Maryland Matters
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Nonpartisan and nonprofit coverage of Maryland Politics and government. Find us at https://marylandmatters.org/
The House gave final approval Monday to a bill that would redraw the state's eight congressional districts, following an exhaustive four hours of passionate, sometimes personal debate.
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Redistricting bill sails through House, faces troubled waters in the Senate - Maryland Matters
The House gave final approval Monday to a bill that would redraw the state's eight congressional districts, following an exhaustive four hours of passionate, sometimes personal debate.
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 2:52 PM
The House gave final approval Monday to a bill that would redraw the state's eight congressional districts, following an exhaustive four hours of passionate, sometimes personal debate.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/03/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/03/r...
The House gave preliminary approval in a brief Monday night session to a bill that would prohibit cooperative agreements between local police and federal immigration agencies, rejecting a series of GOP amendments that had stretched over two days.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/h...
House brushes aside GOP amendments, advances immigration enforcement restriction - Maryland Matters
The House gave preliminary approval in a brief Monday night session to a bill that would prohibit cooperative agreements between local police and federal immigration agencies, rejecting a series of GO...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 2:51 PM
The House gave preliminary approval in a brief Monday night session to a bill that would prohibit cooperative agreements between local police and federal immigration agencies, rejecting a series of GOP amendments that had stretched over two days.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/h...
The U.S. Department of Education spent millions in taxpayer dollars trying to eliminate a chunk of its Office for Civil Rights, workers it later hired back, a government watchdog found in a report released Monday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/r...
US Education Department paid up to $38M to civil rights workers on leave, watchdog says - Maryland Matters
The U.S. Department of Education spent millions in taxpayer dollars trying to eliminate a chunk of its Office for Civil Rights, workers it later hired back, a government watchdog found in a report rel...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 2:47 PM
The U.S. Department of Education spent millions in taxpayer dollars trying to eliminate a chunk of its Office for Civil Rights, workers it later hired back, a government watchdog found in a report released Monday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/r...
A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that prevented members of Congress from making unannounced oversight visits at facilities that hold immigrants.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/r...
Judge blocks DHS policy to keep House Dems from visiting detention facilities unannounced - Maryland Matters
A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that prevented members of Congress from making unannounced oversight visits at facilities that hold immigrants.
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 2:46 PM
A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that prevented members of Congress from making unannounced oversight visits at facilities that hold immigrants.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/r...
For the second year in a row, thousands of people with developmental disabilities and their families are nervously eyeing $150 million in proposed cuts to the Development Disabilities Administration budget, which could trigger a similar cut to federal funds.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/a...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/a...
Advocates: Services, workers at risk from second year of developmental disabilities budget cuts - Maryland Matters
For the second year in a row, thousands of people with developmental disabilities and their families are nervously eyeing $150 million in proposed cuts to the Development Disabilities Administration b...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:29 AM
For the second year in a row, thousands of people with developmental disabilities and their families are nervously eyeing $150 million in proposed cuts to the Development Disabilities Administration budget, which could trigger a similar cut to federal funds.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/a...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/a...
For the second straight year, the General Assembly is looking to tap a large state energy fund as legislators grapple with another significant budget deficit. This time, climate advocates hope they’re better prepared to defend it.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/c...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/c...
Climate groups, caught by surprise last year, fight to protect Maryland energy fund in 2026 - Maryland Matters
For the second straight year, the General Assembly is looking to tap a large state energy fund as legislators grapple with another significant budget deficit. This time, climate advocates hope they’re...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:28 AM
For the second straight year, the General Assembly is looking to tap a large state energy fund as legislators grapple with another significant budget deficit. This time, climate advocates hope they’re better prepared to defend it.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/c...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/c...
As PJM Interconnection, the 13-state energy grid, flirted with record demand in last week's arctic cold, elected officials, the tech and energy industries and PJM itself appear motivated to implement solutions. But relief won’t be quick.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/s...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/s...
Should data centers pay up front or build their own power plants? - Maryland Matters
As PJM Interconnection, the 13-state energy grid, flirted with record demand in last week's arctic cold, elected officials, the tech and energy industries and PJM itself appear motivated to implement ...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:27 AM
As PJM Interconnection, the 13-state energy grid, flirted with record demand in last week's arctic cold, elected officials, the tech and energy industries and PJM itself appear motivated to implement solutions. But relief won’t be quick.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/s...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/02/s...
There was nothing magic about original Blueprint for Maryland's Future cost estimate when it was created, and it has been hit by both lawmakers and inflation since, which is why it's past time to reevaluate our commitment, writes Kalman Hettleman.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/h...
How was the $3.8 billion cost of the Blueprint calculated? You’ll be shocked - Maryland Matters
There was nothing magic about original Blueprint for Maryland's Future cost estimate when it was created, and it has been hit by both lawmakers and inflation since, which is why it's past time to reev...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:26 AM
There was nothing magic about original Blueprint for Maryland's Future cost estimate when it was created, and it has been hit by both lawmakers and inflation since, which is why it's past time to reevaluate our commitment, writes Kalman Hettleman.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/h...
Plans to fast-track a House vote Monday to end the partial government shutdown that began after midnight Friday have been delayed until Tuesday, but House Speaker Mike Johnson was calling that vote "a formality" at this point.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/h...
