Maryland lawmakers will gain power in new Democratic House

WASHINGTON – Now that the Democrats have taken over the House of Representatives, some Maryland legislators stand to hold significantly greater positions of power and influence in the 116th Congress that convenes in January. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Mechanicsville, formally announced…

Raskin calls for tougher federal law on campus religious discrimination

WASHINGTON – Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Kensington, proposed Tuesday that religious discrimination on college campuses should be prohibited under the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. That law already bars religious discrimination in hiring, but the congressman said the law’s…

Legislation may remove parental rights in sex assault cases

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Legislation in the Maryland General Assembly would enable a court to revoke parental rights of an individual who has been found to have sexually assaulted the other parent, if the court finds that it is in the child’s best interest to remove the parental rights.

Most Maryland Democrats think Sessions should resign

WASHINGTON – Most Maryland Democrats are calling for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after failing to disclose to Congress conversations he had last year with the Russian ambassador to the United States. Sessions met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak…

Bill mandates Baltimore police report surveillance tactics

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — The Maryland House Judiciary Committee heard arguments for and against a bill that would require the Police Commissioner of Baltimore City to notify the city council, mayor and delegation about the development of new tactics and use…

Congress Moving to Aid Prisoners with “Second Chance” in Society

This legislation reauthorizes and changes the distribution of grant funding to public and private programs aiding ex-prisoners allocated in the original bill passed in 2008.

Annapolis Roundup: Feb. 12

The General Assembly debates SWAT teams, foster care, tanning beds and surrogates

House Judiciary Committee Visits District Court Ahead of Session’s Work on Pretrial System

Delegates will review program that provides attorneys for defendants’ initial appearances

Legislators Want to Restrict Custody Rights for Parents Convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Child

A bill that would deny custody and visitation to parents guilty of sexual abuse of a minor was heard by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Thursday.

Not Everyone Biting on Pit Bull Liability Legislation

A bill meant to ease liability for pit bull dog owners and landlords was criticized by victims’ families, dog advocates, attorneys and legislators Wednesday at a House Judiciary Committee hearing.