Curt Anderson

{{short description|American politician, lawyer and former broadcast journalist}}

{{about|the U.S. politician, lawyer, broadcaster|the CCM artist|Curt Anderson (musician)|other uses|Kurt Anderson (disambiguation)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Curt Anderson

| image = Delegate Curt Anderson 2019.jpg

| caption =

| birth_name = Curtis Stovall Anderson

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1949|10|12}}

| birth_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

| residence = Baltimore, Maryland

| death_date =

| death_place =

| state_delegate = Maryland

| district = 43rd

| term_start = January 8, 2003

| term_end = January 11, 2023

| predecessor = Ken Montague, Michael Dobson

| successor = Redistricting

| constituency = Baltimore, Maryland

| party = Democrat

| occupation = Attorney

| majority =

| spouse = Divorced

| children = Ambre Anderson, Curtis Ian, Damien, Christian

| relations = Shani Davis (cousin)

| footnotes =

| state_delegate2 = Maryland

| district2 = 44th

| term_start2 = January 12, 1983

| term_end2 = January 10, 1995

| president =

| predecessor2 = Torey Brown, Frank Robey

| successor2 = Ann Marie Doory

| order3 =

| term_start3 =

| term_end3 =

| predecessor3 =

| successor3 =

}}

Curtis Stovall Anderson (born October 12, 1949) is an American politician, lawyer and former broadcast journalist. He was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1983, was the chairman of the Baltimore City Delegation,{{cite web|url=http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa13208.html|title=Maryland Manual On-Line|publisher=Maryland Archives|access-date=2007-02-23|archive-date=2012-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702201056/http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa13208.html|url-status=live}} and past chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. After serving 12 years, he was elected again in 2002, and served until his retirement in 2023. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1992 (Clinton) and 2008 (Obama).

Background

Anderson was born on October 12, 1949, to Leonard and Jean Anderson in Chicago, Illinois. His father, a graduate of Morgan State University, moved the family to Baltimore in 1952 to take a job as Dean at Morgan State University and assistant rector at the St. James' Episcopal Church. Anderson's parents divorced in 1957, and he and his two sisters were raised by his mother.{{cite news |date=1957-08-03 |title=No.2 Wife Asks Out |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=JkxM1axsR-IC&dat=19570803&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |newspaper=Baltimore Afro American |publisher=AfroNewspapers |access-date=2014-03-30 |archive-date=2016-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119135933/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=JkxM1axsR-IC&dat=19570803&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |url-status=live }}

=Education=

Anderson attended primary schools in Baltimore and Glencoe, Illinois. In 1964, he entered the Baltimore City College. He was the captain of the football and track teamsStrasburger, Editor The 1967 Green Bag. place of publication unknown, 1967. and won a scholarship to Rutgers University. Anderson majored in political science and made the freshman and varsity football and freshman track teams. But in the fall of 1969, Anderson left Rutgers at the end of the semester. In 1973, he entered Morgan State College where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He also played on the legendary "Ten Bears" lacrosse team,{{cite book| last =Harrison | first =Miles Jr.|author2=Chip Silverman| title = Ten Bears| publisher=Positive Publications| year = 2001| location =USA| page =185| isbn = 0-9679922-1-4}} the only black college lacrosse team in America.{{cite web|url=http://www.blackathlete.net/artman2/publish/CollegeSports_24/In_Black_And_White_For_The_Silver_Screen_-_A_Lacro_1506.shtml |title=In Black And White, For The Silver Screen – A Lacrosse Story |access-date=2007-04-23 |last=Eisenberg |first=John |publisher=Black Athlete |quote=A Ten Bears movie would focus just on Morgan's team. |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708021413/http://www.blackathlete.net/artman2/publish/CollegeSports_24/In_Black_And_White_For_The_Silver_Screen_-_A_Lacro_1506.shtml |archive-date=2012-07-08 }} In 1982, after his television career, he entered the University of Baltimore Law School from which earned a Juris Doctor degree.

Professional career

=Broadcast journalist=

File:Anderson ali.jpg, 1978]]

Prior to running for the House of Delegates, Anderson anchored the news at channel 2, WMAR-TV, and channel 11, WBAL-TV, in Baltimore, Maryland. Anderson was first hired by WBAL in 1976 as a reporter where he regularly covered the state legislature, Baltimore City Hall, produced features and even boxed a round with Muhammad Ali{{YouTube|6Pyjnq3-Mt4}} as a feature story in 1978.

