Annapolis

Located blocks from the Statehouse, the CNS Annapolis bureau has more reporters dedicated to covering Maryland politics and policy than any other news organization in Maryland.

Maryland bill would provide voting info to the incarcerated

Those incarcerated awaiting trial or convicted of misdemeanors would be able to register to vote and learn about their voting rights under legislation in the Maryland General Assembly this year.

Taskforce will study college students’ mental healthcare access

College students report depression, anxiety, and related symptoms at a significantly higher rate during COVID-19; a task force to study mental healthcare access at Maryland colleges looks to address this.

Juvenile reform bill to prohibit life without parole

Lawmakers are pushing for the passage of the Juvenile Restoration Act, which will prohibit the Maryland judiciary from sentencing a minor to life without parole, and allow those who have served a minimum of 20 years to petition for a sentence reduction. The bill is receiving widespread support from advocacy groups and celebrities across the county.

Kirwan education veto expected to be overturned this week

The veto of a multi-billion dollar education bill in Maryland may be overridden this week, along with tax increases to fund it, as the state Legislature is expected to take up the three related bills by Friday.

Bill establishes Maryland police use of force requirements

A new bill addressing the use of force by police officers in Maryland was introduced at the Maryland General Assembly part of a growing police reform initiative.

Taxes on digital ads, cigarettes among Maryland House veto overrides

The Maryland House of Delegates overrode Thursday a slew of bills that Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed in May 2020 –– including legislation that would impose a tax on digital advertising revenues and raise taxes on tobacco products.

ICE detention centers could leave Maryland for good

Lawmakers and advocacy groups push for an immigration bill that would take ICE detention centers out of Maryland and stop them from ever coming in again, citing “horrible” conditions for detainees.

Maryland bill would require therapy dogs to be allowed in public schools

There is currently no statewide policy for the availability of therapy dogs in schools.

Some struggle with new bill testimony system in Maryland

Advocacy groups argue that the General Assembly’s system of submitting testimonies online, 48 hours before the hearing date, leaves those without access to a computer or with a disability in the dust.

Maryland Senate overrides vetoes on gun restrictions, funding

The Maryland Senate overrode vetoes from Gov. Larry Hogan, R, on four bills Tuesday. The bills, one of which mandates that licensed firearm dealers facilitate most transactions involving rifles and shotguns, comprised yet another round of veto overrides this session.