilities, citing impacts on unhoused neighbors and OLO racial equity findings.

A resident of the Neville Street men's shelter, he called the bill a quasi-criminalization of homelessness, citing county DBO data showing 78% from libraries and disproportionate impact on Black residents.

A plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against the county, he described receiving a DBO at the Bethesda outdoor pool in 2021 and argued the review process denied him adequate due process.

Speaking for Young People for Progress, she opposed the bill, warning of two-year bans, broad definitions, impacts on minors and unhoused residents, and risks to protected speech.