State government

Most of the lawmaking course has already been charted by leadership, but legislators bring with them the individual names and unique stories of their constituents — even those who didn’t vote for them.

The opening day of the General Assembly session is a day of ceremony and optimism, with lawmakers greeting each other after months spent back in their districts and at their day jobs.

Maryland’s lawmakers will spend 90 days reviewing thousands of bills. But the issues likely to get the most attention are a tight budget situation and ongoing concerns about violence and crime involving young people.

The package is expected to draw opposition some groups and politicians in Maryland who believe each locality should be given autonomy over how to control housing within their borders.

With only 90 days to turn ideas into laws, legislative leadership sets priorities on what could be hotly contested issues well before opening day. Here’s a look at some of the biggest challenges before them this year.

The Democrat urged the room filled with cabinet members, prosecutors, law enforcement and lawmakers — some of whom have been at the center of debate over the state’s troubled youth legal system — to “lead together” to keep Marylanders safe.

A group of state agencies will study how AI can incrementally and ethically be used in state government operations, such as workforce development and economic development, and protecting people from the risks of AI.

Children need protection from risks of online abuse and addiction stemming from their social media engagement, Maryland Del. C.T. Wilson says.

Maryland must move to eliminate biases that create disadvantages for Black homeowners in valuations and tax assessments, says Aja’ Mallory, an attorney whose practice focuses on housing and consumer issues.

Stacy Rodgers, who’s overseen Baltimore County government operations for almost five years, intends to retire from county government in April 2024.

What we learned from the latest plan to revitalize Maryland horse racing.

A new plan for reviving thoroughbred horse racing in Maryland would center the industry around a revitalized Pimlico Race Course in Park Heights that would be owned by a new state entity.

The nonprofit organization represents thousands of women in court each year and advocates for laws that protect and promote women’s rights. “I thought it would be a perfect blend of the experience I’ve had as a prosecutor and a jurist,” O'Malley said of her new role.

Maryland must continue to carry out legislative initiatives to make public transportation more available and equitable, state Sen. Cory McCray says.

A key Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center official is out after a pointed letter from top lawmakers prompted a DJS investigation into the failure to detain kids accused of violent crimes.

This go-round of talks is Gov. Wes Moore’s first with the labor union, which represents approximately 20,000 state workers who would be affected by the deal’s outcome.

Critics of a law that requires minors in custody to talk with a lawyer say it hurts police investigations. Defenders say it’s critical to ensuring that youths understand their constitutional rights before they potentially waive them.

Manufacturers must be held accountable for risks from "forever chemicals," says an attorney who represents individuals in environmental pollution cases across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Communities in South Baltimore neighborhoods along the Patapsco River can thrive alongside the industrial facilities there, Brad Rogers, executive director of the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, says.

A new minimum wage, fewer telephone spam calls and updates to health insurance coverage are coming to Maryland with the start of the new year.