annapolis Archives

2026 Maryland Legislative Session Preview

The 2026 session is shaping up to be both consequential and politically charged.

2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

We recap some of the major issues that came out of this chaotic session with the Maryland General Assembly.

Additional Bills Signed by Maryland Governor

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed more than 300 additional bills into law following the 2025 Maryland Legislative Session

Governor Moore Signs Bills Into Law

The bill-signing ceremony on April 8, 2025, was one of five scheduled between now and the end of May.

Sine Die 2025

Going down to wire, the Maryland General Assembly passed a budget on Sine Die.

2025 Maryland Legislative Session Updates

Midway through the Maryland Legislative Session, legislators have tackled many key topics so far, including the budget.

2025 Maryland Legislative Session Begins

The 90-day sprint will cover a variety of bills and topics, as well as a significant budget deficit.

New Maryland Laws Taking Effect in 2025

January brings new laws to Maryland and the start of the 2025 Legislative Session.

Additional Bills Signed into Law for 2024

Nearly 350 bills were signed into law by Maryland Governor Wes Moore on May 16th, the final post-session bill-signing day.

Bills Signed Into Law by Governor Moore

Governor Wes Moore has now signed more than 400 bills into law following the 2024 Maryland legislative session.

2024 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Sherry Nickerson highlights some of the bills that will be sent to Maryland Governor Wes Moore for his signature in the coming weeks.

Sine Die 2024

Legislators in the Maryland General Assembly have spent the final days working on The PORT Act and other final pieces of legislation.

Less than One Month to Go in Maryland Legislative Session

Late nights and a lockdown, fiery debates, and fish? The Maryland General Assembly is closing in on the end of its annual legislative session.

2024 Legislative Session Preview

The Moore administration and the Maryland General Assembly are facing some tough decisions on the budget, juvenile justice, education reform, and the environment.

A Look Ahead: 2024 Legislative Issues

The Department of Legislative Services outlined several topics likely to be addressed in the upcoming Maryland Legislative Session, including artificial intelligence, cannabis, and unused funding opportunities.

Supporting Business in Maryland

Old Line can address legislative, regulatory and procurement needs for any company looking to do business in or with the state of Maryland.

Changes Coming to Maryland Legislature

With the departure of Senator Melony G. Griffith to become CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association, several changes are ahead for the Maryland General Assembly.

New Laws Now in Effect in Maryland

Passed by the Maryland General Assembly, new laws address firearms, child sexual abuse cases and more.

Smooth Sailing with Delegates in Annapolis

Old Line’s Sherry Nickerson joined Delegates Shaneka Henson and Mark Chang to observe graduation day at Brendon Sailing.

Old Line’s Summer Social in Annapolis

We kicked off the season with a Summer Social in Annapolis – thanks to all who joined us!

Vetoes from Governor Moore

In his final actions addressing bills passed in the 2023 Legislative Session, Governor Wes Moore issued a handful of vetoes.

Hundreds More Bills Signed by Governor

Legislation has been signed on topics that include cannabis, healthcare, abortion, gun safety, a service-year program, volunteerism in the state, economic development, state elections, waste water systems, and more.

Old Line Secures Funding for Boy Scouts’ Capital Improvement Project

Old Line Government Affairs helped the Boy Scouts of America Baltimore Area Council receive funding critical for capital improvements to Broad Creek Memorial Reservation.

Moore Signs 100+ Bills into Law

Among the first to be enacted into law are multiple bills that addressed Moore’s top priorities including the minimum wage and the earned income tax credit.

2023 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Old Line’s Sherry Nickerson reviews key topics covered during the 445th session of the Maryland General Assembly.

Crossover Day in the Maryland General Assembly

Hundreds of bills, and 20 days to go. Read the latest on this important milestone in the current legislative session.

Cannabis Legalization Work Group Updates

The work group discussed key topics including data that projects the Maryland cannabis market will hit $1 billion in adult-use marijuana sales within 20 months.

Latest Cabinet Appointments for Moore Administration

Agriculture, Environment, Planning and Commerce among the latest cabinet posts appointed by Governor Wes Moore.

Inauguration of Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller

Making history in Maryland as the state’s first black Governor and as the first woman of color to be elected lieutenant governor, respectively, both were sworn into office today in Annapolis.

