Several county executives and the mayor of Baltimore joined together on Thursday to urge the legislature and Governor to support an effort to increase the statewide minimum wage to $15. Governor Larry Hogan says he’s open to the conversation but isn’t convinced it’s needed because of concerns of the impact it would have on some businesses.
Annapolis
Bills would allow live-stream of Assembly, agency meetings
Greater transparency, public participation and ease of access are major reasons for bipartisan, video live-streaming bills reintroduced in the Maryland House and Senate this week, legislators said. Maryland General Assembly, State Board of Elections and Maryland Transportation Authority meetings would all be live-streamed if legislation passes this session.
Legislation would update Justice Reinvestment Act
After a comprehensive law overhauled the state’s criminal justice system, Maryland has seen a decline in the state’s prison and jail populations and more streamlined treatment for addicts who are charged with crimes, but advocates want to add to the law to keep inmates from returning behind bars.
Maryland could be banned from dredging Man O’ War Shoal
Legislation could ban the Department of Natural Resources from dredging oyster shells from the Man O’ War Shoal. This would directly counteract the Department of Natural Resources’ proposed Man O’ War Shoal Dredging Project, which would use the old shells recovered from the reef to establish new oyster habitats in the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries.
Police forces take icy dip to support Special Olympics
Maryland police officers jumped into the frigid waters of Sandy Point State Park Friday afternoon to raise money for the Special Olympics. Governor Larry Hogan also delivered remarks as part of the three-day Polar Bear Plunge event.
Mothers take on State House to push for additional gun control
They call themselves “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” and members of the Maryland chapter came to Annapolis on Thursday to push for new gun control provisions. The moms and their supporters say they want the legislature to ban “ghost guns” and 3D printed guns as well as require background checks for anyone wanting to buy a shotgun or long guns.
Moms group rallies to push gun-control laws
Led by chants of “moms demand action” and “gun sense is common sense,” dozens of red-shirted volunteers from the Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America lobbied in Annapolis to support stricter gun laws Thursday.
Bill would mandate school time for student physical activity
Legislation that would require 150 minutes of physical activity, including 90 minutes of physical education, a week for elementary school students in Maryland was heard by the House Ways and Means committee on Thursday.
Bill proposed to define and allow eSports in Maryland
Legislation that would define eSports in Maryland, allow prizes and prevent gambling was heard by the House Ways and Means committee on Thursday.
Lawmakers React to Governor Hogan’s State of the State
State House Democrats and Republicans may have their differences but Montgomery County Senator Susan Lee (D) says Governor Hogan’s State of the State showed his willingness to work with both parties. But the Democrats say they are concerned about the Governor’s proposed half-billion dollars in additional tax relief and his failure to support an increase in the minimum wage.