Ex-offenders seek second chance in the workforce

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Those who have committed crimes often have a tough transition back into the workforce. On the national Day of Empathy, a group hit the halls in Annapolis to lobby lawmakers for the removal of questions regarding criminal…

Supporters say Clean Energy Jobs Act could bring thousands of clean energy jobs to Maryland

Montgomery County Senator Brian Feldman says legislation he’s sponsoring could bring as many as 20-thousand clean energy jobs to the state. The bill would require 50% of Maryland energy to be renewable by 2030 and reach 100% by 2040.

Maryland House votes to approve hike in the minimum wage

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — The House gave preliminary approval to legislation raising the state’s minimum wage to 15 dollars by 2025.

Baltimore County delegate faces possible reprimand for workplace bullying

The Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics released a report that is recommending a reprimand of Baltimore County Delegate Jay Jalisi for abusive workplace behavior.

County Execs, Baltimore Mayor join in call for drug affordability board

As a social media campaign was launched on Wednesday, Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh joined with the County Executives from Howard, Harford and Anne Arundel Counties in calling on state lawmakers to approve legislation creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to help bring down the cost of drugs.

Senate committee hears testimony on regulations for shotguns and rifles

A survivor and widow of last summer’s deadly attack on the Annapolis Capital-Gazette were among those testifying before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Wednesday in favor of a bill that would place new regulations on the sale of shotguns and rifles. NRA and 2A Maryland representatives argued against the proposed change saying long guns have not been a significant source of crime weapons in the state.

State senate hears testimony on doctor-assisted suicide

The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Tuesday heard testimony on legislation that would allow physicians assisted suicide under certain conditions. The bill faced a hearing in a House committee last week.

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.

Maryland state senator called to active duty during the legislative session

Montgomery County State Senator Will Smith is being deployed. Smith, a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve, will soon be on his way to Afghanistan ten days before the 90-day session of the Maryland General Assembly wraps up.

Maryland Senate votes to return school start dates to local school boards

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order in 2016, requiring Maryland’s public schools to begin classes after Labor Day. Now, Maryland senators are pushing back, approving legislation giving local public school boards throughout the state the authority, again, to determine the start and end date of the schools in their county. The measure now moves on to the House.