Maryland

Maryland to Usher in New Era with Multiple Legal Changes Starting January 2025

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Residents of Maryland can expect to see significant changes come January 2025 as a slew of new laws take effect. These legislative changes range from adjustments in taxes to new policies affecting worker benefits, signaling a proactive adjustment by state lawmakers to address both economic and social issues within the state. One notable shift is set to occur within the realm of tax adjustments. This includes reductions aimed at providing financial relief to specific groups of taxpayers. These revisions are designed not only to lessen the economic burden on these citizens but … Read more

Maryland Takes Legal Action Against Gore-Tex Manufacturer Over Long-Term Environmental Damage

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Baltimore, MD — The state of Maryland has filed a lawsuit against W.L. Gore & Associates, the company known for its creation of Gore-Tex, citing longstanding environmental contamination concerns. According to the lawsuit, the company has been discharging hazardous perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively known as PFAS, into the state’s water systems for decades. The lawsuit, initiated by Maryland’s Attorney General Anthony Brown, asserts that W.L. Gore & Associates failed to manage and dispose of the PFAS responsibly, thereby violating state environmental laws and jeopardizing public health. These chemicals, branded as “forever chemicals” due to … Read more

Maryland State Police Reach Settlement in Discrimination Lawsuit, Agree to Revamp Hiring Tests and Compensate Affected Applicants

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PIKESVILLE, Md. — The Maryland Department of State Police has reached a settlement with the federal government following allegations of employment discrimination, according to official sources. The suit was initially brought under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, claiming discriminatory practices in the hiring process for entry-level troopers. The civil action pointed to the utilization of specific physical and written examinations that disproportionately disqualified female and African American candidates. These tests were said to be non-essential to the job duties and requirements of a state trooper, sparking concerns over their fairness and legality. Under the … Read more

Maryland Court Enforces Stricter Pollution Controls on Eastern Shore Poultry Plant Amid Environmental Concerns

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A Maryland court has mandated tighter pollution controls at an Eastern Shore poultry rendering facility following a judge’s ruling that sided with environmental groups. The Dorchester County Circuit Court concluded that the state’s previously issued discharge permit for Valley Proteins did not adequately protect local water bodies. This ruling requires the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to revise the permit to impose stricter regulations and ensure better water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The plant, which converts poultry byproduct into pet food, sits along the Transquaking River, a tributary of … Read more