Mary Beth Carozza

Carozza was born in Baltimore on February 13, 1961,{{cite web |title=Mary Beth Carozza, Maryland State Senator |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa14149.html |website=msa.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=September 23, 2024}} to Tony and Mary Pat Carozza.{{cite news |last1=Ferguson |first1=Anita |title=OC native goes to work for Md. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times-oc-native-goes-to-work-f/155877252/ |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=The Daily Times |date=January 11, 2003 |pages=1 |via=Newspapers.com}} Her family moved to the Eastern Shore when she was in the fifth grade{{cite news |last1=Ravina |first1=Rachel |title=Election Day 2018: Who's running and where you can vote |url=https://baysideoc.com/app/uploads/2018/10/11.01.18-Bayside-Gazette.pdf |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Bayside OC |date=November 1, 2018}} and spent her summers working in her parents' business, Beefy's.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Steven |title=Election Preview: Carozza: I Can Be A Stronger Voice For The Shore' |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2018/10/31/election-preview-carozza-i-can-be-a-stronger-voice-for-the-shore/ |access-date=March 1, 2018 |work=The Dispatch |date=October 31, 2018}} After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School, Carozza attended the Catholic University of America on a tennis scholarship,{{cite news |last1=Swann |first1=Sara |title=Maryland election: Mathias and Carozza battle for highly competitive District 38 seat |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2018/10/18/jim-mathias-and-mary-beth-carozza-battle-state-senate-district-38/1646528002/ |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=The Daily Times |date=October 18, 2024}} where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political philosophy and a Master of Arts degree in American government.

After graduating from Catholic University, Carozza worked as a staffer for congressional Republicans, including U.S. Senators William Cohen and Susan Collins, and U.S. Representatives Mike DeWine, Dave Hobson and Steve Stivers. She worked as deputy assistant secretary of defense for legislative affairs for Secretary Donald Rumsfeld from 2001 to 2003. Carozza was at The Pentagon during the September 11 attacks, during which she laid out body bags around the American Airlines Flight 77 crash site and helped Secretary Rumsfeld prepare for a press briefing on the attacks. From 2003 to 2007, she worked as a deputy chief of staff to Governor Bob Ehrlich, where she got to know Larry Hogan, Ehrlich's appointments secretary.{{cite news |last1=Darden |first1=B.J. |title=Carozza, Accompanied by Hogan, Makes Mathias Challenge Official |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2017/11/19/carozza-accompanied-by-hogan-makes-mathias-challenge-official/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 19, 2017}}

Carozza first became involved with electoral politics after Worcester County commissioner Louise Gulyas suggested Carozza run for her seat when she retired, which she considered until Ellen Sauerbrey encouraged her to run for the Maryland House of Delegates. She filed to run for state delegate in the newly created district 38C in 2013,{{cite news |title=OC Businessman Weighing Run At New Delegate Seat |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2013/10/11/oc-businessman-weighing-run-at-new-delegate-seat/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=October 11, 2013}} during which she ran unopposed in the Republican primary{{cite news |title=Sheriff Re-Elected, Delegate District Primary Decided |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2014/06/26/sheriff-re-elected-delegate-district-primary-decided/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=June 26, 2014}} and defeated Democratic nominee Judy Davis in the general election with 74 percent of the vote.{{cite news |title=General Election Vote Tallies; Mathias In Lead For Senate; Incumbent Shockley Defeated; James Tops In Ocean City |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2014/11/05/general-election-vote-tallies-mathias-in-lead-for-senate-incumbent-shockley-defeated-james-tops-in-ocean-city/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=November 5, 2014}} Carozza was sworn in on January 12, 2015, and appointed to the House Appropriations Committee.

