Marlon Amprey

Marlon Amprey is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 40. He was appointed to the legislature in January 2021 and has since been involved in various legislative initiatives, focusing on education, energy, housing, and public safety. Amprey's background in education and law, combined with his commitment to community development, informs his work in the Maryland General Assembly.

Early life and career

Marlon Amprey was born on January 24, 1987, in Baltimore, Maryland. His family has deep roots in the city, with his grandparents having migrated to Baltimore during the Great Migration, a significant movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North. This familial connection to Baltimore has influenced Amprey's commitment to serving his community. His uncle, Walter Amprey, notably served as the superintendent of Baltimore City Public Schools from 1991 to 1997, highlighting a family legacy in education and public service.

Amprey pursued his higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American government and politics in 2009. He continued his academic journey at George Mason University, obtaining a Master of Education in elementary education and curriculum. In 2016, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. Additionally, he completed a certificate in business management from the Wharton School in the same year, equipping him with a diverse skill set applicable to both education and law.

Before entering politics, Amprey had a career in education. He began as a teacher at Howard Road Academy Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., and was involved with Teach For America from 2009 to 2011. He later taught sixth grade at The SEED School of Maryland from 2011 to 2013. His experience in education laid a foundation for his future legislative work, particularly in advocating for educational reforms.

In addition to his teaching career, Amprey gained valuable experience in law through internships, including one with U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings. Following law school, he worked as a corporate associate at Venable LLP from 2016 to 2019 and subsequently at DLA Piper until 2020. His legal career continued at Cole Scholtz P.C. from 2020 to 2021, and he later worked at McKennon Shelton & Henn and Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP. Amprey's legal expertise complements his legislative responsibilities, particularly in areas related to policy and governance.

Amprey also played a role in local government by serving on the transition team for Baltimore mayor-elect Brandon Scott, further establishing his involvement in public service and community engagement.

Legislative service

Marlon Amprey's legislative career began when he was appointed to the Maryland House of Delegates in January 2021. This appointment followed the resignation of state Delegate Nick Mosby, who left his position after being elected president of the Baltimore City Council. Amprey's candidacy for the vacant seat received support from notable figures, including state Senator Antonio Hayes and Baltimore mayor-elect Brandon Scott. The Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee nominated him for the position, and he was officially appointed by Governor Larry Hogan.

Amprey was sworn into office on January 13, 2021, and subsequently elected to a full four-year term in the 2022 elections. During his time in the legislature, he has served on various committees, initially as a member of the Environment and Transportation Committee from 2021 to 2022. In 2023, he transitioned to the Economic Matters Committee and took on the role of deputy majority whip, indicating his growing influence within the legislative body.

Throughout his tenure, Amprey has been involved in numerous legislative initiatives that reflect his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and the broader Maryland community. His efforts have spanned various areas, including education, housing, energy, and public safety.

Policy focus and district

Marlon Amprey's legislative agenda is characterized by a focus on several key policy areas, including education, housing, energy, and policing. He has been a strong advocate for educational reforms, supporting the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes across the state.

In the realm of energy, Amprey introduced legislation during the 2023 session to review the staffing and operations of the Maryland Public Service Commission, reflecting his interest in enhancing the state's energy infrastructure and regulatory framework.

Housing and development are also significant components of Amprey's legislative work. He introduced a bill in the 2021 session to establish the West North Avenue Development Authority, which aims to support community revitalization efforts. This legislation successfully passed and became law. Additionally, he has worked to provide relief for homeowners struggling with mortgage payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, he proposed a bill to impose a temporary pause on home purchases by large investors, although this bill did not advance past committee. In 2023, he successfully passed legislation to limit the duration of exclusive listing agreements, further demonstrating his commitment to housing equity and accessibility.

Amprey's focus on public safety is evident in his legislative initiatives concerning policing. In 2023, he introduced a bill requiring private security guards to be licensed by the state and establishing minimum training standards for security agencies. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, reflecting Amprey's commitment to enhancing public safety standards in Maryland.

Marlon Amprey's work in the Maryland House of Delegates is shaped by his background in education and law, as well as his dedication to community service. His legislative efforts aim to address pressing issues within his district and the state, reflecting a commitment to improving the lives of Maryland residents through thoughtful policy-making.