In 1980, Anderson was hired by WMAR-TV to be the station's weekend anchor and reporter. He covered events such as the Wayne Williams trial in Atlanta and the Cuban refugee influx in Pennsylvania. In April 1982, Anderson was let go by WMAR-TV following a 90-day labor strike.{{cite news| last = Saunders| first = Adrienne| title = Delegate Anderson Overwhelmed on House Floor| publisher = Capital News Service| date = 2004-04-08| url = http://www.journalism.umd.edu/cns/wire/2004-editions/04-April-editions/040408-Thursday/TearfulAppeal_CNS-UMCP.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090508074243/http://www.journalism.umd.edu/cns/wire/2004-editions/04-April-editions/040408-Thursday/TearfulAppeal_CNS-UMCP.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 2009-05-08| access-date = 2007-03-01}}

Though he interviewed for jobs at WSB-TV in Atlanta and WBZ-TV in Boston, Anderson chose not to move his family and remained in Baltimore. He ran for the Maryland House of Delegates while entering law school.

=Law=

Anderson graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1987 and passed the Maryland Bar Exam in 1988. He joined the law firm of Murphy and Associates as a criminal defense attorney that same year. He opened his own practice in 1996 and has represented thousands of individuals in the Circuit and District courts in Baltimore City and 16 of Maryland's 23 counties as well as arguing a case before the Supreme Court of Maryland{{cite web | title = Maryland Judiciary Case Search Results | publisher = 2015 Maryland Judiciary. | url = http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/inquirySearch.jis | access-date = 2015-08-31 | archive-date = 2017-11-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171109083338/http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/inquirySearch.jis | url-status = dead }}{{cite web |title=ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND v. BRIDGES (2000) |url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/md-court-of-appeals/1446619.html |work=FindLaw |access-date=27 June 2024}}{{cite web |title=Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland v. Bridges |url=https://casetext.com/case/attorney-grievance-commission-of-maryland-v-bridges |website=casetext.com |publisher=CaseText |access-date=27 June 2024}}

Legislative career

File:Trotter, anderson and jackson.jpg (right) and Sen. Decatur Trotter (left) during a Maryland Legislative Black Caucus meeting in Annapolis, Maryland (1988)]]

In 1982, Anderson won a seat in the House of Delegates, finishing first in a crowded field of candidates which included four incumbents. He was sworn in January 1983 and assigned to the House Ways and Means committee.{{cite web|url=http://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc3500/sc3520/013200/013208/html/13208bio.html|title=Archives of Maryland (Curtis Anderson)|access-date=2014-04-15|publisher=Maryland State Archives|archive-date=2014-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416180122/http://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc3500/sc3520/013200/013208/html/13208bio.html|url-status=live}}

After serving five years in the Maryland General Assembly, Anderson was elected chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.{{cite news|url=http://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc3500/sc3520/013200/013208/html/13208sources.html|title=Black Caucus Rejects Young, Elects Anderson|access-date=2014-04-12|newspaper=Baltimore Sun|archive-date=2014-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413140345/http://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc3500/sc3520/013200/013208/html/13208sources.html|url-status=live}} As chairman he sponsored and saw the passage of Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise Act. One of the benefits of this act for minority business was increased participation in major state projects like the building of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Nearly 20% of the contracts let for the construction of the new ballpark went to minority-owned businesses.

In 1993, Anderson was appointed to the Baltimore Orioles All-Star Game host committee; the entity that planned the activities around MLB's 1993 All-Star game to be played in Baltimore. Anderson, the only African-American on the 12 member committed persuaded the group to invite James Earl Jones to speak the pre-game National Anthem, backed up by the HBCU Morgan State University Choir. The committee had planned to invite Garth Brooks to sing the Anthem. Anderson also worked with BET to sponsor a step show competition for local black fraternities at the stadium during the week of the All Star game festivities.{{cite book |last1=Luke |first1=Bob |title=Integrating the Orioles: Baseball and Race in Baltimore |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=twaGCwAAQBAJ&dq=baltimore+orioles+1993+all+star+host+committee&pg=PA152 |date=5 February 2016 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=9781476623023 |access-date=28 April 2021 |archive-date=29 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229150957/https://books.google.com/books?id=twaGCwAAQBAJ&dq=baltimore+orioles+1993+all+star+host+committee&pg=PA152#v=onepage&q=baltimore%20orioles%201993%20all%20star%20host%20committee&f=false |url-status=live }}

After 12 years in the House, Anderson ran for the Senate in 1994 but was defeated in the Democratic primary. He practiced law for the next 8 years. In 2002, he made a run for the House of Delegates. As before he was a non-incumbent running against four incumbents for three seats. Unlike his first race in 1982 where he beat all the incumbents and finished first, this time Anderson finished third with a razor-thin 100-vote margin of victory over 4th-place finisher incumbent Ken Montague. In the 2006 general election campaign, Anderson joined with 43rd district incumbents, including Senator Joan Carter Conway, Delegate Maggie McIntosh and Delegate Ann Marie Doory to defeat a field of 6 other challengers.{{cite web |url=http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/general/county_Baltimore_City.html |title=Official 2006 Gubernatorial General Election results for Baltimore City |access-date=2007-02-22 |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |archive-date=2016-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408222855/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/general/county_Baltimore_City.html |url-status=live }}

