Hogan signs bills on hate crimes, cyberbullying

Gov. Larry Hogan, R, pored over almost 200 bills on April 18, 2019, signing into law measures concerning cyberbullying, hate crimes and a state-recognized Freedom of the Press Day.

Maryland will make smoking and vaping age 21

State legislation will increase the smoking age to 21 as well as reclassify all vape products and accessories as tobacco products.

Assembly’s final day tempered by mourning of Speaker Busch

On a day normally marked by last-minute legislative squabbles and compromises, balloons and confetti, Maryland lawmakers and the governor tempered their politics to mourn a beloved leader.

Success, failure, mourning at close of Md. General Assembly

It was a bittersweet and busy day for Maryland legislators as they pushed to get their bills through both House and Senate chambers on Sine Die, the final day of the General Assembly on Monday.

Maryland may expand electric vehicle tax credits

State legislation could increase the tax credit received per electric vehicle to $3,000. The maximum price of a vehicle that qualifies could be increased from $60,000 to $63,000.

Maryland may raise smoking age to 21, limit vape marketing

State legislation could raise the age to purchase tobacco and vapor products in Maryland from 18 to 21. Another bill would prohibit vapes from being sold in packaging that appeals to minors.

Organ donation could be taught in Md. schools

State legislation could add material on organ and tissue donation to public high school curriculum. Other Maryland legislation would ensure unpaid leave for those recovering from living organ donation as well as prohibit insurance companies from not allowing a client to make an organ or tissue donation.

Maryland legislative leaders announce plans for education funding

Maryland Democratic legislators and William “Brit” Kirwan announced Tuesday “The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,” a bill that would provide funding for increased teacher salaries, improved teacher training and free, full-day prekindergarten for 3- and 4-year-old children in poverty. These improvements were laid out by the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, chaired by Kirwan.

Maryland could allow people to use EBT cards at restaurants

State legislation could allow Maryland to adopt a Restaurant Meals Program as part of its Food Supplement Program. This would allow homeless, disabled and elderly people to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer card at participating restaurants.

Maryland could begin issuing digital driver’s licenses

A bill could allow the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to begin issuing licenses accessible from a computer, laptop or smartphone. These licenses would display different information depending upon who has requested to see them.