The Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics released a report that is recommending a reprimand of Baltimore County Delegate Jay Jalisi for abusive workplace behavior.
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 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.
Schools may start before Labor Day as Senate bill advances
After several days of debate, a Senate bill to effectively rescind Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive order starting Maryland public schools after Labor Day passed 31-13 on Tuesday, with Democrats voting yes and Republicans voting no.
Local officials team up to push for hike in state’s minimum wage
Several county executives and the mayor of Baltimore joined together on Thursday to urge the legislature and Governor to support an effort to increase the statewide minimum wage to $15. Governor Larry Hogan says he’s open to the conversation but isn’t convinced it’s needed because of concerns of the impact it would have on some businesses.
Legislation would update Justice Reinvestment Act
After a comprehensive law overhauled the state’s criminal justice system, Maryland has seen a decline in the state’s prison and jail populations and more streamlined treatment for addicts who are charged with crimes, but advocates want to add to the law to keep inmates from returning behind bars.
Senate committee hears testimony on governor’s Judicial Transparency Act
Members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee heard heated testimony for and against Governor Hogan’s proposed Judicial Transparency Act of 2019. The bill would require a state Sentencing Commission to publish an annual report that includes detailed, judge-by-judge information about the sentences handed down to convicted violent offenders.
Lawmakers React to Governor Hogan’s State of the State
State House Democrats and Republicans may have their differences but Montgomery County Senator Susan Lee (D) says Governor Hogan’s State of the State showed his willingness to work with both parties. But the Democrats say they are concerned about the Governor’s proposed half-billion dollars in additional tax relief and his failure to support an increase in the minimum wage.
Governor Hogan again urges bipartisanship, sets priorities in State of the State
Republican Governor Larry Hogan, inaugurated for a second term just two weeks ago, told a joint session of the Maryland General Assembly that the state of the state has “never been stronger.”