In 2018, the Baltimore Sun reported that Delegate Anderson was under investigation from the Ethics Committee of the General Assembly for sexual assault and sexual harassment.{{Cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-anderson-ethics-20180614-story.html|title=Maryland General Assembly's ethics panel investigating Del. Curt Anderson for alleged sexual misconduct|last=Cox|first=Erin|work=baltimoresun.com|access-date=2018-08-30|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831035800/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-anderson-ethics-20180614-story.html|url-status=dead}}  Delegate Anderson was still re-elected but by a very small margin in the Democratic Primary. After the election, under pressure from constituents, the Ethics Committee issued its findings and insisted that Delegate Anderson undergo intensive one-on-one sexual harassment training.  Speaker Busch of the House stripped Delegate Anderson of his leadership roles.{{Cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-busch-anderson-20180824-story.html|title=Baltimore Del. Curt Anderson stripped of leadership, ordered to undergo training over harassment allegations|last=Dresser|first=Michael|work=baltimoresun.com|access-date=2018-08-30|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829183102/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-busch-anderson-20180824-story.html|url-status=dead}} Anderson won re-election in both the primary and general elections.

In May 2020, new Maryland House of Delegates speaker Adrienne A. Jones appointed Anderson to a special work group on police accountability which made major changes to Maryland's Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights.{{cite web |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Speaker Creates Police Accountability Workgroup in the House |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/05/30/speaker-creates-police-accountability-workgroup-in-the-house/ |website=Maryland Matters |date=30 May 2020 |publisher=www.marylandmatters.org |access-date=17 March 2022 |archive-date=12 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612184858/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/05/30/speaker-creates-police-accountability-workgroup-in-the-house/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Maryland enacts landmark police overhaul, first state to repeal police bill of rights |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/hogan-vetoes-police-accountibility/2021/04/09/c0ac4096-9967-11eb-962b-78c1d8228819_story.html |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=17 March 2022 |archive-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415205943/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/hogan-vetoes-police-accountibility/2021/04/09/c0ac4096-9967-11eb-962b-78c1d8228819_story.html |url-status=live }}

=Slots=

Since 2003, Anderson has been known for his opposition to the introduction of slot machines in Annapolis.{{cite news| title = Slots Legislation Faces Opposition In House| publisher = WBAL TV| date = 2004-01-30| url = http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/2807100/detail.html| access-date = 2007-03-11| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927040556/http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/2807100/detail.html| archive-date = 2007-09-27}}{{cite news| title = NAACP Slots Forum| publisher = NAACP| year = 2007| url = http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-529359677302645442&ei=i7I5Sfm_O4WiqgL45s2nDw&q=curt+anderson| access-date = 2008-12-05| archive-date = 2011-06-04| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604114650/http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-529359677302645442&ei=i7I5Sfm_O4WiqgL45s2nDw&q=curt+anderson| url-status = live}} Delegate Anderson organized protests against slots, wrote newspaper editorials{{cite news|title=The Cost of Legalized Gambling|last=Anderson|first=Curt|date=2004-05-25|work=Commentary|publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer(local news-Montgomery County)}} and took to the airwaves at several local radio and television stations to solidify opposition to bringing organized gambling into Maryland. In spite of strong support for slots by then Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich, Anderson and his colleagues prevailed and a pro-slots bill never made it out of the House of Delegates though similar bills had passed the State Senate. In 2005, however, both chambers passed different pro-slots bills. In the House of Delegates the measure passed by a 71–66 vote. In 2007 new Governor, Martin O'Malley, hinted at some marginal support for slots as a possible new revenue source. Although Anderson and O'Malley share party affiliations, Anderson remained a staunch opponent of bringing slots into Maryland.{{cite news| title = Our View| publisher = Delmarva Daily Times| date = 2007-01-13| url = http://www.dailytimesonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070113/NEWS01/70113001| access-date = 2007-03-11| archive-date = 2007-10-09| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071009095516/http://www.dailytimesonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070113/NEWS01/70113001| url-status = live}}{{cite web|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2007S1/billfile/sb0003.htm|title=Senate Bill 3|access-date=2009-02-02|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Services|archive-date=2009-05-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090512023228/http://mlis.state.md.us/2007S1/billfile/sb0003.htm|url-status=live}}

