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.
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.
Settlement in Idaho case strengthens homeless protections
Homeless people in Boise with nowhere else to sleep can no longer be arrested for doing so in public, under the terms of the settlement announced by the city and plaintiffs.
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.