Additional Cabinet Posts Announced by Moore

Nearing the start of Wes Moore’s first day in office, he announced additional appointments for his cabinet.

The 445th Maryland General Assembly Convenes

From now through April, legislators will address numerous issues affecting residents and businesses in the 2023 Legislative Session.

2023 Legislative Session Preview

Sherry Nickerson outlines key topics and areas expected to be discussed in the upcoming legislative session.

The Latest Additions to Moore’s Administration

Governor-elect Wes Moore and Lt. Governor-elect Aruna Miller have recently announced additional selections for their administration.

Transition Team: Moore Adds to Policy Committees

Saying that his transition team “looks like the state of Maryland,” Governor-Elect Wes Moore recently announced new members of multiple policy committees.

Governor-Elect Wes Moore Announces Leadership Team

Maryland Governor-Elect Wes Moore recently announced key positions on his leadership team.

New Laws Take Effect October 1

New laws regarding child safety seats and moving over for stopped vehicles take effect today.

Maryland Primary Election Results

We’ve compiled results and news coverage from Maryland’s Primary Election, and will continue to track updates as mail-in votes are tabulated.

Early Voting Underway Leading up to Primary Election

An overview and recent news coverage of Maryland’s Primary Election with early voting now underway.

Bills Going Into Law Without Hogan’s Signature

Nearly 300 additional bills will go into law without Governor Hogan’s signature, and 18 measures have been vetoed.

Lobbyists Secure Even More Funding for Goodwill

Old Line secured additional funding for Goodwill through legislation recently signed by Governor Hogan, adding to financial support secured through the Executive Branch.

Lobbying Results in Success for Healthcare Distribution Alliance

Great news for Old Line client HDA! Legislation amending reporting requirements for PSAOs was recently signed by Governor Hogan.

Hogan Signs 140 More Bills Into Law

Included in this set of legislation is a $4 billion capital budget and additional funding for Old Line’s client Goodwill.

105 Additional Bills Signed Into Law

Bills signed by Governor Hogan cover topics ranging from cybersecurity and drug overdoses to student loans and solidarity with Ukraine.

Lobbyists Address Reporting Requirements for HDA

Old Line Government Affairs aided their client HDA by lobbying for legislation to clean up reporting requirements outlined in a 2020 bill.

Procurement Defense for Client’s Digital Vaccination Verification System

When a Maryland legislator filed a bill that potentially harmed a company’s ability to engage in business with the state, a call to Old Line’s lobbyists made a big difference.

100+ Bills Signed into Law by Governor Hogan

The bills address public safety, jobs, environmental stewardship and mental health resources, as well as the criminal justice system.

Advancing Legislation for Parent Advocate Group

Working with legislators and education and disability rights stakeholders, Old Line advanced a bill that had been stuck in committee for the past three Sessions.

Representing Green Industries in Annapolis

Our lobbyists helped client MAGI educate legislators regarding a leaf blower bill, successfully representing the association’s needs and its members in Annapolis.

Hogan Signs 79 Bills Into Law

Just hours after the close of the Maryland General Assembly’s 2022 Legislative Session, Governor Hogan signed 79 bills into law.

Climate Solutions Now & Impact on Architects

Old Line assisted their client the American Institute of Architects of Maryland (AIA) in advocating support of SB528, the Climate Solutions Now Act, which has been passed into law.

2022 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Our experts provide an overview of the Maryland Legislature’s accomplishments during the 2022 Legislative Session.

Sine Die 2022

After 90 days of hard work, at midnight on April 11, 2022, Maryland legislators will gather and celebrate the last day of the current legislative session.

UPDATE: Assembly Overrides Governor’s Vetoes

Twenty-four hours after the Governor opted to veto several bills, the Maryland General Assembly met and voted to override many of them, allowing several new bills to go into law.

Vetoes and Bills Allowed to Become Law Ahead of Session’s End

Ten bills were vetoed on Friday, including the Abortion Care Access Act and the Time to Care Act. More than 25 bills were left unsigned and allowed to go into law, including the Climate Solutions Now Act of 202 and a ban on ghost guns.

New Congressional Map Approved by Governor

Maryland finally has an approved congressional map, leading up to the primary now scheduled for July 19.

Tax Relief for Maryland Retirees

$2 billion in tax relief, spread out over 5 years, will provide savings for retirees, small businesses, and low-income families in Maryland.

Relief at the Pump: Hogan Approves Emergency Gas Tax Suspension

Hoping to pay less at the gas pump? Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has signed an emergency measure to suspend the state’s gas tax.

Legalization of Marijuana: Bill Huber Provides Insight

Read Bill Huber’s full article in the Baltimore Business Journal for insights and what he sees as opportunities for marketplace success around cannabis in Maryland.

Governor Hogan’s Final State of the State

Governor Larry Hogan delivered his final State of the State address this week and highlighted accomplishments from his tenure, saying “We changed Maryland for the better,” and that “…we must all learn to live with this virus, not to live in fear of it.”

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: January 20, 2022

We’re “not out of the woods” says Hogan, but numbers are trending in the right direction.

Governor Hogan Presents 2023 Budget

Upon the start of his last year in office, Governor Larry Hogan presented his FY 2023 budget today in Annapolis.

Cannabis in Maryland: A Timeline

In 2014, medical cannabis was legalized in the State of Maryland with the passage of House Bill 881, which established the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). But how did we get here, and where is legislation headed in 2022?

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: January 4, 2022

State of Emergency declared, National Guard activated, 20 new testing sites opening and more COVID-19 updates from Hogan.

Issue Papers for the 2022 Legislative Session

This year’s Issue Papers presented to the Maryland General Assembly feature 250 pages covering topics ranging from healthcare to business regulation.

Special Session Underway in Maryland General Assembly

A special session of the Maryland General Assembly is currently underway, tackling select topics including redistricting ahead of the 2022 session, which convenes on January 12th.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: December 1, 2021

Governor Hogan’s press conference included updates regarding the omicron variant, as well as vaccine and booster stats.

Sports Betting Approved for Five Casinos

The Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission recently approved sports betting for five casinos in Maryland.

House Cannabis Referendum and Legalization Workgroup: Endocannabinoid System

What if you were told our bodies were built to break down and absorb cannabis? Dr. Patricia Frye presented details at a recent Maryland workgroup session.

Online with Old Line: Senator Justin Ready

A Carroll County native, Senator Justin Ready has always been interested in history, current events, and public policy.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Carl Anderton

Delegate Carl Anderton is nothing if not charismatic, and uses his charisma and experience to advocate for District 38B, Wicomico County.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Chris Adams

A fifth-generation Marylander, Delegate Chris Adams is proud of his roots on the Eastern Shore.

Online with Old Line: Senator Addie Eckardt

Senator Addie Eckardt is known for many things — her passion, her drive, and the color pink.

Cannabis Workgroup – Important Takeaways and National Perspective

As of now, 18 states, 2 territories and DC have legalized small amounts of cannabis for recreational use. Maryland lawmakers are looking at all of those states for perspective and lessons learned.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Pamela Queen

A longtime resident of Montgomery County, Delegate Pamela Queen was raised by her maternal grandparents, and says that that experience shaped the policy she aims to implement in Annapolis.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Terri Hill

A practicing plastic surgeon, Delegate Terri Hill has been guiding people through healing for nearly 30 years.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Mike Griffith

Delegate Mike Griffith grew up in Aberdeen in foster care, and says he finds his experience helpful in relating to issues and policies that come across his desk.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Harry Bhandari

Getting into politics at the age of 15, Delegate Bhandari was advocating for others even before he came to the United States from Nepal.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Kathy Szeliga

A former educator, small business owner, wife, mom, and grandmother, Delegate Szeliga says she ran for office because there “weren’t enough lawmakers that had practical backgrounds.”

Cannabis Workgroup – Issues and Timing

With an eye towards equity, the House Cannabis Referendum and Legalization Workgroup will study issues related to legalization.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Pat Young

With a deep-seated understanding of Baltimore County’s people and policy issues, Delegate Young was initially inspired to run for office by his past as a veteran and as an advocate for his community.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Michele Guyton

A developmental psychologist by trade, Delegate Michele Guyton is a busy lady, focusing her efforts on education, psychology and “supporting those who don’t always have the loudest voice.”

Online with Old Line: Senator Will Smith

Representing the district where he was born and raised, Senator Smith is proud to represent the “vibrant” and “evolving” District 20 in Montgomery County.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Emily Shetty

Despite being born and raised in the South, Delegate Emily Shetty says that she loves the active district she represents as that’s what makes her job so interesting.

Online with Old Line: Senator Jeff Waldstreicher

Saying he got into politics “by accident,” Senator Waldstreicher saw an opportunity and took it when he was elected into a vacant seat.

Online with Old Line: Senator Melony Griffith

A graduate of Howard University and a social worker by training, Senator Griffith represents the central and southern areas of Prince George’s County.

School Updates From Recent Legislative Committee Meeting

With students headed back to school, leaders provided updates at the recent Joint Appropriations and House Ways and Means Committee meeting.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Kirill Reznik

Citing his early-childhood immigration from the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War as part of the reason he became so interested in politics, Delegate Kirill Reznik is a busy man, father and legislator.

Online with Old Line: Senator Shelly Hettleman

Describing her district as “Maryland in miniature,” Senator Shelly Hettleman is proud to represent the same place where she herself grew up.

Online with Old Line: Senator Chris West

Senator Chris West describes his political career as “a way to give back.” First running for office at 64 years old, he says he wants to give back all the “blessings” he’s seen in his life.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk

An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk is an “island girl” with a passion for civil rights, equity and advancing her community.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Regina T. Boyce

Hailing from the Caribbean, Delegate Regina T. Boyce never imagined herself a legislator, but has always wanted to help and uplift her community.

Online with Old Line: Senator Brian Feldman

From busting brothels to bingo calling, Senator Brian Feldman has led a colorful and storied career.

Online with Old Line: Senator Cory McCray

Born and raised in Baltimore, Senator Cory McCray is an electrician by trade who began buying and selling homes when he was just 20 years old. It wasn’t until he was in his late 20’s though that he realized the importance of government

Online with Old Line: Delegate Charles Otto

A native of Somerset County, Maryland, Delegate Charles Otto currently lives in the house where he grew up, having only changed his address for the 3 years when he attended Virginia Tech.

Cybersecurity in Maryland

Cybersecurity startups are raking in billions from investors as ransomware attacks become more commonplace. Is Maryland prepared? Are you?

Online with Old Line: Delegate Jason Buckel

Maryland Delegate and House Minority Leader Jason Buckel was born and raised in Allegany County, the district he now represents. He’s a practicing lawyer and an avid sports fan.

Online with Old Line: Senator Sarah Elfreth

Senator Sarah Elfreth is the youngest woman ever elected to the Maryland senate, and also a published author.

Cannabis Referendum and Future Legislation

House Speaker Adrienne Jones announced last week that she supports a referendum on the legalization of marijuana and Old Line Government Affairs will be tracking this important topic.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Kumar Barve

He once worked for a satellite company, where ideas were inspired by science fiction novels. Now, Delegate Kumar Barve draws inspiration from everything around him.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Kathleen Dumais

Delegate Kathleen Dumais takes to heart the importance of family both in her role as a lawyer and in representing Maryland’s hard-working families in the Maryland General Assembly.

Online with Old Line: Delegate Eric Luedtke

Teaching middle school for 11 years gave Delegate Eric Luedtke tremendous lessons on multitasking that he now applies to his role as a legislator and the House Majority Leader.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: July 7, 2021

In Governor Hogan’s press briefing, he outlined the “VAX U” program, which will provide a lottery of scholarships for youth aged 12-17 who get the vaccine.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: June 15, 2021

Beginning July 1st, the State of Emergency in Maryland will be lifted and all government restrictions in place due to the pandemic will be rescinded.

Unemployment Benefits – House Economic Matters Committee Updates

Supplemental unemployment benefits are slated to end on July 3 in Maryland. The House Economic Matters Committee provided updates on the numbers and the potential business impacts.

Lobbyists Empower Changes to Renewable Energy Bill

Old Line’s lobbyists successfully advocated for changes that impacted their client’s renewable power business – a key win following this legislative session.

New Bills Include Language Addressing Tax Concerns for Online Cigar Businesses

Old Line Government Affairs helped its client The Cigar Association of America with legislation that impacts the way tax is calculated for online cigar companies.

Hundreds of New Bills to Become Law

Governor Hogan recently vetoed several bills and allowed hundreds of other House and Senate bills to become law without his signature.

Old Line Scores a Win for the NFL

Our lobbyists addressed specific areas of concern for the NFL regarding sports betting legislation in order to protect players and ensure fairness.

Legislative Win for Old Line’s Utilities Clients Delivers Huge Savings for Residents

Lobbying efforts from Old Line Government Affairs helped secure major cost savings for municipally owned utility customers.

Legislative Update: 226 Bills Signed, New Laws for 2021

Governor Hogan recently signed another batch of bills into law following the 2021 Legislative Session. Despite the pandemic, legislators have reiterated to Old Line that this session has been incredibly productive, and the legislation will be impactful.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: May 20, 2021

Get your shot for a shot to win! Maryland Department of Health partners with Maryland Lottery for $2 million in prizes for vaccinated residents.

Telehealth and Maryland Legislation: 2021 and Beyond

As the world pivoted to telehealth options during the pandemic, legislation from this past session and in the future will provide guidance for providers and patients. Telehealth is here to stay.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: May 14, 2021

Following the CDC’s updates, Governor Hogan is lifting the mask mandate for Marylanders while indoors and outside, with the only exceptions being public transportation, healthcare institutions and schools.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: May 12, 2021

Governor Hogan announced that capacity restrictions will be lifted on all businesses beginning this Saturday, while the mask mandate continues until 70% of all adults receive their first shot. Kids as young as 12 will now also be eligible to receive a vaccine.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: April 28, 2021

Effectively immediately, masks and face coverings are no longer required outdoors. Hogan notes that 60% of Maryland residents age 18+ have been vaccinated and the state’s case rate has dropped 33% in the past two weeks.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: April 21, 2021

With 4 million vaccinated, Maryland launches “No Arm Left Behind” campaign to reach more. The Vaccine Equity Task Force is is also adding clinics to Morgan State, Bowie State, senior and neighborhood centers.

Legislative Update: Hogan Signs 66 Bills Into Law

Today, Governor Hogan signed 66 bills covering topics such as telehealth, compensation for the wrongly convicted, mental health, broadband infrastructure and more.

2021 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Persevering through three months of Zoom hearings and masked testifying on the House and Senate floors, the Maryland legislature accomplished important initiatives addressing telehealth services, sports betting, police reform, pay for essential workers and more.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: April 5, 2021

ALL Marylanders age 16+ can get a vaccine at a mass vaccination site beginning tomorrow. A no-appointment-necessary walk-up line is now available in Salisbury, and coming soon to Hagerstown and additional sites.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: April 1, 2021

Starting today, ALL Marylanders age 16+ can now pre-register for the vaccine, with eligibility phases expected to accelerate; 75% of residents age 65+ have been vaccinated, federal mobile vaccination units and more vaccination sites coming soon.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: March 23, 2021

The latest vaccine numbers for Maryland: 2 million+ vaccinated (34% of adults), Phase 2B (age 16+ with increased risk) begins 3/30, and 5 more mass vaccination sites coming.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: March 18, 2021

Governor Hogan reports that 25% of Marylanders have received a #vaccine, with Phase 2A (ages 60+) starting 3/23, Phase 2B (16+ with increased risk) beginning 3/30.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: March 2, 2021

Hogan announced Dr. Robert Redfield, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will join Maryland’s COVID-19 team, and provides updates about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and more mass vaccination sites.

Webinar: Understanding State Procurement in Maryland

Old Line is bringing together state experts and liaisons to the Board of Public Works to discuss Maryland’s unique procurement process.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: February 23, 2021

Another mass vaccination site set and a pre-registration website coming next month, nearly 30k shots now administered each day, increasing reports of fraud surrounding the vaccine, and additional screening for COVID-19 variants.

UPDATE: Hogan Signs $1 Billion RELIEF Act

Introduced last month and incorporating adjustments made and passed by the General Assembly, Hogan has signed the $1 Billion RELIEF Act.

$1.5 Billion RELIEF Act Advances Through Legislature

Now headed to the House of Delegates, the Senate has approved its pandemic RELIEF package with $1.5 billion in assistance for Marylanders.

Governor Larry Hogan’s State of the State 2021

On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, Governor Larry Hogan live-streamed his State of the State address from the State House in Annapolis.

Governor’s Briefing on COVID-19: January 26, 2021

While supply continues to be limited with only 10,000 doses available each day, Hogan is expanding Phase 1 of vaccine distribution to include those who are severely immunocompromised. Mobile clinics and mass vaccination sites with National Guard support are coming soon.

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