Senator Brooks asked the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee to give a favorable report on Senate Bill 315, legislation to change the composition of the Maryland Environmental Service board by removing the State Treasurer and replacing that slot with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning or the secretary's designee.

The bill, Senator Brooks said, would "lighten the burden on the state treasurer's duties and responsibilities, plus ensure that the board of directors continue to operate smoothly." The legislation follows a 2021 MES governance reform that created a seven‑member, Senate‑confirmed board and added the treasurer as a member.

State Treasurer Davis, who testified in support, told the committee he had taken on new responsibilities in recent years, including oversight of the Maryland 529 college savings plan, and said those duties had stretched his office's capacity. "We are laser focused in the office of the state treasurer on our constitutional responsibilities," Davis said, and he respectfully requested a favorable vote on SB 315.

Secretary Flora of the Department of Planning said she had been asked to serve and saw no conflicts from Planning joining the MES board. "There are intersections of what the work planning does around sustainable growth and our focus on human well‑being, environmental interest and of course, growing our economy," Secretary Flora said, and she said she looked forward to serving if the change is approved.

Charles Glass, executive director of Maryland Environmental Service, told the panel MES has increased transparency and requires a supermajority—five votes and five members present—to approve contracts. He said MES has "done a lot in the last four years to improve our delivery of services," described regular public reporting, and supported the proposed alteration in representation.

No committee questions were recorded during the hearing on SB 315. All witnesses on the panel—Senator Brooks (sponsor), State Treasurer Davis, Secretary Flora, and Director Charles Glass—asked the committee for a favorable report.

The hearing concluded with the bill left for the committee's further consideration; no formal vote or committee action was recorded on the transcript.

SB 315: discussion only; sponsors requested a favorable report.