=Crime=

Anderson chairs of the House Judiciary's subcommittee on criminal justice,{{cite web|url=http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/05jud.html#criminal|title=Maryland House of Delegates: Judiciary Committee|access-date=2007-02-25|publisher=Maryland State Archives|archive-date=2007-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712074753/http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/05jud.html#criminal|url-status=live}} served on the House of Delegates' Special Committee on Drug and Alcohol and chairs the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland's committee on crime and justice. In 2003, Anderson was appointed to and currently serves on the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy.{{cite web|url=http://www.msccsp.org/commission/commissioners.html|title=Commissioners|access-date=2007-03-12 |publisher=Maryland State Commission on Sentencing Guidelines|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010134057/http://www.msccsp.org/commission/commissioners.html |archive-date=2007-10-10}} In the 2007 session of the Maryland General Assembly, introduced measures{{cite web|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/sponsors/anderson.htm|title=Delegate Curt Anderson|access-date=2007-03-12|publisher=Maryland State Department of Legislative Services, Office of Information Systems|archive-date=2007-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222154046/http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/sponsors/anderson.htm|url-status=live}} to increase drug treatment{{cite web |url=http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/021507naomi.cfm |title=Drug Policy News |access-date=2007-03-12 |publisher=Drug Policy Alliance |quote=Clearly, the current practice of using prisons as a catch-all solution for social problems cannot continue. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070606045749/http://drugpolicy.org/news/021507naomi.cfm |archive-date=2007-06-06 }} funding while requiring the state's courts to refer first time misdemeanor drug users to treatment. The initiative mirrors those adopted on the west coast under California Proposition 36. Anderson's other bill in the drug area represents a major change in Maryland drug policy, HB992, would have repealed the state's without parole provisions from the sentences of second time non-violent drug felons. Referencing the fact that nearly 90% of those incarcerated in Maryland for drug felonies are of African-American descent, Anderson has sought to create a racially equitable solution to the drug problem.{{cite web|url= http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/crimprof_blog/2007/week9/index.html|title= Report Shows the Racism Behind Drug Sentences|access-date= 2007-03-17|publisher= Law Professor Blogs Network|quote= Repealing the minimum-sentencing laws would allow judges to require treatment, particularly in the case of a low-level dealer who sells drugs to support an addiction|archive-date= 2007-07-06|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070706042247/http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/crimprof_blog/2007/week9/index.html|url-status= live}} The Maryland State Commission of Sentencing Guidelines is also considering changing sentencing guidelines for low level felony drug offenders.{{cite web|url= http://www.msccsp.org/commission/minutes/Approved%20Minutes%2001_09_06.pdf|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071024015045/http://www.msccsp.org/commission/minutes/Approved%20Minutes%2001_09_06.pdf|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2007-10-24|title= Draft Minutes|access-date=2007-03-21 |publisher=Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy|quote=the Commission should develop a system of diversion from incarceration for low-level drug offenders }}{{cite news| last = Rein| first = Lisa| title = Bill Could Shorten Some Drug Dealers' Prison Time| newspaper = Washington Post| date = 2007-05-08| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/07/AR2007050701766.html| access-date = 2007-05-14| quote = Advocates for repealing fixed terms say locking up nonviolent offenders instead of treating them is ineffective| archive-date = 2012-06-23| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120623015431/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/07/AR2007050701766.html| url-status = live}}

Additionally, Anderson was the House of Delegates floor leader on legislation that would automatically expunge the records of the thousands individuals who have been arrested in Baltimore City without being charged with a crime.{{cite news| last = Sherman| first = John| title = Erasing Arrests| publisher = WBAL-TV| date = 2007-05-08| url = http://mfile.akamai.com/12903/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/2007/0307/11196243.200k.asx| access-date = 2007-05-14| archive-date = 2007-09-29| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929095503/http://mfile.akamai.com/12903/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/2007/0307/11196243.200k.asx| url-status = live}} In 2006 more than 21,000 people, mostly African-Americans, were arrested in Baltimore City and then released hours later without being charged with a crime. Existing Maryland law would allow them to have their records expunged of these arrests but not without signing a written waiver of rights or waiting for three years. HB-10 would make the expungement automatic with no waiver, no fee and no waiting period. It passed the Maryland House of Delegates on March 7, 2007, by a vote of 130-{{cite web|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2007rs/billfile/hb0010.htm|title=House Bill 10|access-date=2007-04-21|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Services|archive-date=2007-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510114214/http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/hb0010.htm|url-status=live}} and signed into law in April 2007.

=Legislative notes=

  • 1989

Anderson was the primary sponsor of HB 1303-Vehicle Laws-Towing or removal from parking lots-Baltimore City, Baltimore County.(Chapter 462 of Laws enacted during the 1989 legislature){{cite journal |year= 1989|title= General Assembly of Maryland Sponsor Index of Proposed Legislation|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Reference }} The bill was introduced following an epidemic of cars being towed from private lots in the Baltimore region, without warning to vehicle owners. The new law required each lot be posted with warnings, the possible cost of towing and the place to where the vehicle had been towed.

