The House sent two bills to the Senate Thursday that would implement universal background checks and close the loophole linked to the 2015 mass shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. “Gun violence is devastating our communities. Every day, 30 people are…
Legislators aim for better voter accessibility in Maryland
Multiple bills going through the General Assembly look to improve accessibility for disabled voters in Maryland.
Bill would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Maryland lawmakers discussed a bill that would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, considering testimony from members of the Indigenous peoples and Italian peoples who argue Columbus is a part of their heritage.
Senate gets landmark voting legislation, but partisanship poses steep challenges
A House-passed package overhauling voting, improving election security and reforming campaign finance laws is now in the Senate, where deep partisan divisions spell an uncertain fate for the landmark bill. H.R. 1, also known as the For the People Act of 2021, is…
Bill to repeal Maryland state song advancing in Legislature
A bill that would repeal Maryland’s state song “Maryland, My Maryland!” on the grounds it contains offensive and outdated language is advancing in the Legislature this week.
Md. bill reimbursing business property taxes would be costly
A Maryland lawmaker is vying for the state to reimburse personal property taxes to businesses reeling from the pandemic, though the refund could cost the state an estimated $365 million. Last year, Maryland businesses paid an average of $2,860 in these property taxes, which include physical assets that businesses need to operate –– like refrigerators at restaurants and swivel chairs at barber shops.
Maryland bill would curb police use of military surplus equipment
A bill that could prevent law enforcement agencies in the state from purchasing certain military equipment via a federal surplus program was passed in the Maryland Senate.
Hogan eases COVID-19 capacity restrictions
Citing improved health metrics, Gov. Larry Hogan, R, announced the loosening of capacity restrictions on many Maryland businesses.
Maryland bill would ban firearms at election sites
A bill banning firearms at polling sites in Maryland is advancing in the state Legislature, and advocates say it is necessary to stop voter intimidation.
Bill would lessen punishment for some teen sexting
A bill passed in the Maryland House that clarifies sexting laws to include lesser punishments for juveniles who send illicit photos of themselves to peers.