Included a police-reform legislative package is SB0786, which would transfer control of the Baltimore Police Department from the state to the city for the first time in almost 160 years.
Annapolis
Bill to rebuild trust between immigrants and law enforcement
Lawmakers push for an immigration bill that would end collaboration with ICE in Maryland and prevent local law enforcement from inquiring about an individual’s place of birth.
College athletes could be paid for endorsements under Maryland bill
Maryland legislators have introduced a bill in the state’s General Assembly that could allow for increased protections for college athletes as well as for them to profit off of their name, image and likeness.
Sports betting debate heats up in Annapolis
Maryland legislators have begun to discuss regulation of the state’s newly approved legalized sports betting market, which includes mobile wagering.
Fraudulent unemployment claims present concerns in Maryland
Unemployment claims in Maryland have increased greatly since the start of the pandemic, and more than half filed since January were found to be fraudulent.
Maryland General Assembly targets suicide prevention
A series of bills aimed at improving mental health care systems in Maryland are under consideration in the Maryland General Assembly.
Bill would grant Maryland high school seniors added year of eligibility
A bill introduced in the Maryland General Assembly would grant public high school senior athletes an added year of eligibility to make up for the challenges and interruptions that the coronavirus pandemic brought.
Vaccine Hunters take control of appointment search
Residents disgruntled by tumultuous vaccine rollout and inability to book appointments collaborate through a booming Facebook group called Maryland Vaccine Hunters.
Maryland bill would combat menstrual inequities
Maryland health departments and social service agencies would distribute free menstrual hygiene products to low-income households should a bill in the state Legislature pass this session.
Pandemic could change the oyster industry for good
Oyster farmers, watermen and restoration groups are trying to keep the seafood industry alive, despite restaurant closures, decreases in revenue and restoration logistics made increasingly difficult by the pandemic.