ICE, Not NICE: Senator Chris West Breaks Down the 2026 Legislative Session

At the Republican Women of Baltimore County’s recent Saturday meeting, Chris West delivered a timely and candid overview of the 2026 legislative session, framed by his theme: “What Did Annapolis Pass This Time?”

Senator Chris reflected on his long relationship with the Republican Women of Baltimore County which has been critical in supporting all Republicans in this state. Chris West has worked with Ellen Sauerbrey since the early days as she was single handily responsible for the start of the Republican party in Baltimore County.

As Senator West prepares to retire, he reflected on both the challenges and key outcomes of his final session. He noted that he will remember 2026 as the “ICE session—not the NICE session,” citing the volume of legislation targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the consistent opposition from Republican lawmakers.

Despite partisan divides, Senator West highlighted several meaningful legislative wins. These included an anti-crime measure addressing squatting schemes involving fraudulent leases, stronger protections against the exploitation of elderly benefits, and enhanced penalties and enforcement provisions related to child pornography offenses.

His remarks also resonated with long-standing advocacy efforts by the Republican Women of Baltimore County, particularly their work raising concerns about pornographic materials in public schools. With strengthened laws now in place, the issue may warrant renewed attention. This will be interesting as the Republican Women of Baltimore County have contested obvious pornographic books in our schools for years. Read all about it here:

https://www.republicanwomenbc.com/post/maryland-legislators-object-to-testimony-quoting-pornographic-passage-from-high-school-book

https://www.republicanwomenbc.com/post/hereford-hs-book-may-be-child-porn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfeBhpO-7cE (Social Worker Presentation to BCPS)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_jsfTFzDPQ&t=6s (President RWBC Presentation to BCPS)

Maybe it is time to revisit this issue with the strengthening of the Pornographic Laws?

Senator West’s full remarks can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5pxCl0F3U8