Election-year session ends with an eye on November

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Overhauling state tax code in response to sweeping federal tax cuts, bolstering school safety after a shooting at a Southern Maryland high school and stabilizing health insurance markets were just a few of the myriad policy decisions the Maryland General Assembly addressed in 2018 during the 90-day legislative session.

Amazon incentive plan awaits Governor’s signature

Governor Hogan’s $8.5 billion incentive plan to help convince Amazon to build its second headquarters in Montgomery County won final legislative approval in Annapolis on Wednesday sending the bill on to the Governor for his signature.

Maryland bill would put an armed officer in every school

Determined to pass meaningful legislation in the wake of the Parkland and Great Mills high school shootings, Maryland lawmakers are considering a measure to put an armed school resource officer in every public school. The bill comes as part of a four-bill package being rushed through the General Assembly as session nears end.

Maryland craft brewers hope to press for revamping laws next year

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – The state’s craft brewing community and its allies failed to convince the legislature this year to ease restrictions on the production and distribution of craft beer, but the industry expects to try again next session. “The battle…

Maryland Senate considers bill banning gay conversion therapy

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – Maryland could become the 10th state in the country to prohibit the controversial practice of “gay conversion therapy” by health professionals on minors. The Maryland state senate on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would classify the practice as unprofessional conduct. If a health professional were found to have violated the prohibition they would be subject to discipline from the state’s licensing board.

The Annapolis Bullpen: From the opening gavel to the opening controversy

On this week’s episode of the Annapolis Bullpen Podcast we talk about the opening of the session, veto overrides and tax reform.

Legislative Black Caucus addresses its priorities for the 2018 Maryland General Assembly

The Legislative Black Caucus discussed the issues they wish to tackle during this year’s legislative session. Their continued fight for a place in Maryland’s medical marijuana industry is among their main focuses for the year.

Dems put tax relief atop Maryland legislative priorities

Maryland Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. and Speaker Michael Busch, both Democrats, on Tuesday in Annapolis laid out three points to offset changes in the recently passed Republican federal tax bill.

Montgomery County’s Indian immigrants feel the pull of politics

WASHINGTON – When Aruna Miller was a child, the discussions at her kitchen table almost never had to do with politics. As part of an immigrant family, “the conversation more revolved around how to try and assimilate yourself into the…

Opioid and heroin overdoses have reached ‘crisis level’ in Maryland

WASHINGTON – When Carin Miller’s son was about 19 years old, he began to abuse heroin by snorting pills, eventually moving on to shooting up. This went on for six years before he got help. Lucas Miller’s history of drug…