Capital News Service gathered data from the 2019 legislative session and conducted an analysis to report on some of the most striking takeaways from the General Assembly.
Annapolis
Md.’s consumer advocates push for new debt collection laws
Some of Maryland’s debt collection laws haven’t been updated since the Reagan administration. Lawmakers and consumer advocates are trying to update the law to protect low-income Marylanders from punitive collection tactics like wage garnishment and body attachments.
Bartlett’s first stint at Md. Statehouse highlights her passion to help the vulnerable
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Years after volunteering for the gubernatorial and Senate campaigns of Douglas Wilder and Barbara Mikulski, J. Sandy Bartlett had a conversation that would prove to be life-changing. Bartlett had been approached by then-state Sen. James E. DeGrange…
Md. House of Delegates elects Adrienne Jones as new speaker
Following more than four hours of deliberation, the Maryland House of Delegates made history in a surprise decision Wednesday afternoon, voting Delegate Adrienne A. Jones, D-Baltimore County, the next Speaker of the House.
Bill would provide protections to student loan borrowers
At the urging of the Maryland attorney general, legislation passed the state’s General Assembly that provides protections for student loan borrowers when working with loan servicers. The legislation comes months after a report by the Office of the Inspector General claimed servicers placed borrowers in adverse situations.
Despite tight landfill space, mattress recycling bill failed
“End-of-life” mattresses and box springs are often discarded in landfills or illegally dumped — this remains an issue for Maryland’s environmental waste management goals and the state’s landfill lifespan.
Hogan signs bills on hate crimes, cyberbullying
Gov. Larry Hogan, R, pored over almost 200 bills on April 18, 2019, signing into law measures concerning cyberbullying, hate crimes and a state-recognized Freedom of the Press Day.
Gene therapy company announces acquisition, expansion
Paragon Bioservices announced an acquisition and partnership with two global drug developers only a few days after opening a new location close to BWI airport that will manufacture drugs that target rare diseases and genetic disorders.
Maryland will make smoking and vaping age 21
State legislation will increase the smoking age to 21 as well as reclassify all vape products and accessories as tobacco products.
Marylanders mourn loss of Speaker Busch
Family, friends, and public officials gathered to say a final goodbye to former Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch, whose funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday.