A pair of bills designed to limit implicit bias by stakeholders in the judicial system in Maryland was introduced at the state’s General Assembly.
Annapolis
Opioid-related deaths increase amid COVID-19 pandemic
Drug and alcohol related fatalities in Maryland have increased since the pandemic, and minority communities were hit the hardest, according to a recent report.
Franchot expects Marylanders to see relief as early as Friday
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, D, expects 98% of all relief payments to be processed and in eligible people’s bank accounts as early as Friday.
Pandemic-inspired Maryland bill would redirect student funds toward school of choice
After Maryland Democrats successfully pushed through a multi-billion dollar education reform bill last week, one Republican lawmaker has proposed pandemic-related education legislation of her own.
Maryland taxes may be offset by diaper, feminine hygiene donation
A Maryland bill would allow deductions of up to $1,000 from state income tax for donations of diapers or feminine products to a qualified charitable organization starting in tax year 2021.
Bill allows for more local restrictions on tobacco products in Maryland
A bill in the Maryland General Assembly would allow for localities to place more restrictions on the sale and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Maryland bill would provide voting info to the incarcerated
Those incarcerated awaiting trial or convicted of misdemeanors would be able to register to vote and learn about their voting rights under legislation in the Maryland General Assembly this year.
Taskforce will study college students’ mental healthcare access
College students report depression, anxiety, and related symptoms at a significantly higher rate during COVID-19; a task force to study mental healthcare access at Maryland colleges looks to address this.
Juvenile reform bill to prohibit life without parole
Lawmakers are pushing for the passage of the Juvenile Restoration Act, which will prohibit the Maryland judiciary from sentencing a minor to life without parole, and allow those who have served a minimum of 20 years to petition for a sentence reduction. The bill is receiving widespread support from advocacy groups and celebrities across the county.
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.