  • 1990

Following the 1989 Supreme Court decision in City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co. (ruling Richmond's MBE set asides unconstitutional), most states that had procurement laws for minority business (MBE) found that their laws were also unconstitutional. Anderson, then chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, sponsored HB 1540-Minority Business Procurement (Chapter 708 of Laws enacted during the 1990 legislature),{{cite journal |year= 1990|title= General Assembly of Maryland Sponsor Index of Proposed Legislation|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Reference }} creating a constitutional framework for MBE procurement in Maryland.

Also in 1990, Anderson was the primary and sole sponsor of HB 328 which allowed retired judges to be called back into service for up to 90 days to help alleviate crowded court dockets. (Chapter 154 of Laws enacted during the 1990 legislature)

  • 1991

Maryland's first comprehensive DNA Profile bill was sponsored by Anderson in 1991. The bill set up state standards to be followed when DNA evidence was sought to be introduced in criminal trials in Maryland. Anderson's HB 1150 was signed into law on May 24, 1991. (Ch 631).{{cite journal |year= 1991|title= General Assembly of Maryland Sponsor Index of Proposed Legislation|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Reference }}

  • 1992

During the 1992 session, Anderson's HB178 was signed into law. The bill required that interpreters, for non-English speaking defendants, be provided in all of Maryland's courts.{{cite journal |year= 1992|title= General Assembly of Maryland Sponsor Index of Proposed Legislation|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Reference }}

  • 1994

In 1994, Anderson introduced a bill to raise the age after which a Maryland public school student could dropout from age 16 to age 18.{{cite journal |year= 1994|title= General Assembly of Maryland Sponsor Index of Proposed Legislation|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Reference }} The bill failed, but the Maryland General Assembly passed the same bill in 2012.

  • 2007

Anderson also sponsored legislation that would require the state's forensic laboratories be strictly monitored. The bill, which was signed by the Governor in 2007, proposed to ensure that the scientific reliability of forensic testimony could not be challenged due to a lack of appropriate standards and basic protocols.{{Cite web|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/hb0879.htm|title=BILL INFO-2007 Regular Session-HB 879|website=mlis.state.md.us|access-date=May 6, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803181048/http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/hb0879.htm|url-status=live}} (became law Chapter 147){{cite web|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/sb0351.htm|title=Senate Bill 351/HB789|access-date=2009-03-02|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Services|archive-date=2009-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510040836/http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/sb0351.htm|url-status=live}}

That same year he was also the primary sponsor of HB 1071, creating child fatality review teams for the prevention of child deaths (became law Chapter 264){{cite web|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2007rs/billfile/hb1071.htm|title=House Bill 1071|access-date=2007-05-11|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Services|archive-date=2007-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711211020/http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/Hb1071.htm|url-status=live}}

File:Governor signs HB6.jpg, flanked by Speaker Busch and President Miller signs House Bill 6(2008) into law.]]

  • 2008

During the 2008 legislative session Anderson sponsored the Custodial Interrogation Act which requires law enforcement officers to electronically record interrogations in murder and rape cases that resulted in confessions.{{cite web|title=HB6|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Services|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2008rs/billfile/hb0006.htm|access-date=2008-03-21|archive-date=2008-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315230555/http://mlis.state.md.us/2008rs/billfile/hb0006.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Van|title=Fess Up|publisher=Baltimore City PaperServices|url=http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=15132|access-date=2008-05-21|quote=Instead of calling for cameras to be used when suspects in custody are being questioned in 18 crime categories, as initially proposed, he told the committee the bill now requires it in four: murders, rapes, and first- and second-degree sex offenses.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124035528/http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=15132|archive-date=2008-01-24}} The bill was signed into law by the Governor in May 2008.

  • 2009

In the 2009 session, Anderson introduced two bills aimed at strengthening Maryland's drunk driving laws: HB330 (Manslaughter and Vehicular Manslaughter -Penalties) and HB 212 (Preliminary Breath Test – Evidence).{{cite web |title=Delegate Curt Anderson |publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Services |url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/sponsors/anderson$.htm |access-date=2009-02-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508131514/http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/sponsors/anderson%24.htm |archive-date=2009-05-08 }} Anderson was the primary sponsor of HB66, revamping and updating Maryland's theft statute (Chapter 655).{{cite web|title=Delegate Curt Anderson|publisher=Maryland Department of Legislative Services|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2008rs/billfile/hb0006.htm|access-date=2009-04-15|archive-date=2008-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315230555/http://mlis.state.md.us/2008rs/billfile/hb0006.htm|url-status=live}} he also sponsored several gun bills designed to decrease violent crime in Baltimore.{{Cite web|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/sponsors/anderson$.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508131514/http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/sponsors/anderson%24.htm|url-status=dead|title=BILLS SPONSORED BY – Delegate Curt Anderson
District 43 – 2009 Regular Session|archive-date=May 8, 2009|access-date=May 6, 2019}}

