Maryland

Maryland Introduces Groundbreaking Legislation to Protect Freedom of Reading

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A bill known as the “Freedom to Read Act” has sparked concern among librarians in Maryland. House Bill 785, recently introduced in the state’s General Assembly, aims to prevent libraries from excluding or removing materials based on the origin, background, or views of the creators. It also seeks to protect librarians from any form of retaliation. The bill addresses the growing trend of book challenges and bans that have been observed not just in politically conservative states like Texas and Florida, but also in progressive states like Maryland. Tiffany Sutherland, President of … Read more

Maryland State’s Attorneys Rally for Reform of Juvenile Justice Laws, Urging Action to Address Youth Offenses

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — State’s Attorneys from across Maryland are urging lawmakers to provide relief from the state’s reform laws, which they argue have proven crippling since their passage two years ago. The plea comes as supporters of a new bill designed to reform the juvenile justice system make their case before Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. The proposed legislation would enable the prosecution of juveniles under 13 for specific firearm offenses, third degree sexual abuse, animal abuse, and vehicle theft. Currently, those under 13 cannot be prosecuted for non-violent offenses. Baltimore County State’s Attorney … Read more

Maryland Considers Judicial Security Act to Safeguard Judges’ Personal Information

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HAGERSTOWN, Maryland – In the aftermath of a tragic incident where a judge was killed in his own driveway, the Maryland General Assembly is considering legislation to safeguard judges’ personal information. Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot and killed by Pedro Argote, a man who was furious about losing custody of his children. Argote had stalked Judge Wilkinson, finding his address online, and carried out the crime shortly after a court hearing. In support of the proposed Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson Judicial Security Act, Wilkinson’s widow testified to protect the personal information of judges … Read more

Maryland Judge Allows Opponents of Swallow Falls Bridge Replacement Plan to Challenge Decision in Court

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Oakland, Maryland — Construction opponents of the Swallow Falls bridge replacement plan have won a significant victory in court. On Monday, visiting Judge W. Timothy Finan denied the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) motion to dismiss a petition challenging the state’s decision to grant an exception to the protected Youghiogheny River corridor. The petition, filed in September, calls on the court to remove the exception that would allow for the construction of a new bridge on an offset alignment of the existing Swallow Falls span. The petitioners, including property owner Steve Storck, argue that … Read more