File:Testify for Serve Act (52705607735).jpg

In November 2017, Carozza, with the backing of Governor Hogan, announced her candidacy to the Maryland Senate, seeking to challenge Democratic state senator Jim Mathias, a top Republican target, in the 2018 state senate elections.{{cite news |title=State Rep. Mary Beth Carozza Announces State Senate Bid |url=https://www.wboc.com/archive/state-rep-mary-beth-carozza-announces-state-senate-bid/article_f39a5b62-677b-5e92-9641-92eda282141f.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=WBOC-FM |date=November 19, 2017}} She defeated Mathias in the general election, receiving 53 percent of the vote.{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Josh |last2=Ravina |first2=Rachel |title=Carozza topples Mathias in senate race |url=https://baysideoc.com/carozza-topples-mathias-in-senate-race/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Bayside OC |date=November 8, 2018}} Carozza was sworn in as a member of the Maryland Senate on January 9, 2019, and has served as a member of the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee during her entire tenure. Since 2021, she has served as the policy and communications chair of the Maryland Senate Republican Caucus.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Under New Management, Senate GOP Caucus Announces Leadership Positions |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/12/03/under-new-management-senate-gop-caucus-announces-leadership-positions/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 3, 2020}}

During the 2023 legislative session, Carozza opposed a bill creating a statewide ballot referendum on enshrining the right to reproductive freedom into the Constitution of Maryland.{{cite news |title=Maryland voters to see reproductive rights on 2024 ballot |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2023/03/30/maryland-voters-to-see-reproductive-rights-on-2024-ballot/ |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 31, 2023}} In 2024, she introduced an amendment to the state budget that would strip all state Medicare funding for abortions except in the case of rape, incest, or life of the mother, which was rejected in a party-line 12–34 vote.{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=Atterbeary says House will do 'the right thing,' send revenues, gaming to Senate |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/03/14/atterbeary-says-house-will-do-the-right-thing-send-revenues-gaming-to-senate/ |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 14, 2024}}

Carozza introduced legislation in the 2022 legislative session that would exempt farm structures used for agritourism activities from certain requirements typically applied to commercial buildings.{{cite news |last1=Sharpe |first1=Charlene |title=Worcester Officials Voice Support For Agritourism Bill |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2022/01/26/worcester-officials-voice-support-for-agritourism-bill/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=January 26, 2022}} The bill received a favorable report from the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Worcester County Agritourism Bill Passes Senate Committee |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2022/02/10/worcester-county-agritourism-bill-passes-senate-committee/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=February 10, 2022}}

Carozza introduced legislation in the 2018 legislative session that would allow Worcester County to increase its beer production from 15,500 gallons to 31,000 gallons each year. The bill passed and was signed into law in March 2018.{{cite news |title=Maryland Law Doubles Seacrets Distillery Buyback Limit |url=https://www.wboc.com/archive/maryland-law-doubles-seacrets-distillery-buyback-limit/article_9f34472c-ed38-5925-9614-fdac3468b7d3.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=WBOC-FM |date=March 15, 2018}} In 2019, she introduced a bill to decrease the permitted proximity of liquor stores to churches, schools, public libraries, and youth centers in Somerset County from 300 feet to 200 feet.{{cite news |title=Somerset County May Change Alcohol Proximity Regulations |url=https://www.wboc.com/news/regional/delaware/somerset-county-may-change-alcohol-proximity-regulations/article_669d3079-e629-5cc1-8f6d-e3195518ce0c.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=WBOC-FM |date=April 24, 2019}} The bill passed and became law without Governor Hogan's signature on May 25, 2019.{{cite web |title=Legislation - SB0338 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0338?ys=2019RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=March 1, 2022}} During the 2022 legislative session, Carozza introduced legislation that would abolish Somerset County's alcohol dispensary system, which requires that liquor be purchased through county-run stores, and create a $5,000 license fee for business owners that want to sell liquor.{{cite news |last1=Cortese |first1=Doug |title=Alcohol Dispensary System Could End in Somerset County |url=https://www.wboc.com/news/alcohol-dispensary-system-could-end-in-somerset-county/article_217a50ce-9454-11ec-b2a6-73fcbc6d9430.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=WBOC-FM |date=February 22, 2022}}

In March 2021, Carozza voted in favor of legislation that would continue the practice of selling beer, wine, and spirits through carryout or delivery for off-site consumption. The bill passed and became law.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Off-Premise Alcohol Sales Headed To Permanent Status |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2021/03/25/off-premise-alcohol-sales-headed-to-permanent-status/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=March 25, 2021}}

