Maryland
More states ban PFAS, or forever chemicals, in more products
In total this year, at least 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures.
The IRS has made its free tax filing tool permanent. Now, these states want to take it a step further.
Maryland and North Carolina are the latest to join Direct File. They are also planning to allow taxpayers to seamlessly file their state returns alongside their federal ones. It’s a new frontier for tax filing tools, experts say.
A prescription for housing?
Maryland is investing $5.4 million to help expand a promising pilot program that connects housing and health care statewide.
Can chief heat officers protect US cities from extreme heat?
Appointed officials have the life-saving solutions the public needs to stay safe from rising temperatures. But they don’t have political power.
States could struggle to cut workforce costs in next downturn
It's a well-worn script. When states face budget challenges, they typically look to cut personnel spending first. But that might not work this time.
The nation’s first law protecting against gift card draining has passed. Will it work?
Despite industry pushback, Maryland became the first state to require secure packaging for most gift cards sold at stores. “It will change packaging nationally,” one retail insider predicted.
Maryland is on track to process a nearly 50-year-old backlog of rape kits
A new law extends the state’s sexual assault evidence protections to cover DNA samples. But getting justice in hundreds of cold cases will require more than just testing, survivors say.
The road AHEAD: Maryland to be a test-subject state in new federal hospital model
The federal AHEAD model aims to help participating states implement what’s called a total cost of care model, in which states take responsibility and accountability for health outcomes of their patients.
How states are cracking down on rising prescription drug costs
From creating drug price review boards to bulk purchasing medications, state officials are keen on keeping health care costs down amid skyrocketing prescription costs.
‘Death by a thousand cuts’: A look at Big Tech’s efforts to influence data privacy
Maine’s struggles to pass such a law have familiar ring for Maryland lawmakers.
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Amid a housing crisis, hospitals offer a dose of relief
The housing crisis may be too big for state and local governments to overcome. That’s why hospitals are stepping in to remedy housing and health care gaps.
New Maryland law enables local jurisdictions to impose higher taxes on vacant properties
The legislation aims to reduce the number of lots and houses that sit vacant for years on end in an effort to solve the state's affordable housing shortage.
States, White House gear up to bring prescription costs down
Maryland’s prescription drug affordability board will evaluate eight drugs for potential cost reduction. The federal government could help move the process along, one expert says.
Port aid, protections for highway and election workers signed into law
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed bills supporting Baltimore-area businesses and workers affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Study: Gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers produce as much pollution as long car trips
A report from the Maryland Department of the Environment report recommends that state and local governments promote the use of electric lawn equipment instead of air polluting tools like leafblowers.
Digital Driver’s Licenses Expand
Maryland has become the first state to offer digital licenses and IDs for both Apple and Android devices. At least 17 states allow for digital licenses.
States Should Improve Opportunities for Older Youth in Foster Care Systems
An Annie E. Casey Foundation report said more investments are needed toward job training, post-secondary education and stable housing for those in foster care between the ages of 14 and 21.
Governor Recommits Maryland to Highest National Climate Goals for EV Sales
Gov. Wes Moore's decision reverses one by former Gov. Larry Hogan to pause Maryland's participation in meeting the California standard for electric vehicles.
State & Local Roundup: A Historic Week for a New Governor
Plus: Pennsylvania ditches state job degree requirements. Pickleball! News you can use from across the country.
With New Power in 4 States, Democrats Prepare to Push for Previously Blocked Priorities
After key midterm wins, the party will gain additional “trifectas” in 2023, holding both legislative chambers and the governor’s office. The change will unlock new policymaking possibilities.
