There were 342 homicides in Baltimore last year. Among the victims, the grandson of Baltimore City Delegate Talmadge Branch. Branch is sponsoring legislation to try and expand a violence prevention program already operating in the city in the hopes of saving the lives of others
Maryland delegate sponsors bill allowing school employees to carry guns
Baltimore-Harford County State Delegate Rick Impallaria says schools need a comprehensive plan and additional protocols to protect students and staff from tragedies like this week’s deadly high school shooting in Lakeland, Florida. Impallaria is asking the legislature to approve a bill that would allow school employees to carry guns on school grounds.
Proposed Annapolis bill would allow victims of abuse to keep property records private
Members of the House Environment and Transportation Committee on Tuesday heard from supporters of a bill expanding protections for victims of rape, human trafficking, or stalking. The proposal would shield property records from abusers. In addition to the House bill there is a similar measure being considered in the Senate in addition to a duplicate bill being backed by Governor Hogan.
Mayors join Maryland Comptroller in call for change in craft brewery regulations
Mayors of Annapolis, Frederick, Cambridge, and Ocean City joined Comptroller Peter Franchot in endorsing the Reform on Tap Act of 2018. The legislation would remove limits on beer production, taproom sales, and would allow local jurisdictions to set their own hours of operation. The proposal is the result of a task force created by the Comptroller.
Gov. Larry Hogan previews budget plan for the 2019 fiscal year
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Tuesday previewed his budget plan for FY19. Hogan’s budget includes no new taxes, increases funding for education and protects Marylanders from changes in the federal tax code.
Governor Hogan launches another effort for redistricting reform
Governor Larry Hogan is again calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation that will overhaul the state’s current method for congressional redistricting. Hogan wants an independent, non-partisan commission to handle redistricting.
Sen. McCain talks about service, leadership and political crisis with midshipmen
Senator John McCain spoke to the brigade of midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy Monday about service, leadership while also weighing in on the current political crisis in Washington.
State committee looks at impact of federal deregulation on Maryland consumers
A new state fiscal watchgroup met for the first time Thursday in Annapolis. The meeting came only days after the U.S. Senate voted to repeal a rule that would have made it easier for consumers to sue financial institutions.
Legislative committee gets update on status of homelessness in Maryland
The legislature’s Joint Committee On Ending Homelessness heard from welfare workers and others working to help combat the problem. The discussion ranged from affordable housing to the childcare system. One thing all could agree on: homelessness is a growing problem throughout the state of Maryland.
Joint committee gets an update on gaming industry
The General Assembly’s Joint Committee On Gaming Oversight this week too a look at what the future holds for the gaming industry and how it might impact Maryland.