Following a string of false bomb threats made against schools and other public facilities across Delmarva in early 2016, Carozza introduced legislation that would strengthen punishments for those who make fake bomb threats.{{cite news |last1=Russo |first1=Bryan |title=Legislation Eyed To Localize Prosecution Of Bomb Threat To Impacted Jurisdictions |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2016/01/21/legislation-eyed-to-localize-prosecution-of-bomb-threat-to-impacted-jurisdictions/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=January 21, 2016}} The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Hogan on May 19, 2016.{{cite news |title=Bomb Threat Prosecution Bill Signed into Md. Law |url=https://www.wboc.com/archive/bomb-threat-prosecution-bill-signed-into-md-law/article_6c0c23ba-699f-5bc0-9c68-a2cfd1c708fc.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=WBOC-FM |date=May 19, 2016}} During the 2017 legislative session and following several serious boating incidents in Ocean City, Maryland, Carozza introduced a bill to ban bow riding.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Proposed Reg Would Ban Bow-Riding In State Waters; Change Likely To Take Effect Before Summer |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2016/12/08/proposed-reg-would-ban-bow-riding-in-state-waters-change-likely-to-take-effect-before-summer/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=December 8, 2016}}{{cite news |title=Bow Riding Ban Effort Derailed Temporarily; Legislature Will Have To Approve Quickly For Change This Summer |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2017/03/02/bow-riding-ban-effort-derailed-temporarily-legislature-will-have-to-approve-quickly-for-change-this-summer/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=March 2, 2017}}

During the 2017 legislative session, Carozza introduced a bill to increase the penalties for causing life-threatening injuries while operating a vehicle negligently.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Negligent Driving Bill Stems From Worcester Tragedy |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2017/02/16/negligent-driving-bill-stems-from-worcester-tragedy/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=February 16, 2017}} The bill was reintroduced during the 2019 and 2021 legislative sessions.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Negligent Driving Bill Introduced |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2019/01/31/negligent-driving-bill-introduced/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=January 31, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Senator Taking Another Shot At Wade's Law Legislation |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2021/01/21/senator-taking-another-shot-at-wades-law-legislation-2/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=January 21, 2021}} The bill passed and became law.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=State Senate, House Likely To Approve Wade's Law |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2021/03/25/state-senate-house-likely-to-approve-wades-law/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=March 25, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Legislation - SB0017 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0017?ys=2021RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=March 1, 2022}}

During the 2018 legislative session and following several troubling motorized special events in Ocean City, Carozza introduced legislation that would allow for the creation of special event enforcement zones to enforce enhanced fines and penalties on reckless drivers.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Special Event Zone Idea Advances With Legislation Planned In Annapolis |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2018/01/11/special-event-zone-idea-advances-legislation-planned-annapolis/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=January 11, 2018}} She introduced legislation aimed at strengthening the penalties for violations in these special event zones during the 2019 and 2021 legislative sessions.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Strong OC Support For Revised Special Event Zone Bill |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2019/03/07/strong-oc-support-for-revised-special-event-zone-bill/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=March 7, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Enhanced Event Bill Includes Exhibition Driving |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2020/02/06/enhanced-special-event-bill-includes-exhibition-driving/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=February 6, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Tougher Special Event Bill Passed |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2020/03/19/tougher-special-event-bill-passed/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=March 19, 2020}}

In June 2021, following the release of a viral video showing Ocean City police officers exerting force against a group of Black teenagers on the boardwalk, Carozza made a statement defending the Ocean City police, saying that the individuals detained in the incident were arrested for multiple violations including disorderly conduct, failure to obey a police order, obstructing and hindering, second-degree assault, and resisting arrest.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Top Lawmakers Call Use of Force By Ocean City Police "Disturbing" |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/06/14/top-lawmakers-call-use-of-force-by-ocean-city-police-disturbing/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 14, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Mayor, Senator Defend Ocean City Police's Use Of Force; Local NAACP President Seeks Third-Party Investigation |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2021/06/17/mayor-senator-defend-ocean-city-polices-use-of-force-local-naacp-president-seeks-third-party-investigation/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=June 17, 2021}}