  • 2010

File:Hb blue alert order sign2.jpg

Anderson was the primary and sole sponsor of House Bill 1473{{cite web|title=House Bill 1473|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb1473.htm|publisher=Maryland Legislative Services|access-date=June 28, 2010|archive-date=March 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318004640/http://mlis.state.md.us/2010RS/billfile/hb1473.htm|url-status=live}} – Maryland's "BLUE Alert" system. A system similar to that of the AMBER alert but is activated when police officer has been killed or seriously wounded and the offender is still at large. Anderson's BLUE alert bill passed the House of Delegates with a 138–0 and passed the through the Maryland Senate with a 46–0 vote.{{cite web|title=HOUSE BILL 1473|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/hb1473.htm|publisher=Maryland Legislative Services|access-date=January 30, 2011|archive-date=March 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318004640/http://mlis.state.md.us/2010RS/billfile/hb1473.htm|url-status=live}} Governor O'Malley signed the bill into law in May 2010, but then moved up its effective date by signing an executive order implementing the BLUE Alert system on June 22, 2010.{{cite web|last=Kartalija|first=Jessica|title=Blue Alert System Begins In Md.|url=http://wjz.com/local/blue.alert.system.2.1770950.html|publisher=WJZ tv|access-date=June 29, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628143722/http://wjz.com/local/blue.alert.system.2.1770950.html|archive-date=June 28, 2010}}

  • 2011

During the 2011 legislative session, Anderson was the sponsor of House Bill 241.{{cite web|title=House Bill 241|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/billfile/hb0241.htm|publisher=Maryland Legislative Services|access-date=April 16, 2011|archive-date=April 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412133001/http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/billfile/HB0241.htm|url-status=live}} Aimed at public safety, this bill added shotguns and rifles to the list of weapons for which a mandatory sentence is required. The bill also increased the sentencing to 15 years in prison. Anderson's House Bill 302, which also became law in 2011, changed Maryland's practice of parole approval. Maryland was one of the few states that left parole decisions, in life sentence cases, up to the Governor. Anderson's bill shifted those decisions to the parole board if the governor did not act on parole board recommendations.{{cite web|title=House Bill 623|url=http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/billfile/hb0302.htm|publisher=Maryland Legislative Services|access-date=March 8, 2012|archive-date=November 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104231250/http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/billfile/hb0302.htm|url-status=live}}

  • 2012

As chairman of the Baltimore City Delegation, Anderson was responsible for the Delegation's most important bill of the year- HB 860 (Baltimore City Public Schools Construction and Revitalization Act of 2013). Signed by the Governor on May 16, 2013, the new law approved 1.1 billion dollars to construct new schools in Baltimore City.{{cite web|title=House Bill 860|url=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=03&id=hb0860&tab=subject3&ys=2013RS|publisher=Maryland Legislative Services|access-date=March 16, 2014|archive-date=December 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230130456/http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=03&id=hb0860&tab=subject3&ys=2013RS|url-status=live}}

  • 2015

Anderson was the primary sponsor of the Second Chance Act. Signed into law by Governor Hogan in May 2015, The new law will allow people with certain misdemeanor convictions have those convictions shielded from public view.

Anderson was also the primary sponsor of a bill that repealed some of Maryland's mandatory minimum sentences for drug related felonies. The governor neither signed nor vetoed the bill, it was allowed to become law.

