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 may ban plastic carryout bags at retail shops

A Maryland House committee on Friday voted to approve a bill prohibiting all retail establishments from distributing a plastic carryout bag at the point of sale.

Maryland delegates consider rolling back protections for law enforcement

Lawmakers could repeal some of the strongest protections for law enforcement officers in the nation.

Bill could make Maryland police discipline records public

The general public would have access to a police officer’s disciplinary record in some cases under a bill in the General Assembly in Maryland.

Maryland lawmakers push for minimum wage for inmates

Maryland inmates make as little as $0.17 per hour for voluntary prison employment and training. Del. Terri Hill, D–Baltimore and Howard, wants to raise prison wages to as close to minimum wage as possible, allowing inmates to save money while incarcerated and better equipping them to re-enter society without having to rely on their families –– or further criminal activity that could again land them behind bars –– for financial support.

Hogan’s RELIEF Act advancing in Maryland General Assembly

Gov. Larry Hogan’s $1 billion stimulus package is set for another round of scrutiny in the Maryland General Assembly.

Proposed Maryland legislation would expand hate crime law

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Judges will be allowed to require people charged with hate crimes to complete anti-bias education programs if a bill to expand the current Maryland hate crime law is passed.   Sen. Shelly Hettleman, D-Baltimore, is sponsoring…

State lawmakers seek to lock in transit repair funding

In an effort to combat Maryland’s underfunded and unreliable transit system, lawmakers want to mandate capital funding to the Maryland Transit Administration in order to address breakdowns and environmental concerns.

Maryland bill would grant mental health days off for students

The bill, sponsored by Del. Alonzo Washington, D- Prince George’s, follows similar legislation in Utah and Oregon.

State lawmakers look to plug in disconnected Marylanders

Maryland state lawmakers aim to amend inequities in broadband internet access that have been accentuated by the coronavirus pandemic. A state office for broadband would succeed Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s Office of Rural Broadband, which was created to improve broadband in rural areas of the state.

Bill adds canine support for veterans in treatment courts

Maryland legislators are introducing a bill which will offer canine support for veterans in Veteran Treatment Courts expanding upon a previous piece of legislation that passed last session and offered canine assistance for child witnesses.