During the 2019 legislative session, Carozza opposed a bill that would repeal Governor Larry Hogan's executive order mandating that Maryland public schools start after Labor Day.{{cite news |title=Debate Over Back to School Start Date Continues |url=https://www.wboc.com/archive/debate-over-back-to-school-start-date-continues/article_12874791-2466-5487-95df-4b8fa4212e58.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=WBOC-FM |date=February 13, 2019}} The Maryland General Assembly voted to override Hogan's veto on the bill in March 2019.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |last2=Gaines |first2=Danielle E. |title=Dems Strike Back, Overriding Hogan's Vetoes |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/03/28/dems-strike-back-overriding-hogans-vetoes/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 28, 2019}}

During the 2021 legislative session, Carozza opposed legislation that would give collective bargaining rights to full- and part-time employees at all of the state's community colleges.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |last2=Gaskill |first2=Hannah |last3=Shwe |first3=Elizabeth |title=Senate Votes to Override Hogan's Veto of Parole Reform Bill, More than a Dozen Other Measures |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/12/06/senate-votes-to-override-hogans-veto-of-parole-reform-bill-more-than-a-dozen-other-measures/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 6, 2021}} She also questioned legislation that expands required training for school resource officers to include restorative approaches and prevents officers from enforcing discipline except to prevent or intervene in a situation where "serious bodily injury with an imminent threat of serious harm" is at stake, referring to the 2018 shooting at Great Mills High School in Southern Maryland.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Lawmakers Restructure the Role of School Police and Rethink School Disciplinary Measures |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/31/lawmakers-restructure-the-role-of-school-police-and-rethink-school-disciplinary-measures/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 31, 2021}}

In 2015, Carozza spearheaded an effort to encourage the United States Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the inlet of Ocean City, Maryland, arguing that the shallow water in the inlet puts the economy of Worcester County in jeopardy.{{cite news |title=Dredging Letter Of Intent Planned |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2015/05/07/dredging-letter-of-intent-planned/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=May 7, 2015}}{{cite news |title=More Inlet Dredging Called Critical By County, Fishermen |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2015/04/09/more-inlet-dredging-called-critical-by-county-fishermen/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=April 9, 2015}} Following Carozza's request, the Army Corps of Engineers announced plans to dredge the inlet in August 2015.{{cite news |title=Dredging Planned for Ocean City Inlet |url=https://www.wboc.com/archive/dredging-planned-for-ocean-city-inlet/article_cade8761-4a03-5276-a610-c5291f522059.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=WBOC-FM |date=June 23, 2015}} During the 2016 legislative session, she introduced legislation that would authorize the use of hydraulic dredging to catch hard-shell clams between the Verrazano Bridge and the Maryland-Virginia state line.{{cite news |last1=Russo |first1=Bryan |title=Legislative Digest, Hydraulic Clam Dredging A Hot Issue In Annapolis |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2016/02/18/legislative-digest-hydraulic-clam-dredging-a-hot-issue-in-annapolis/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=February 18, 2016}}

File:Board of Public Works (54154169514).jpg's proposals to build a wind farm off the coast of Ocean City, 2024]]

During the 2017 legislative session, Carozza opposed legislation that would boost the state's renewable energy standards.{{cite news |title=Maryland House Votes to Override Renewable Energy Bill Veto |url=https://www.wboc.com/archive/maryland-house-votes-to-override-renewable-energy-bill-veto/article_f491476e-010b-5c6a-95b6-244bdd1b03fd.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=WBOC-FM |date=January 31, 2017}} In 2018, she introduced a bill that would move the proposed wind farm in Ocean City further from the shore. The measure was killed by the House Economic Matters Committee.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Winds of Change: Source of Power and Struggle |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/06/02/windsofchangesourceofpowerandstruggle/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 2, 2021}} In 2021, she urged the Maryland Public Service Commission to move a proposed wind farm off the coast of Ocean City farther offshore, insisting that the turbines would damage views from the shore, jeopardizing tourism, real estate values, and the local economy.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Ocean City Officials Make Last-Ditch Effort on Offshore Wind, But They're Outnumbered at Hearing |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/09/29/ocean-city-officials-make-last-ditch-effort-on-offshore-wind-but-theyre-outnumbered-at-hearing/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=September 29, 2021}} In November 2024, Carozza testified to the Maryland Board of Public Works against allowing US Wind to construct a concrete pier on the Sinepuxent Bay as part of its wind farm proposal.{{cite news |last1=Curtis |first1=Sean |title=Maryland Board of Public Works Gives Green Light on US Wind Ocean City Pier Construction |url=https://www.wboc.com/news/maryland-board-of-public-works-gives-green-light-on-us-wind-ocean-city-pier-construction/article_eb1fc8aa-a761-11ef-b33c-53af3cc857b4.html |access-date=November 20, 2024 |work=WBOC-TV |date=November 20, 2024 |language=en}}

