About

​Throughout her tenure in the Maryland General Assembly, Senator Shaneka Henson has been a steadfast advocate for legislation that empowers Marylanders to live well—focusing on equity, opportunity, and dignity across every stage of life.

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Addressing housing and environmental concerns, Shaneka sponsored HB544 to ensure that the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis complies with local laws, enhancing accountability and safety in public housing. She also established the Workgroup on Mold Standards and Remediation through HB976, aiming to develop best practices for mold assessment and remediation to protect public health.

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In education, Shaneka passed HB1268, the Legal Education Success Collaborative Act, which established a program to support aspiring law students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program provides mentorship, support and a full-ride scholarship to Maryland law schools. She also pushed forward HB1349, which secured bonuses for education support professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential recognition for those on the front lines of education. Shaneka further demonstrated her commitment to students with HB539, known as the Cameron Carden Act of 2024, ensuring tuition reimbursement for students who withdraw due to mental health crisis.​ Also, for higher education, SB511, the Pregnant and Parenting Student Support Act, requires public universities to implement plans supporting pregnant and parenting students,

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Shaneka has also shown deep concern for economic justice. Through HB268, she helped pass legislation that provided exemptions for business personal property tax, benefiting small business owners by relieving them of undue tax burdens. SB513 introduced a vital change to real property law, mandating that counties or municipalities must notify the public when restrictive covenants in real estate transactions are modified. HB364 extended the sales and use tax exemption to medical devices, ensuring that vital healthcare tools remain affordable for Marylanders. Additionally, HB540 supported urban farmers by establishing an assistance program through the University of Maryland Extension, fostering sustainable agriculture and local food production. 

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When it comes to family and social justice, Shaneka fought for HB234, which modified child support obligations for incarcerated individuals, preventing unnecessary financial strain on families. HB90, the State Personnel Management System – Office of the Public Defender – Placement and Collective Bargaining Act, provided collective bargaining rights for public defenders, advancing justice for both legal professionals and their clients. Shaneka also worked to strengthen cultural preservation with HB1048, which altered the Commission on African American History and Culture, and HB390, which supported the name change for the African American cultural museum to the Banneker Douglas Tubman Museum. She is a staunch advocate for equity in every facet of society, demonstrated in her work on SB722, which defined ecological restoration in state environmental law.

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Her commitment to public safety and tenant rights is reflected in her sponsorship of the Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act SB856, which imposed stricter mold-related requirements on landlords, ensuring healthier living conditions for tenants. Shaneka also addressed legal protections for pets with SB581, known as Buddy’s Law, which allows for compensatory damages in cases of tortious injury or death of a pet. On the issue of family safety, SB721 provided vital updates to family law by allowing for consent in permanent protective orders.

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Finally, Shaneka's work extends to public transportation and infrastructure. SB858 ensured that assault and bodily injury exclusions were excluded from the state’s public transit service and station regulations, enhancing safety for riders. Meanwhile, SB888 addressed local governance by amending licensing and permit distance requirements for alcoholic beverages in Anne Arundel County, fostering sensible regulations that protect public health and safety.

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Through these impactful pieces of legislation, Shaneka has worked to safeguard education, promote fairness, protect the environment, and foster a strong and just community for all Marylanders. Whether by supporting small businesses, improving housing, protecting families, or ensuring access to education, Shaneka has championed policies that reflect her steadfast belief in creating a better future for everyone.

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Additionally, Shaneka has served on several committees, including the Appropriations Committee, Ways and Means Committee and subcommittees for education, health, social services and the oversight committee on pensions.