We are so proud of the accomplishments of all of our partners this Session. It has been an honor to be a part of the passion and dedication you put into this Session's legislation. There is so much to celebrate! Here is the wrap-up of our priorities this Session:
Youth Justice:
1. SB691/HB459- Omnibus Youth Justice Reform Package
Passed with amendments.
2. SB53/HB269- Juvenile Law- Child Interrogation Protection Act
Veto overridden! Passed! Maryland will have one of, if not the strongest law protecting kids in police custody.
3. SB119/HB84- Crimes on School Grounds
Unfortunately did not pass. We will reintroduce this bill next Session.
Drug Policy:
SB509/HB481- Drug Paraphernalia for Administration- Decriminalization
We are disappointed that Fergusson did not give his support for paraphernalia decriminalization.
Thank you to the medical professionals and community members who signed letters and urged senators.
Bodily Autonomy:
SB669/HB626- Pregnant Person's Freedom Act
Did not pass
Only one abortion access bill passed this year and it was HB937- Abortion Cares Access Act, which passed after veto override. We are thrilled to see abortion become more accessible in Maryland through this legislation.
Poverty:
1. SB66- Labor and Employment - Hiring - Education Requirements (Give Me A Chance - Job Opportunities Act of 2022)
Passed! College degrees will no longer be required for most public sector positions within the state government!
2. SB275/HB8- Labor and Employment – Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program – Establishment (Time to Care Act of 2022)
Passed!
3. SB554/HB158- Maryland New Start Act of 2022
Passed!
4. SB704/HB1011- Conditions of Pretrial Release - Home Detention Monitoring - Alterations and Extension
Passed with amendment. Coverage has been decreased from the initially proposed 3 years to 1 year.
5. HB38- Maryland Transportation Authority - Video Tolls - Collection & HB38 Maryland Transportation Authority - Video Tolls - Collection
Passed! Allows persons to challenge unjust toll fees
6. SB452/HB349- Small Claims - Examination in Aid of Enforcement and Interrogatories in Aid of Execution - Prohibition
Passed! This bill removed incarceration for the inability to pay back small debts (<$5,000)
7. STALLED:
HB655- Motor Vehicle Laws - Decarcerate Driving Uninsured
SB884/HB1293: Driver’s Licenses – Suspension for Child Support Arrearages – Exception
SB710 (REDEEM Act)- Criminal Procedure - Expungement of Records - Modifications
Congratulations to all of our partners!