Maryland Legislative WatchThe 2014 session is over and this post is for information purposes, only. HB 332, sponsored by Delegate Glass, is a bipartisan effort to preserve electricity consumers’ choice between analog and smart meter, prohibit certain reporting to third parties, and prohibits fees for those opting for an analog meter. The electricity provider must: Give written
The 2014 session is over and this post is for information purposes, only. SB 926 and HB 847, sponsored by Senator Raskin and Delegate Rosenberg, respectively, sets parameters for government drone use. While this bill does not ban government drones, it does set restrictions on their use. This bill, while not good, is better than
SB 923/HB 881, sponsored by Senator Raskin and Delegate Morhaim, respectively, propose, among other things, to register and set regulations for physicians prescribing medical marijuana. The bill sets who may be a patient, registers academic medical centers, defines who may be prescribed medical marijuana, registers and certifies physicians, and continues the Natalie M. LaPrade Marijuana
HB 292, sponsored by Delegate S. Robinson, would prohibit, “fracking”. In short, (B) A PERSON MAY NOT ENGAGE IN THE HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OF A WELL FOR THE EXPLORATION OR PRODUCTION OF NATURAL GAS IN THE STATE. In the House - Hearing 2/28 at 1:00 p.m. Send email to the House Environmental Matters Committee (Click the
HB 490/SB 749, sponsored by Delegate Hixson and Senator Pugh, respectively, is a 15 page bill for the purpose of (in part): establishing collective bargaining rights for specified community college employees This bill adds subtitles to the Maryland education Article, setting a framework for unionization, union elections, appeals, etc. There may be up to four
HB 418/SB 691, sponsored by Delegate Cardin and Senator Pinsky, respectively, propose to change the little used Maryland public campaign finance system. It’s a 22 page bill so there’s a lot that isn’t presented in this synopsis. Some of the key points: Adds House and Senate candidates to list of offices eligible (currently only Governor/Lt.
HB 443/SB 589, sponsored by Delegate Luedtke and Senator Jones-Rodwell, proposes to raise the taxes on tobacco by 50% for manufactured cigarettes and 316% for other tobacco products. The House bill has over 50 co-sponsors. The bill’s title is, “Tobacco Taxes - Healthy Maryland Initiative”. For fiscal years 2016 and beyond, the budget is to