Both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly on Friday introduced bills charting the state’s course for opening a recreational cannabis market this summer. The expansive legislation, which tackles a host of commerce-related issues, including safety regulations, taxes and licensing equity, comes months after voters overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana. (From: The Baltimore Banner, by Brenda Wintrode, Pamela Wood and Callan Tansill-Suddath)
The first bill approved by the Maryland Senate this year will fund the state’s 988 suicide and crisis hotline. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Malcolm Augustine, a Prince George’s County Democrat, will require the governor to put $12 million for the hotline into the budget in 2025. Augustine’s bill attracted a bipartisan group of 13 senators as cosponsors. (From: The Baltimore Banner, by Pamela Wood)
The Maryland state Senate is likely to take up a bill that will fund the 988 suicide and crisis prevention hotline by $12 million in 2025. (From: WYPR, by Scott Maucione)
Abortion rights, a new marijuana industry and gun control are top issues the General Assembly will tackle in the next 90 days. (From: The Washington Post, by Erin Cox and Ovetta Wiggins)
“There’s so much transition happening,” Ferguson said. “And we’re fortunate to have resources to be able to think really boldly and creatively about where Maryland can go over the next decade. Year one of this term is setting up the four years of this term. We’re not going to solve every problem this year. This year is setting the table for a really important four years ahead, with new leadership, new vision, new representation.” (From: Maryland Matters, by Josh Kurtz)
Members of the Maryland General Assembly are gearing up for the 2023 legislative session, which will begin Wednesday. During their 90 days of marathon lawmaking, state delegates and senators will file, debate and discuss bills covering hundreds of topics. (From: The Baltimore Sun, by Hannah Gaskill)
Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) unveiled his long-awaited restructuring plan for the upper chamber late Wednesday afternoon, shifting the missions of two standing committees and selecting respected leaders to head them. (From: Maryland Matters, by Josh Kurtz)
