A recently developed DNA tool has already led to a murder charge in Maryland. Police think it will be useful in investigations to come.
Annapolis roundup: Bill signing; veto override; census suit
Governor Larry Hogan signed seven bills while two of his vetoes were overridden. Meanwhile, Maryland joined 19 other states to sue the federal government over citizenship questions on the 2020 census.
Maryland bill would put an armed officer in every school
Determined to pass meaningful legislation in the wake of the Parkland and Great Mills high school shootings, Maryland lawmakers are considering a measure to put an armed school resource officer in every public school. The bill comes as part of a four-bill package being rushed through the General Assembly as session nears end.
Bill would clarify Maryland law to try to save lives
As overdose deaths in the state rise, Md. lawmakers want to make clear that calling for help won’t incriminate anyone involved in a medical emergency.
Md. Senate passes revised cyberbullying law
Maryland lawmakers in 2013 passed “Grace’s Law,” a bipartisan bill that made it a misdemeanor to repeatedly and maliciously bully someone through use of a computer or cellphone. Five years later, some of the same legislators are back to update the law to reflect the new media landscape.
Md. lawmakers want to increase sanctions for murder-for-hire
Maryland prosecutors will be able to go after the crime of solicitation to murder – no matter how long after the act, and for a felony – if a bipartisan bill passes.
Bill would criminalize knowing failure to report child abuse
Legislation that would make knowingly failing to report child abuse a crime in Maryland was passed by the Senate, but faces some skepticism in the House.
Legislative roundup: Oyster recycling; tobacco; female inmate health services
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — The Maryland Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a bill that would further incentivize oyster shell recycling. “This bill continues to promote a very viable shell recovery program that’s been in existence for five years,” said Sen. Stephen…
Md. juvenile agency says later school hours could curb crime
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — A significant spike in juvenile crime from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on school days has led to a push by the state’s juvenile justice agency to shift school start and finish times. The department is advocating…
Roundup of bills moving through Maryland’s legislature
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — From a proposal to protect ship captains from laser pointers to a possible end to a front license tag, here are some of the more interesting bills recently introduced in the Maryland General Assembly. Public Safety –…