A Brief Look at the MD 2025 Legislative Session

During Maryland's 2025 legislative session, lawmakers enacted several significant bills addressing fiscal challenges, social justice, energy policy, and public health. Here are some of the key measures:

💰 Budget and Tax Reforms

• $52 Billion Budget: To address a $3.3 billion deficit, the legislature approved a budget that includes $2 billion in spending cuts and $1.6 billion in new revenue. This includes tax increases on high-income residents, capital gains, recreational cannabis, sports betting, and IT services.

• Rainy Day Fund: Despite fiscal constraints, the state maintained a $2.1 billion rainy day fund to safeguard against future uncertainties.

  
  

⚖️ Social Justice and Equity

• Reparations Study Commission: A commission was established to explore reparations for slavery and systemic racism, potentially including financial compensation, tax relief, and educational support.

• Sexual Abuse Liability Caps: In response to a surge in abuse claims, lawmakers reduced settlement caps for state entities and private institutions, aiming to limit future liabilities.

  
  

🌱 Energy and Environment

• RENEW Act - This legislation targets the top greenhouse gas emitters in Maryland, imposing penalties to fund a $9 billion climate resilience and health equity initiative.

• Offshore Wind Expansion - Maryland set a goal to generate 8.5 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2031, aiming to modernize the electricity grid and reduce carbon emission.

  
  

🏥 Public Health and Safety

• *Paid Family and Medical Leave: The state implemented a program allowing workers to take up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave for family health issues, with costs shared between employers and employes.

• *Opioid Emergency Protocols: Hospitals are now required to follow standardized protocols when treating opioid-related emergencies and must refer patients to further treatment before discharge.

  
  

🏘️ Housing and Economic Development

• *Housing for Jobs Act: This legislation aims to address housing affordability by setting production goals in areas with insufficient housing to support available jobs.

• *DECADE Act: The act seeks to revamp and streamline economic development programs, eliminating underperforming initiatives and reallocating funds to more impactful strategies.

For a comprehensive list of all bills passed, you can visit the Maryland General Assembly's official website. Make sure you subscribe to www.4410online.com for more news, information, events and resources. Don't forget to share with family, friends and neighbors.