Kenneth P. Kerr

Agriculture

Kerr introduced legislation in the 2020 legislative session that would allow farmers who grew malting barley and rye as cover crops to combine harvest their crops while still earning a stipend.^[19] The bill received an unfavorable report from the Environment and Transportation Committee.^[20]

Alcohol

Kerr introduced legislation in the 2021 legislative session that would allow some restaurants, bars, and taverns to continue selling alcoholic beverages that could be consumed off-site.^[21] The bill passed and became law with Governor Larry Hogan's signature on May 18, 2021.^[22]

Drugs

Kerr introduced legislation in the 2020 legislation session that would categorize kratom as among the most dangerous controlled substances in Maryland.^[23]

Education

Kerr supported legislation introduced by Delegate Kathy Afzali during the 2017 legislative session that would require schools be open for at least 1,080 hours a year, or roughly 155 full school days.^[24]

During the 2018 election, Kerr ran as "a champion for public education."^[25]

In January 2019, Kerr testified in support of a bill that would classify teachers at the Maryland School for the Deaf as state employees, rather than "at will" employees.^[26]

Kerr introduced legislation in the 2020 legislative session that would prove funding for a teacher apprenticeship program for the Frederick County Public Schools system.^[27] He also introduced a bill that would allow students to attend a nonprofit institution of higher learning at the same cost as an average four-year rate for tuition and fees for public colleges and universities through Maryland's higher education system.^[28][29]

Kerr introduced legislation in the 2022 legislative session that would require seizure training for teachers and other school employees.^[30] It received a favorable subcommittee report.^[31]

Environment

In March 2019, Kerr voted in favor of legislation that would ban foam takeout containers.^[32]

Guns

In February 2020, Kerr was one of seven Democrats who voted against a bill that would mandate background checks on private sales and transfers of shotguns and rifles.^[33]

Healthcare

Kerr introduced legislation in the 2019 legislative session that aims to reduce the amount that young people pay for insurance through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.^[34][35][36] The bill passed and went into effect without Governor Larry Hogan's signature on May 30, 2021.^[37]

In March 2019, Kerr voted in favor of a bill that would allow physicians to prescribe medication to terminally ill people, at the patient's request, to aid in their death.^[38]

Marijuana

Kerr supports the legalization of recreational marijuana.^[39][40] During the 2018 election, Kerr received an A-plus rating from the Maryland Cannabis Policy Coalition for his support of legalizing marijuana.^[41]

National politics

In July 2019, Kerr endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.^[42] He ran as an uncommitted delegate for the 2020 Democratic National Convention.^[43]

Social issues

In October 2017, Kerr voted in favor of legislation that would allow students to use bathrooms and locker rooms according to their gender identity and provides alternatives for students uncomfortable for any reason.^[44]

Transportation

During his 2018 campaign, Kerr said that people should look at the impact that technology such as autonomous vehicles could have before building more lanes on Interstate 270.^[45]