House Bill 444 plans to earmark a fund for expanded recreational opportunities.
Bill adding mental health callback services advances in Md. amid COVID-19 pandemic
Aiming to alleviate the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland General Assembly is advancing a bill creating a powerful tool to provide residents with enhanced mental health services. SB719, also known as the Thomas Bloom Raskin Act, would require…
Bill would limit use of DNA databases to solve crimes in Maryland
Maryland lawmakers passed a bill in the House that would define when law enforcement can and cannot use the genetic information of an individual, ensure consent from the individual and establish a narrow list of crimes to which this DNA technology can be applied.
Bill would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Maryland lawmakers discussed a bill that would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, considering testimony from members of the Indigenous peoples and Italian peoples who argue Columbus is a part of their heritage.
Md. bill reimbursing business property taxes would be costly
A Maryland lawmaker is vying for the state to reimburse personal property taxes to businesses reeling from the pandemic, though the refund could cost the state an estimated $365 million. Last year, Maryland businesses paid an average of $2,860 in these property taxes, which include physical assets that businesses need to operate –– like refrigerators at restaurants and swivel chairs at barber shops.
Bill would lessen punishment for some teen sexting
A bill passed in the Maryland House that clarifies sexting laws to include lesser punishments for juveniles who send illicit photos of themselves to peers.
Bill to rebuild trust between immigrants and law enforcement
Lawmakers push for an immigration bill that would end collaboration with ICE in Maryland and prevent local law enforcement from inquiring about an individual’s place of birth.
Maryland General Assembly targets suicide prevention
A series of bills aimed at improving mental health care systems in Maryland are under consideration in the Maryland General Assembly.
Pandemic could change the oyster industry for good
Oyster farmers, watermen and restoration groups are trying to keep the seafood industry alive, despite restaurant closures, decreases in revenue and restoration logistics made increasingly difficult by the pandemic.
Kirwan education veto expected to be overturned this week
The veto of a multi-billion dollar education bill in Maryland may be overridden this week, along with tax increases to fund it, as the state Legislature is expected to take up the three related bills by Friday.