Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | Baltimore, MD
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Politics

Barnes, Peña-Melnyk to Take Over Key House Committees

House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) has tapped delegates from the same legislative district to immediately take over two key House committees. In the waning moments of the General Assembly session late Monday night, Jones read through an order that she was appointing Del. Benjamin S. Barnes (D) chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Del. Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk (D) chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee. Both represent District 21, which is anchored in Prince George’s County and includes a piece of Anne Arundel County.

Hogan Signs Maryland Professional Sports Stadium Measures

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed a measure Tuesday that would make up to $400 million in bonds available for development around FedEx Field in the suburbs of the nation’s capital where the NFL’s Washington Commanders play, whether the team stays there or not. The governor also signed a separate bill that increases bond authorization for both Camden Yards, home to the Baltimore Orioles, and M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens. The measure allows borrowing of up to $600 million for each stadium, up from a current cap of $235 million.

Read More: WJZ-TV
Maryland election: Who is running for U.S. House District 1 and Senate

The field running against incumbent U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat, includes 10 Republicans and one Democrat.  Rep. Andy Harris faces the redrawing of his 1st District, much the sticking point as the state’s lone Republican congressman faces three Democrats.  The Court of Appeals, while weighing in on the new Maryland Congressional Map, had already had delayed the state’s primary for all elections from June 28 to July 19. Other important dates: Mail-in ballot for the primary election must be received by July 12; and by Nov. 1 for the general election.

Read More: Delmarva Now
New City Budget Would Pay For Civilian Investigators To Help Baltimore Police
Mayor Brandon Scott has unveiled a city budget plan for the fiscal year 2023 that increases the police budget by nearly $5 million. The budget will cover the cost of 35 civilian investigators that will fill some of the police department’s vacant positions. These civilian investigators will conduct anti-violence initiatives, which would free up police officers so that there are more of them patrolling Baltimore’s various communities. They would assist with investigations, track down leads, and search databases for information related to crimes.
Read More: WJZ-TV
Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby officially announces run for reelection in campaign video

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced Tuesday that she is running for reelection, setting up a rematch of the 2018 Democratic primary under the backdrop of her federal indictment. Mosby’s campaign unveiled her candidacy with a video in which she notes the ups and downs Baltimore has experienced over her current term and lauds residents’ “unwavering resilience.”

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Maryland lawmakers passed bills on abortion, taxes, ‘ghost guns’ and the environment. Here’s a look at what’s becoming law.

The 2022 Maryland General Assembly session was marked by a gradual return to a pre-pandemic normalcy, and by the shadow of elections shaken up in a battle over how to draw congressional district lines. That meant fewer struggles this year to broker debates over complex legislative issues via Zoom, and plenty of incentive to pass major initiatives that will motivate voters on both ends of the political spectrum.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Baltimore County attorney: Councilwoman who moved outside district violated charter, but no ‘legal precedent’ to remove her

A Baltimore County councilwoman violated the county charter when she briefly moved out of her district in 2021, but there’s no legal precedent for making her leave office, the county attorney has concluded. The legal opinion by County Attorney James Benjamin found that while Councilwoman Cathy Bevins’ move was a violation of the charter, it is “unclear that the Charter requires Councilwoman Bevins to immediately vacate” her seat.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s proposed budget would increase police spending, add civilian investigators

Baltimore’s police budget would increase by $5 million under a proposal from Mayor Brandon Scott unveiled Monday that calls for using 35 civilian investigators for police work and adding other staff to assist with an anti-violence initiative. The $4 billion proposed spending plan, a small decrease in overall spending over the previous year, would hold the line on taxes despite increases to police spending and a $65 million increase in education spending mandated by the state. About $742 million would be spent on capital projects in addition to $3.2 billion in general fund spending.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
After passing abortion and climate laws, plus tax relief, Maryland lawmakers to hit the campaign trail. Both sides have something to talk about.

The Democratic supermajorities in Annapolis entered this year’s General Assembly session with an agenda of issues to please core blocs of voters they will depend on in statewide elections later this year: Protecting abortion rights, fighting climate change, helping workers, legalizing recreational marijuana. They ended 90 days of lawmaking late Monday having checked those boxes. Bills are set to become law that will expand abortion access, curtail the use of fossil fuels, create a paid family leave program for most workers and send marijuana legalization to voters to decide.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Hogan will allow bill banning seclusion to become law

A bill banning seclusion in Maryland public schools will become law without Gov. Larry Hogan’s signature, he announced Friday. House Bill 1255 will take effect July 1. It will place strict limits on the use of seclusion in nonpublic schools and institute more stringent requirements on how all districts track and report instances of physical restraint.

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