ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland lawmakers are planning to set aside $800 million to pay costs in future years for the state's sweeping education reform law known as the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. As the Maryland Senate nears a vote on the state budget measure for the next fiscal year, Sen. Guy Guzzone said Wednesday the decision was made in recognition of last week's announcement that revenues are projected to […]
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Senate has passed an expansive police accountability measure. The Senate voted 32-15 for the bill late Thursday night. Supporters say it's critical legislation to help restore public trust in police, while opponents contended the legislation goes too far and will hurt police recruitment and retention. The bill now goes back to the House, which already approved an earlier version of the bill, to consider […]
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Senate has advanced a far-reaching police reform measure that already has cleared the House of Delegates. Senators debated the bill late Wednesday and into Thursday morning before giving the measure preliminary approval. The measure drew hours of debate. Opponents contend it goes too far and will prompt police to quit. One provision that drew criticism would create the potential forfeiture of a police officer's […]
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Senate has approved a plan to balance the state's budget in the next fiscal year, with enormous support from the federal government to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The $50 billion budget plan was passed unanimously Thursday. The House already has passed legislation. The two chambers will work on reconciling some differences before the Legislature's scheduled adjournment on April 12. It […]
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland lawmakers aren't waiting on the NCAA or Congress to allow college athletes to earn money from endorsements. The Maryland Senate passed legislation on Tuesday on a 47-0 vote. The House passed a similar bill earlier this month. The two chambers still need to approve the same bill to send it to Gov. Larry Hogan. If enacted, Maryland would join several other states that have approved […]
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland's Senate president is bracing senators for a tough year for many of their bills due to difficulties created by the pandemic. Senate President Bill Ferguson told lawmakers Wednesday that everything is more complicated this year due to precautions the General Assembly is taking. He says backups are happening because it's very difficult administratively to move bills along the legislative process this year. Legislative leaders in […]
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Senate has approved about $1.5 billion in pandemic relief. Senators passed the bill on Friday in a unanimous vote. The measure first proposed by Gov. Larry Hogan includes direct stimulus payments to low and moderate income residents. It includes benefits of up to $750 for families and $450 for individuals. It repeals all state and local income taxes on unemployment benefits. It also includes […]
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland officials will be sharing memories of the nation's longest-serving state Senate president. Visitation is scheduled Friday in the rotunda of the Maryland State House, where the body of Thomas V. Mike Miller is lying in repose. He died last week at the age of 78 from cancer. Senators are scheduled to speak in remembrance of their former colleague during their legislative session Friday afternoon. Miller […]
