The goal is better coordination of patient care. The Maryland Insurance Commissioner reviews all exceptions. Co-sponsored a bill (HB1325) in 2017 that bans hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Maryland. Co-sponsored a bill (HB0429) Legislation - HB0429 in 2017 that ensures that physical resistance is not needed to prove a sexual crime has been committed. Co-sponsored the Maryland Defense Act of 2017 (HB0913) Legislation - HB0913, which authorizes the Attorney General to sue the federal government to defend the welfare and public interests of Maryland residents. Sponsored a bill (HB0356)Legislation - HB0356 in 2016 to create a pilot project, using a federal grant, that would offer incentives for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to buy and eat more fruits and vegetables. Co-sponsored the Civil Marriage Protection Act (HB 438) Search - Legislation in 2012 to legalize same-sex marriage. Co-sponsored several bills related to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Act, including its creation in 2011 (HB 166)Search - Legislation, privacy and security of medical records (HB 784)Search - Legislation, and updates in 2012 (HB 443)Search - Legislation to add dental and vision plans. Sponsored a bill (HB 196) to repeal Computer Service Sales Tax in 2008's Special Session Co-sponsored Motor Vehicle Excise Tax exemption for returning military members in 2008 (HB669) Sponsored a bill (HB 510) Search - Legislation in 2008 that allowed for electronic signatures on medical documents. Voted in favor of mortgage reform bills in 2008 to increase oversight of mortgage-lending industry and to establish preemptive measures to help homeowners at risk of foreclosure (HB360, HB 361, & HB 365) , , Voted in 2007 for in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants who graduate from Maryland high schools after attending for at least two years, whose parents pay Maryland taxes and who commit to apply for permanent resident status 30 days after becoming eligible to do so (HB6) Voted in favor the Tax Reform Act of 2007(HB2) Early life, education and career Pendergrass was born in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago. At the University of Illinois, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Art, graduating cum laude, and a Master of Arts. She was an art instructor at Aurora University and an art therapist and program coordinator at Edgemont Psychiatric Hospital Children's Unit. Later, she was an art instructor at Severn School, Severna Park, MD. She also worked as a professional artist for many years. She