Task force, boards and commissions

  • 2020, Appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates to its Work Group to Address Police Reform and Accountability in Maryland{{cite web |title=WORK GROUP TO ADDRESS POLICE REFORM & ACCOUNTABILITY IN MARYLAND |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/defunct/spolice.html |website=Maryland Manual on Line |publisher=State of Maryland |access-date=29 March 2023 |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302040150/https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/defunct/spolice.html |url-status=live }}
  • 2016–2019, Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission
  • 2015, Appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates to chair a task force on public safety and Police practices.{{Cite web|url=http://touch.baltimoresun.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-83468420/|title=The Baltimore Sun|website=touch.baltimoresun.com|access-date=May 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411011830/http://touch.baltimoresun.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-83468420/|archive-date=April 11, 2017|url-status=dead}}
  • 2014–2015, Appointed by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake to study the issue of body cameras on Baltimore police officers.
  • 2012–2014, Anderson was appointed by the Maryland House Speaker to a task force to study the impact of a Maryland Court of Appeals ruling regarding "Representation of indigent criminal defendants by the office of the public defender."{{Cite web|url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/26excom/html/31represent.html|title=Representation of Indigent Criminal Defendants by the Office of the Public Defender, Maryland Task Force to Study the Laws & Policies relating to|website=msa.maryland.gov|access-date=May 6, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716222742/https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/26excom/html/31represent.html|url-status=live}}
  • 2012–2014, Anderson was appointed by Maryland legislative leaders to chair a task force to study the impact of a Maryland Court of Appeals ruling regarding the liability of owners of pit bulls and landlords that rent to them.{{cite news | title = Pitbull Panel Looks to One Standard for All Breeds | newspaper = Baltimore Sun | year = 2012 | url = https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/06/19/pit-bull-panel-looks-to-one-standard-for-all-breeds-2/ | access-date = 2012-06-20 | archive-date = 2012-07-01 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120701003734/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-06-19/news/bal-pit-bull-panel-looks-to-one-standard-for-all-breeds-20120619_1_pit-bull-dog-owner-dog-bites | url-status = live }}
  • 2009–2016, Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board{{cite news|title=Tourism industry presses harder for support|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/|newspaper=Baltimore Sun|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227022055/http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/|url-status=live}}
  • 2003–2019, Anderson was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy.
  • 2000–2010, Board of Directors, Northwood Baseball League (Baltimore), (Chairman-1999-2001)
  • 1989–1995, Governor's Commission on Maryland Military Monuments
  • 1987–1990, Appointed by the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates to its Special Committee on Drug and Alcohol Abuse{{cite web |title=SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/sdrug.html |website=Maryland Manual on Line |publisher=state of Maryland |access-date=29 March 2023 |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302031459/https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/sdrug.html |url-status=live }}
  • 1978–1982, Board of Trustees, Provident Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland

Past general election results

{{hidden begin|titlestyle=background:lavender|title=Results}}

{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

  • 2014 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – 43rd District{{cite web|url=http://elections.state.md.us/elections/2014/results/General/gen_results_2014_2_01643.html|title=43rd District|publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections|access-date=2014-11-20|archive-date=2014-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113010650/http://elections.state.md.us/elections/2014/results/General/gen_results_2014_2_01643.html|url-status=live}} Retrieved on November 20, 2014

::Voters to choose three:

:

class="wikitable"
Name

!Votes

!Percent

!Outcome

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Curt Anderson, Democratic

|23,046

|  34.1%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Maggie McIntosh, Democratic

|22,310

|  33%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Mary L. Washington, Democratic

|21,800

|  32.3%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Republican}}

|no Republican filed

|

|

|

{{Party shading/Independent}}

|Other Write-Ins

|267

|  .4%

|   Lost

{{Party shading/Independent}}

|Greg Dorsey (Write-In)

|128

|  .2%

|   Lost

  • 2010 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – 43rd District{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2010/results/General/StateResults_office_016_district_43.html|title=House of Delegates Results|publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections|access-date=2010-12-15|archive-date=2010-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107004556/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2010/results/General/StateResults_office_016_district_43.html|url-status=live}} Retrieved on December 15, 2010

::Voters to choose three:

:

class="wikitable"
Name

!Votes

!Percent

!Outcome

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Curt Anderson, Democratic

|24,831

|  35.1%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Maggie McIntosh, Democratic

|23,266

|  32.8%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Mary L. Washington, Democratic

|22,334

|  31.5%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Republican}}

|no Republican filed

|

|

|

  • 2006 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – 43rd District{{cite web| url=http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/general/county_Baltimore_City.html| title=House of Delegates Results| publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections| access-date=2007-02-24| archive-date=2016-04-08| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408222855/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2006/results/general/county_Baltimore_City.html| url-status=live}} Retrieved on March 3, 2007

::Voters to choose three:

:

class="wikitable"
Name

!Votes

!Percent

!Outcome

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Curt Anderson, Democratic

|22,315

|  29.4%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Maggie McIntosh, Democratic

|22,093

|  29.1%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Ann Marie Doory, Democratic

|21,219

|  28.0%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Republican}}

|Armand F. Girard, Republican

|3,425

|  4.5%

|   Lost

{{Party shading/Green}}

|David G.S. Greene, Green

|2,619

|  3.5%

|   Lost

{{Party shading/Green}}

|Brandy Baker, Green

|2,267

|  3.0%

|   Lost

{{Party shading/Green}}

|Richard J. Ochs, Green

|1,772

|  2.3%

|   Lost

  • 2002 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – 43rd District{{cite web| url=http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2002/results/g_ld43.html| title=House of Delegates Results| publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections| access-date=2007-05-22| archive-date=2006-12-14| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214020424/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2002/results/g_ld43.html| url-status=live}} Retrieved on March 3, 2007

::Voters to choose three:

:

class="wikitable"
Name

!Votes

!Percent

!Outcome

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Maggie McIntosh, Democratic

|21,993

|  32.5%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Curt Anderson, Democratic

|21,131

|  30.8%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Ann Marie Doory, Democratic

|19,999

|  29.15%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Republican}}

|John A. Heath, Republican

|5,243

|  7.64%

|   Lost

{{Party shading/Green}}

|Morning Sunday, Green (Write-In)

|152

|  .22%

|   Lost

{{Party shading/Independent}}

|Other Write-Ins

|97

|  .14%

|   Lost

  • 1990 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – 44th District{{cite web| url=http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/1990/results_1990/gahod.html| title=House of Delegates Results| publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections| access-date=2014-03-17| archive-date=2017-09-24| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924094330/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/1990/results_1990/gahod.html| url-status=live}} Retrieved on March 17, 2014

::Voters to choose three:

:

class="wikitable"
Name

!Votes

!Percent

!Outcome

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Curt Anderson, Democratic

|10,950

|  31%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Anne Perkins, Democratic

|10,881

|  30%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Kenneth Montague, Democratic

|10,536

|  29%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Republican}}

|Duane Frazier, Republican

|3,180

|  8%

|   Lost

  • 1986 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – 44th District{{cite web| url=http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/1986/results_1986/gahod.html| title=House of Delegates Results| publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections| access-date=2014-03-17| archive-date=2018-02-27| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227094257/http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/1986/results_1986/gahod.html| url-status=live}} Retrieved on March 17, 2014

::Voters to choose three:

:

class="wikitable"
Name

!Votes

!Percent

!Outcome

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Curt Anderson, Democratic

|14,016

|  30%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Anne Perkins, Democratic

|14,713

|  32%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Kenneth Montague, Democratic

|13,866

|  29%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Republican}}

|James B. Larrimore, Republican

|3,468

|  8%

|   Lost

  • 1982 Race for Maryland House of Delegates – 44th District

::Voters to choose three:

:

class="wikitable"
Name

!Votes

!Percent

!Outcome

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Curt Anderson, Democratic

|17,692

|  30.4%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Anne S. Perkins, Democratic

|16,765

|  29.5%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Democratic}}

|Dennis C. McCoy, Democratic

|16,687

|  29.0%

|   Won

{{Party shading/Republican}}

|A. Hairston, Republican

|2,528

|  4.4%

|   Lost

{{Party shading/Republican}}

|Benjamin Jones, Republican

|2,390

|  3.9%

|   Lost

{{Party shading/Republican}}

|Armstead Jones, Republican

|2,281

|  3.3%

|   Lost

{{colend}}

{{hidden end}}

Awards

  • 2008, Legislator of the Year - Office of the Maryland Public Defender{{cite web|url=http://www.opd.state.md.us/news.html|title=Defender of Defenders Award|publisher=Office of the Maryland Public Defender|access-date=2008-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003093350/http://www.opd.state.md.us/news.html|archive-date=2008-10-03}}
  • 2009, Humanitarian of the Year - Mayland Restorative Justice Initiative{{cite web|url=http://indyreader.org/content/maryland-restorative-justice-initiative-phase-ii-conference-%E2%80%94%C2%A0ron-kipling-williams|title=PhaseII|publisher=MRJI|access-date=2012-02-10|archive-date=2013-07-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722194111/http://indyreader.org/content/maryland-restorative-justice-initiative-phase-ii-conference-%E2%80%94%C2%A0ron-kipling-williams|url-status=live}}
  • 2010, Most Influential Maryland Legislators (Top 20){{cite web|url=http://www.gazette.net/thelist/|title=Where Does Your Legislator Rank? See the list.|last=Poll|date=April 2, 2010|publisher=Maryland Gazette of Politics and Business|access-date=April 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018045440/http://www.gazette.net/thelist/|archive-date=October 18, 2010|url-status=dead}}
  • 2010, Legislator of the Year - Maryland Fraternal Order of Police, Maryland Chapter Concerns of Police Survivors{{cite web|url=http://www.mdcops.org/|title=Maryland Chapter Concerns of Police survivors|publisher=Maryland Fraternal Order of Police|access-date=2010-08-02|archive-date=2010-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830082631/http://www.mdcops.org/|url-status=live}}
  • 2011, Alumnus of the Year (shared) - Baltimore City College{{cite journal|last=Bernstein|first=Neil|date=2011-12-21|title=Baltimore City College Alumni Newsletter(winter)|journal=Letter|publisher=Baltimore City College Alumni|pages=1}}
  • 2013, Inducted into the Baltimore City College Hall of Fame{{cite web|url=http://cityforever.org/2013-hall-fame-inductees-annouced/ |title=2013 Hall of Fame Inductees {{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|Anno|uced}} » Baltimore City College Alumni Association |access-date=2013-10-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195812/http://cityforever.org/2013-hall-fame-inductees-annouced/ |archive-date=2013-10-29|date=2013-10-04 }}

References

{{Reflist}}