Amidst a surge in firearms sales, lawmakers in the Senate and House have introduced legislation expanding background checks for all gun purchases. “Background checks are simple, easy, and they save lives. That’s why more than 90 percent of Americans support…
Biden’s COVID relief plan includes $130 billion to help schools reopen
President Joe Biden’s $130 billion school reopening plan focuses on making schools safer for teachers and students, although returning to school remains a contentious and difficult issue. Reopening the majority of K-8 schools within his first 100 days in office…
D.C. statehood backers mobilize behind legislation that faces tough odds
Advocates for making the District of Columbia the 51st state have introduced bills with record numbers of sponsors in Congress, but it still will take a hefty effort to win a final victory on an issue that has dogged the…
A Maryland House bill is working to help patients with medical debt
Silver Spring, MD – Between 2009 and 2018, Maryland Hospitals have sued patients more than 145,000 times over unpaid medical bills, according to National Nurses United. A bill in the Maryland House aims to put a stop to patients losing their income and housing over unpaid bills that can be under $1,000.
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.
Hogan touts new vaccine during stadium site visit
Authorization of Johnson & Johnson’s 1-dose vaccine would provide a huge boost to Maryland’s efforts to fill the gulf of supply in the state’s vaccine reserves
Many Maryland schools set to reopen Monday
Many of Maryland’s most populous districts are set to welcome some students back for in-person instruction Monday, marking the start of varying local plans in response to Gov. Larry Hogan’s push to reopen schools by March 1.
Maryland bill would charge companies for carbon pollution
Maryland lawmakers would charge fees on fossil fuels and high-emissions vehicles to reduce pollution within the state — and send the first $350 million annually to fund schools — under a bill in the state’s General Assembly.
Legislators hope to sweeten lemonade stand restrictions
A bill passing through the Maryland General Assembly could stop local governments from regulating lemonade stands, allowing minors to serve nonalcoholic drinks on private property without restriction.