During the 2021 legislative session, Carozza introduced a bill to prohibit the deliberate release of balloons into the stratosphere.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Balloon Bill Breezes House, Lands In Senate Committee |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2021/02/25/balloon-bill-breezes-house-lands-in-senate-committee/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=February 25, 2021}} The bill passed and became law on May 30, 2021.{{cite web |title=Legislation - HB0391 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0391?ys=2021RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=March 1, 2022}}

During a debate on legislation that would require businesses to provide paid sick leave to most of its employees, Carozza introduced an amendment to the bill that would increase the threshold for eligibility from 90 days to 120 days. The amendment was rejected by the Maryland House of Delegates.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=House Rejects Seasonal Clause For Paid Sick Leave Legislation |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2017/03/09/house-rejects-seasonal-clause-for-paid-sick-leave-legislation/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=March 9, 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Russo |first1=Bryan |title=Paid Sick Leave Bill Clears House, Heads To Senate; Changes Spark Major Concerns For Resort Operations |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2016/04/07/paid-sick-leave-bill-clears-house-heads-to-senate-changes-spark-major-concerns-for-resort-operations/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=April 7, 2016}}

During the 2022 legislative session and following the death of local resident Chris Trimper, who suffered an extreme allergic reaction during a reception at the Ocean Downs Casino in October 2019,{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=UPDATED: After Local's Death From Allergic Reaction, OC Council Member Suggests Law Change On EpiPens In Private Establishments; Senator Researching Potential Chris's Law |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2019/11/05/oc-council-member-suggests-law-change-on-epipens-in-private-establishments/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=November 5, 2019}} Carozza introduced a bill to allow restaurants to carry and administer EpiPens during emergency situations.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Bill Would Allow EpiPens In Some Maryland Food Service Establishments |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2020/02/04/bill-would-allow-epipens-in-some-maryland-food-service-establishments/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=February 4, 2020}} The bill passed unanimously and was signed by Governor Hogan on March 19, 2020.{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Approved Bill Allows Restaurants To Carry EpiPens |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2020/03/19/approved-bill-allows-restaurants-to-carry-epipens/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=March 19, 2020}}

During her 2018 state senate campaign, Carozza said that she would vote against any legislation that would make Maryland a sanctuary state. During the 2021 legislative session, she opposed a bill that banned local jails from housing detainees for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.{{cite news |last1=Sharpe |first1=Charlene |title=Legislation Banning Jails From Housing ICE Detainees Advances |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2021/04/01/legislation-banning-jails-from-housing-ice-detainees-advances/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=April 1, 2021}} The bill passed the Maryland General Assembly but received a veto from Governor Hogan in May 2021;{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=Shawn |title=Governor Vetoes Bill With Major Impact On County Jail |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2021/05/27/governor-vetoes-bill-with-major-impact-on-county-jail/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=May 27, 2021}} the General Assembly overrode the veto in December 2021.{{cite news |last1=Sharpe |first1=Charlene |title=Veto Override Carries Major County Jail Impact |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2021/12/09/veto-override-carries-major-county-jail-impact/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=December 9, 2021}}

During a debate on legislation that would establish that smoking marijuana in a public place as a civil offense, Carozza introduced an amendment that would make it a misdemeanor to smoke marijuana in certain public places, including the beach and boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. The House of Delegates approved the amendment and the bill passed the legislation with the amendment in place by a vote of 90-48,{{cite news |title=Legislative Loophole On Pot Smoking In Public Targeted |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2015/03/26/legislative-loophole-on-pot-smoking-in-public-targeted/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=March 26, 2015}} but Governor Hogan vetoed the bill in May 2015.{{cite news |title=Governor Slaps Veto On Public Pot Smoking Law |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2015/05/28/governor-slaps-veto-on-public-pot-smoking-law/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=The Dispatch |date=May 28, 2015}}

