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.
ICE detention centers could leave Maryland for good
Lawmakers and advocacy groups push for an immigration bill that would take ICE detention centers out of Maryland and stop them from ever coming in again, citing “horrible” conditions for detainees.
Some struggle with new bill testimony system in Maryland
Advocacy groups argue that the General Assembly’s system of submitting testimonies online, 48 hours before the hearing date, leaves those without access to a computer or with a disability in the dust.
Maryland delegates consider rolling back protections for law enforcement
Lawmakers could repeal some of the strongest protections for law enforcement officers in the nation.
Hogan’s RELIEF Act advancing in Maryland General Assembly
Gov. Larry Hogan’s $1 billion stimulus package is set for another round of scrutiny in the Maryland General Assembly.