ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Larry Hogan[R] signed a historic HBCU funding bill in action this week, the state surpassed a vaccination milestone, and concerns over vaccine inequity remain. The General Assembly approaches the final weeks of this year’s session and is now closing in on a final budget for the next fiscal year.

Stories of the Week

  • In his second bill signing of this year, Hogan signed into law House Bill 1, granting $577 million in supplemental state funding to the four historically black colleges and universities in the state. The bill signing was held at Bowie State University in Prince George’s County, and the governor was joined by House Speaker Adrienne Jones[D-Baltimore City], Senate President Bill Ferguson[D-Baltimore City], and the four presidents of the Maryland HBCUs. The singing marks what seems to be the beginning of the end to a 15-year saga of lawsuits in the state regarding inequities in funding for HBCUs.
  • The Maryland Senate unanimously approved the state’s 2022 budget, which comes in at $51 million. Most of the changes made to the House version were minor, however the Senate did add amendments that would eliminate House provisions to cut funding and phase out Hogan’s BOOST program. Now, the budget will go to the conference committee between the two branches before going to the governor for final approval.
  • Maryland surpassed 2.5 million vaccinations this week, marking another milestone in the state’s fight against the coronavirus. Last week, Hogan presented the state’s “vaccine roadmap” for the spring, making citizens 16 and over eligible for the vaccine by the end of April. There have still been concerns over vaccine equity in the state. Some of the most populous counties such as Prince George’s lag in vaccination rates.

Bills to Watch

SB 133: Local Tax Relief for Working Families Act of 2021: Authorizes local governments to implement income tax on a bracket basis, with a maximum rate of 3.5% and a minimum rate of 2.25%. Status: Passed in the Senate and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

SB 164: Veterans – Behavioral Health Services – Mental Health First Aid: This bill require the Maryland Department of Health to include mental health treatment as a service provided for veterans in the state. Status: Passed in the Senate, and second reading received a favorable review in the House.

SB 420: Criminal Law – Drug Paraphernalia for Administration – Decriminalization: Decriminalizes possession of certain drug paraphernalia, reducing the max punishment of four years and a $25,000 to one year and a $1000 fine. Status: Passed in the Senate and referred to the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee.

Contact Tyler at tylerchesser@thebaynet.com