Current:Home > StocksA glance at some of the legislation approved in the Maryland General Assembly -Golden Summit Finance
A glance at some of the legislation approved in the Maryland General Assembly
Burley Garcia View
Date:2025-04-09 19:15:23
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland General Assembly is wrapping up its 90-day legislative session on Monday. Here’s a look at some of the legislation they have passed so far:
BUDGET
Maryland lawmakers mostly kept Gov. Wes Moore’s $63 billion budget proposal for the next fiscal year intact. They decided to add on some tax and fee increases to raise money for transportation, including a new fee of 75 cents on ride-hailing services and an increase in vehicle registration fees. The new revenues for transportation add up to about $252 million in the next fiscal year, gradually increasing to $336 million in fiscal year 2029. Tobacco tax increases will help generate about $91 million for K-12 education, though that is projected to decline in future years with less tobacco use.
COURT PERSONNEL PROTECTION
Maryland judges would be able to shield their personal information online to prevent hostile people from tracking them down, a measure approved in response to the fatal shooting of a judge in his driveway last year.
JUVENILE JUSTICE
Lawmakers approved a package of juvenile justice reforms aimed at improving accountability and rehabilitation in response to complaints about increasing crimes like auto theft and handgun violations in parts of the state.
DATA CENTERS
Lawmakers passed the governor’s bill to make data center development easier by reducing environmental procedures required by state regulators for backup generators needed for the centers, which house information technology infrastructure.
GENDER-AFFIRMING TREATMENT
Gender-affirming treatment in Maryland would be protected from criminal and civil actions brought by other states.
FREEDOM TO READ
Public libraries, including public school libraries, would not be able to remove reading materials because of partisan, ideological or religious disapproval.
IMMIGRANTS’ HEALTH INSURANCE
Maryland would apply for a federal waiver to enable people to buy health insurance through the state’s health care exchange, regardless of their immigration status.
GUN CENTER
Lawmakers approved the governor’s proposal to create a new center to foster a statewide partnership with federal and local agencies to reduce gun violence.
988 CRISIS
The state would create a permanent funding source for the state’s 988 mental health crisis helpline by adding a fee of 25 cents to cell phone bills.
PROTECTING ELECTION WORKERS
The General Assembly passed the governor’s proposal to enable authorities to prosecute people who threaten to harm election officials or their immediate family members, as threats are on the rise across the country.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- U.S. resumes delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza via repaired pier
- The most important retirement table you'll ever see
- After shark attacks in Florida, experts urge beachgoers not to panic
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- A dog helped his owner get rescued after a car crash in a remote, steep ravine in Oregon
- Jennifer Hudson gives update on romance with Common: 'Everything is wonderful'
- Shark attack victims are recovering from life-altering injuries in Florida panhandle
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- A dog helped his owner get rescued after a car crash in a remote, steep ravine in Oregon
Ranking
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Baltimore shipping channel fully reopens after bridge collapse
- Kia, Honda, Toyota, Ford among 687,000 vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
- The Rev. James Lawson Jr. has died at 95, civil rights leader’s family says
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- New Jersey businessman tells jury that bribes paid off with Sen. Bob Menendez
- Ursula K. Le Guin’s home will become a writers residency
- Fight over constitutional provisions to guard against oil, gas pollution moves ahead in New Mexico
Recommendation
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
Clemson baseball's Jack Crighton, coach Erik Bakich ejected in season-ending loss
Josh Hartnett Shares Rare Glimpse Into Family Life After Return to Hollywood
Sen. John Fetterman was treated for a bruised shoulder after a weekend car accident
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
Buc-ee's opens doors to largest store in Texas: See photos of Luling outlet
How Austin Butler Feels About The Carrie Diaries More Than 10 Years Later
Naomi Biden testifies in father Hunter Biden's gun trial | The Excerpt