The 2026 session is shaping up to be both consequential and politically charged.
politics
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.
New Laws Take Effect July 1 in Maryland
New laws impact ticket sales, indoor vaping, grants for tech startups, alcohol delivery and more.
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.
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 Go Into Effect July 1
From cannabis to Title IX, from guns to education, many new laws are set to go into effect on July 1.
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.
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.
Green Bag Appointments Announced
Maryland’s Secretary of Appointments presented Governor Wes Moore with 307 appointments to more than 60 state boards and commissions.
Additional Cabinet Posts Announced by Moore
Nearing the start of Wes Moore’s first day in office, he announced additional appointments for his cabinet.
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.
Moore Adds to Transition and State House Leadership Teams
Governor-Elect Wes Moore and Lt. Gov.-elect Aruna Miller continued to bolster their transition and State House leadership teams this week with multiple announcements.
Governor-Elect Wes Moore Announces Leadership Team
Maryland Governor-Elect Wes Moore recently announced key positions on his leadership team.
A History-Making Election
History was made this week with the election of Maryland’s first African-American Governor, Wes Moore, and the election of Maryland’s first female Comptroller, Brooke Lierman.
Cannabis on the November Ballot
Question #4 on the ballot addresses the legalization of adult recreational use of marijuana in Maryland.
Recycling Refunds: How They Work
The Can Manufacturers Institute and like-minded organizations recently launched RecyclingRefundsWork.org, a repository of information on recycling refund and container deposit programs.
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.
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.
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.
2022 Legislative Session Wrap-Up
Our experts provide an overview of the Maryland Legislature’s accomplishments during the 2022 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.
American Joe is a Champ!
From the archives: Check out American Joe in this commercial from his campaign for Governor of Maryland.
Bill Clinton Visits American Joe’s Bar
American Joe’s Bar in Canton on a Sunday night in May was like melted ice cream — slow and sweet. A quiet, lazy evening in the city. Until the motorcade arrived.
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.
American Joe: From Aerial Militia to Annapolis
Before he ventured into the legislative world, American Joe was a member of the Maryland Air National Guard from 1969 to 1975.
Miedusiewski’s Maryland: The American Joe Story
This week, we’re proud to showcase one of Baltimore’s greatest and most beloved politicians through the eyes of the people who knew him best for a series we’re calling “American Joe Week.”
Judge Rejects Congressional Redistricting Plan for Maryland
BREAKING NEWS: A Maryland judge has rejected a proposed congressional redistricting plan and requested a new map by March 30th.
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.
Fundraising Update: What’s in the Bank?
As we near closer to the June primary, many are wondering just how much each candidate has in the bank. We’ve got the stats.
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 Hogan Presents 2023 Budget
Upon the start of his last year in office, Governor Larry Hogan presented his FY 2023 budget today in Annapolis.
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 Anne Kaiser
Growing up in Montgomery County, Delegate Anne Kaiser says she always knew she wanted to get into the political sphere.
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.”
Bayside with Old Line in Ocean City
The sun setting. Seagulls cawing in the background. Drinks flowing. Good conversation and greater company. Thank you to our sponsors and to all those who joined us for Bayside with Old Line!
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: 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.
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.
Online with Old Line: Legislator Interview Series
We are proud to present an all-new interview series featuring Maryland’s State Senators and Delegates.
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.
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.
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.
Rep. Jamie Raskin Interview with Jmore
From the state of our democracy to polarizing divisions across the country, Rep. Jamie Raskin spoke in-depth with Jmore in a recent interview.
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’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.










































































