14-year-old Kallan Benson is making her voice heard…through silence. The Crownsville teenager is staging her protest in the shadows of the Maryland State House through the entire 90 days of the legislative session. Kallan wants lawmakers to approve legislation calling for an amendment to the state constitution guaranteeing the public’s right to clean air, clean water and a clean environment.
Annapolis
Maryland could give minors consent for preventative HIV care
Maryland state legislation could allow minors to give consent for pre-exposure prophylaxis, a popular treatment used to prevent the contraction of human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
Senate, House weigh bills changing Board of Regents makeup
The state Senate and House of Delegates are expected to hold hearings next week regarding bills that would restructure the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and mandate more transparency from the body.
Bill would mandate teaching about the Holocaust in schools
A recent survey found that almost one fifth of those between 18 and 34 had not heard of–or were not sure if they heard of–the Holocaust. With that in mind, Montgomery County Senator Ben Kramer is sponsoring a bill that would require a course on the Holocaust be taught in all public and private schools throughout the state.
Maryland legislature considers limits on the use of plastic straws in restaurants
The House Economic Matters Committee on Wednesday heard from both supporters and opponents of a bill that would severely limit the availability and use of plastic straws in restaurants starting in 2020.
Maryland state senator called to active duty during the legislative session
Montgomery County State Senator Will Smith is being deployed. Smith, a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve, will soon be on his way to Afghanistan ten days before the 90-day session of the Maryland General Assembly wraps up.
Legislation would stiffen penalties for ransomware attacks
Using ransomware to hold computers hostage would draw stiffer penalties under legislation — prompted in part by attacks on Maryland hospitals over the past few years — state lawmakers are considering.
Schools may start before Labor Day as Senate bill advances
After several days of debate, a Senate bill to effectively rescind Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive order starting Maryland public schools after Labor Day passed 31-13 on Tuesday, with Democrats voting yes and Republicans voting no.
Maryland Senate votes to return school start dates to local school boards
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order in 2016, requiring Maryland’s public schools to begin classes after Labor Day. Now, Maryland senators are pushing back, approving legislation giving local public school boards throughout the state the authority, again, to determine the start and end date of the schools in their county. The measure now moves on to the House.
Sen. Will Smith to be deployed to Afghanistan in March
Sen. Will Smith, an officer in the United States Naval Reserve, is scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan on March 29 in support of Operation Resolute Support.