During a debate on legislation introduced during the 2019 legislative session that would raise the Maryland minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028, Carozza introduced an amendment that would slow the increase of the minimum wage overall and apply a 20 percent lower regional wage in parts of the state outside of Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City. Her amendment failed by a vote of 18-29.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=One-Stop Shopping: A Roundup of Wednesday's Major Developments |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/03/14/one-stop-shopping-a-roundup-of-wednesdays-major-developments/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 14, 2019}}

In July 2024, following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Carozza organized an interfaith prayer service to promote unity.{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=Tara |title=Community joins for prayer service in Ocean Pines in response to Trump assassination attempt |url=https://www.oceancitytoday.com/news/community-joins-for-prayer-service-in-ocean-pines-in-response-to-trump-assassination-attempt/article_fad298aa-4522-11ef-b75b-d7ce748e640b.html |access-date=August 15, 2024 |work=OC Today-Dispatch |date=July 18, 2024 |language=en}}

In June 2021, Carozza urged members of the Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission to adopt single-member legislative districts and to keep the Eastern Shore whole in the redistricting process.{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=Redistricting Commission Urged To Adopt Single-Member Delegate Districts At First Public Hearing |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/06/09/redistricting-commission-urged-to-adopt-single-member-delegate-districts-at-first-public-hearing/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 9, 2021}} She opposed the congressional map introduced by the Maryland Legislative Redistricting Committee during the 2021 special legislative session.{{cite news |title=Maryland General Assembly Approves New Congressional Map |url=https://www.wboc.com/news/regional/maryland/maryland-general-assembly-approves-new-congressional-map/article_a1e69076-ec51-5dd8-9d88-18060a48d5e6.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |work=WBOC-FM |date=December 9, 2021}}

Carozza is a catechist and Eucharistic minister at the St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

In April 2025, Carozza pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while on the phone.{{cite news |last1=Curtis |first1=Sean |title=State Senator Sponsoring MD Reckless Driving Bill Guilty of Traffic Violation |url=https://www.wboc.com/news/state-senator-sponsoring-md-reckless-driving-bill-guilty-of-traffic-violation/article_2206939f-268a-48f7-8148-cc56cc36d2cf.html |access-date=April 8, 2025 |work=WBOC-TV |date=April 7, 2025 |language=en}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Maryland House of Delegates District 38C Republican primary election, 2014{{cite web |title=Official 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2014/results/primary/gen_results_2014_1_01638C.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=March 1, 2022}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mary Beth Carozza

|votes = 2,803

|percentage = 100.0

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Maryland House of Delegates District 38C election, 2014{{cite web |title=Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2014/results/General/gen_results_2014_2_01638C.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=March 1, 2022}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mary Beth Carozza

|votes = 11,611

|percentage = 73.9

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Judy H. Davis

|votes = 4,100

|percentage = 26.1

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 3

|percentage = 0.0

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Maryland Senate District 38 Republican primary election, 2018{{cite web |title=Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/primary/gen_results_2018_1_01538.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=September 23, 2024}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mary Beth Carozza

|votes = 8,095

|percentage = 100.0

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Maryland Senate District 38 election, 2018{{cite web |title=Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_2018_2_01538.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=September 23, 2024}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mary Beth Carozza

|votes = 25,731

|percentage = 52.6

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = James N. Mathias Jr. (incumbent)

|votes = 23,098

|percentage = 47.3

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 44

|percentage = 0.1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Maryland Senate District 38 election, 2022{{cite web |title=Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_6_38.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=September 23, 2024}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mary Beth Carozza (incumbent)

|votes = 32,277

|percentage = 66.4

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Michele Gregory

|votes = 16,273

|percentage = 33.5

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 45

|percentage = 0.1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{Maryland State Senators}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carozza, Mary Beth}}

Category:1961 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century American women politicians

Category:Catholic politicians from Maryland

Category:Catholic University of America alumni

Category:People from Berlin, Maryland

Category:Politicians from Baltimore

Category:Republican Party Maryland state senators

Category:Republican Party members of the Maryland House of Delegates

Category:United States congressional aides

Category:21st-century members of the Maryland General Assembly