Terri Hill

Terri Hill is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 12A district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been active in Maryland politics since 2015, initially representing the 12th district until the redistricting that led to the establishment of the 12A district. Hill has a background in medicine, specifically as a plastic surgeon, and has engaged in various legislative efforts focused on health care, education, and environmental issues.

Early life and career

Terri Hill was born on May 3, 1959, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She spent her early childhood in Philadelphia before her family relocated to Columbia, Maryland, when she was ten years old. Hill's family has a history of public service; her mother, Ethel Hill, served on the Wilde Lake Village Board, and her sister, Donna Hill Staton, has held positions as a former Maryland deputy attorney general and judge. Hill completed her secondary education at Wilde Lake Senior High School and pursued higher education at Harvard University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in bioelectric engineering in 1981. She continued her education at Columbia University, obtaining her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1985.

Following her medical training, Hill began her career as a plastic surgeon at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where she worked until 1990. She then completed a fellowship in craniofacial surgery at the University of Miami in 1991. Hill's commitment to medical service extended beyond her practice; she participated in humanitarian efforts with Operation Smile, providing surgical care to children with facial deformities from 1995 to 1999 and again in 2004. After the September 11 attacks, she joined the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, although she was not called to active duty.

Since 1991, Hill has operated her own medical practice and established Visage Rejuvenation Spa LLC in 2006. Her dual roles as a surgeon and business owner have allowed her to engage with the community on health-related issues. However, her medical practice has also drawn attention due to incidents involving her participation in legislative hearings while performing surgeries, which led to scrutiny and disciplinary action by the Maryland Board of Physicians.

Legislative service

Terri Hill's political career began with her involvement as an intern for U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes. She entered the Maryland House of Delegates after winning election in 2014, running alongside fellow candidates Eric Ebersole and Clarence Lam on a slate that included state senator Edward Kasemeyer. Hill was sworn into office on January 14, 2015, and has served on the Health and Government Operations Committee throughout her tenure.

In her legislative role, Hill has focused on various issues, particularly those related to health care, education, and environmental policy. Her initial election marked the beginning of her efforts to influence state legislation and address the needs of her constituents. Hill's tenure has included participation in significant legislative discussions and initiatives aimed at improving health care access and addressing social issues.

In addition to her work in the Maryland House of Delegates, Hill has sought higher office. In 2019, she announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election to fill the vacancy left by the late Elijah Cummings. Despite her efforts, she was defeated by Kweisi Mfume, securing a small percentage of the vote but performing well in Howard County. Following this campaign, Hill opted not to run in the overlapping primary for the same congressional seat.

In 2023, after John Sarbanes announced he would not seek re-election, Hill declared her candidacy for Maryland's 3rd congressional district. However, she faced another defeat in the Democratic primary in 2024, placing fourth in the race.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Terri Hill has concentrated on several key policy areas, reflecting her background in medicine and her commitment to community welfare. Her work has included efforts to reform health care, enhance educational opportunities, and promote environmental sustainability.

In education, Hill has been an advocate for student health and safety. During the 2018 legislative session, she introduced a bill aimed at banning tackle football and other contact sports in elementary and middle schools, citing health risks associated with such activities. Although the bill did not advance, it highlighted her concern for the well-being of young athletes. In 2019, she proposed legislation requiring the Howard County Board of Education to report on the demographics of students who are limited in English proficiency or who qualify for free or reduced lunches, emphasizing the need for equitable educational resources.

Hill's environmental initiatives include introducing legislation to allow the Howard County Council to impose a tax on plastic bags, which was later enacted as a 5-cent fee on disposable bags. This measure aimed to reduce plastic waste and promote environmental responsibility among residents. Additionally, in 2021, she sponsored legislation to prevent homeowner associations from mandating the planting of turf grass, reflecting her commitment to sustainable landscaping practices.

In the realm of health care, Hill has consistently advocated for policies that enhance access to medical services. During her 2014 campaign, she expressed her intention to improve the Affordable Care Act. In 2015, she introduced legislation to provide fertility treatment benefits to married lesbian couples, showcasing her support for LGBTQ+ rights and health equity. Hill has also raised concerns regarding legislation that could impact medical professionals, such as a proposed prescription monitoring program, which she believed might deter doctors from prescribing necessary medications.

Terri Hill's legislative service and policy initiatives reflect her dedication to addressing the needs of her constituents in Maryland. Through her work in the House of Delegates, she has sought to influence important issues that affect the health, education, and environment of the communities she represents.