In anticipation of an update to statewide 9-1-1 communication systems by 2021, gruesome imagery of crime scenes or injuries, individuals’ medical histories and identification of domestic violence or rape victims may be protected from public view under legislation in the Maryland General Assembly.
Anne Arundel teen maintains silent State House protest to support the environment
14-year-old Kallan Benson is making her voice heard…through silence. The Crownsville teenager is staging her protest in the shadows of the Maryland State House through the entire 90 days of the legislative session. Kallan wants lawmakers to approve legislation calling for an amendment to the state constitution guaranteeing the public’s right to clean air, clean water and a clean environment.
Maryland could give minors consent for preventative HIV care
Maryland state legislation could allow minors to give consent for pre-exposure prophylaxis, a popular treatment used to prevent the contraction of human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
Cummings: Presidents need to open books on library fundraising
WASHINGTON — A new bill that would add transparency to the process of funding presidential libraries has passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2019, introduced by Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, D-Baltimore, and…
Virginia Expresses ‘Profound Regret’ for History of Lynchings
Outlining a “dark and shameful chapter of American history,” state legislators have unanimously passed resolutions to “acknowledge with profound regret the existence and acceptance of lynching” in Virginia, where more than 80 people — mostly African-American men — were killed by mobs in the decades after the Civil War.
Senate, House weigh bills changing Board of Regents makeup
The state Senate and House of Delegates are expected to hold hearings next week regarding bills that would restructure the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and mandate more transparency from the body.
Bill would mandate teaching about the Holocaust in schools
A recent survey found that almost one fifth of those between 18 and 34 had not heard of–or were not sure if they heard of–the Holocaust. With that in mind, Montgomery County Senator Ben Kramer is sponsoring a bill that would require a course on the Holocaust be taught in all public and private schools throughout the state.
Maryland legislature considers limits on the use of plastic straws in restaurants
The House Economic Matters Committee on Wednesday heard from both supporters and opponents of a bill that would severely limit the availability and use of plastic straws in restaurants starting in 2020.
Annual Montgomery County program helps with preparing women leaders for the future
The theme for this year’s annual Women’s Legislative Briefing, sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, was “Women Igniting and Achieving Change.” Elected officials, activists and future leaders spent the day on issues impacting women and young girls throughout the state.