House looks to end partial government shutdown by Tuesday - Maryland Matters
Plans to fast-track a House vote Monday to end the partial government shutdown that began after midnight Friday have been delayed until Tuesday, but House Speaker Mike Johnson was calling that vote "a...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:24 AM
Plans to fast-track a House vote Monday to end the partial government shutdown that began after midnight Friday have been delayed until Tuesday, but House Speaker Mike Johnson was calling that vote "a formality" at this point.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/h...
Dan Cox, the Republican nominee who lost to the 2022 gubernatorial election to Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, has filed to run for governor again this year, adding to an already crowded GOP field of would-be challengers.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/c...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/c...
Cox files to make second bid for governor, adding to already crowded GOP field - Maryland Matters
Dan Cox, the Republican nominee who lost to the 2022 gubernatorial election to Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, has filed to run for governor again this year, adding to an already crowded GOP field of would...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Dan Cox, the Republican nominee who lost to the 2022 gubernatorial election to Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, has filed to run for governor again this year, adding to an already crowded GOP field of would-be challengers.
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/c...
marylandmatters.org/2026/02/01/c...
Numbers are not kind to Republicans in the Maryland House, where Democrats hold a 102-39 advantage, but there's one number that was very good to the GOP this week: 53. That's the number of the House rule that let them twice stall bills for a day.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/31/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/31/r...
Republicans play a numbers game in the House, and the number of the moment is 53 - Maryland Matters
Numbers are not kind to Republicans in the Maryland House, where Democrats hold a 102-39 advantage, but there's one number that was very good to the GOP this week: 53. That's the number of the House r...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:22 AM
Numbers are not kind to Republicans in the Maryland House, where Democrats hold a 102-39 advantage, but there's one number that was very good to the GOP this week: 53. That's the number of the House rule that let them twice stall bills for a day.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/31/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/31/r...
State agriculture officials announced this week that the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza, known as bird flu, was detected on a commercial farm in Caroline County, the first case detected in Maryland this year.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/b...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/b...
Bird flu hits farm in Caroline County, marking the first case detected in Maryland this year - Maryland Matters
State agriculture officials announced this week that the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza, known as bird flu, was detected on a commercial farm in Caroline County, the first case detected in Maryl...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:20 AM
State agriculture officials announced this week that the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza, known as bird flu, was detected on a commercial farm in Caroline County, the first case detected in Maryland this year.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/b...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/b...
The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on immigration enforcement.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
Partial federal government shutdown begins, amid hopes it won’t last long - Maryland Matters
The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new co...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:18 AM
The federal government hurtled Friday toward a partial shutdown this weekend, even though Senate Democrats and President Donald Trump reached a deal that allows lawmakers more time to negotiate new constraints on immigration enforcement.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
Legislation redrawing the state's eight congressional districts awaits final approval in the House of Delegates, which gave it a preliminary approval Friday, before heading to the Senate and likely legislative purgatory.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
Redistricting bill heads for final House vote as Democrats easily rebuff GOP amendments - Maryland Matters
Legislation redrawing the state's eight congressional districts awaits final approval in the House of Delegates, which gave it a preliminary approval Friday, before heading to the Senate and likely le...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Legislation redrawing the state's eight congressional districts awaits final approval in the House of Delegates, which gave it a preliminary approval Friday, before heading to the Senate and likely legislative purgatory.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
GOP reversals in this year’s elections, especially in some urban and immigrant communities, are setting off alarm bells for Republicans using redistricting to try to keep control of Congress in next year’s midterms.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
GOP redistricting could backfire as urban, immigrant areas turn back to Democrats - Maryland Matters
GOP reversals in this year’s elections, especially in some urban and immigrant communities, are setting off alarm bells for Republicans using redistricting to try to keep control of Congress in next y...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:58 AM
GOP reversals in this year’s elections, especially in some urban and immigrant communities, are setting off alarm bells for Republicans using redistricting to try to keep control of Congress in next year’s midterms.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/r...
New computer modeling indicates that Maryland is heading in the wrong direction as it strives to meet a state-mandated 60% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2031.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/m...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/m...
Maryland is farther behind on its emissions goal than expected, new research shows - Maryland Matters
New computer modeling indicates that Maryland is heading in the wrong direction as it strives to meet a state-mandated 60% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2031.
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:57 AM
New computer modeling indicates that Maryland is heading in the wrong direction as it strives to meet a state-mandated 60% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2031.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/m...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/m...
The Senate gave preliminary approval Thursday to two bills aimed at reining in immigration enforcement, by prohibiting agreements between local police and federal immigration agencies and banning face coverings on officers who are on duty.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/s...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/s...
Senate gives preliminary OK to bills banning 287(g) agreements, masks for law enforcement - Maryland Matters
The Senate gave preliminary approval Thursday to two bills aimed at reining in immigration enforcement, by prohibiting agreements between local police and federal immigration agencies and banning face...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:56 AM
The Senate gave preliminary approval Thursday to two bills aimed at reining in immigration enforcement, by prohibiting agreements between local police and federal immigration agencies and banning face coverings on officers who are on duty.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/s...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/s...
Cuts and changes to Medicaid under the Trump administration could amount to about $2.7 billion in lost federal dollars annually, Maryland health care officials told the Senate Finance Committee Thursday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/h...
Health official warns that future Medicaid cuts could lead to $2.7 billion loss in federal funding - Maryland Matters
Cuts and changes to Medicaid under the Trump administration could amount to about $2.7 billion in lost federal dollars annually, Maryland health care officials told the Senate Finance Committee Thursd...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:55 AM
Cuts and changes to Medicaid under the Trump administration could amount to about $2.7 billion in lost federal dollars annually, Maryland health care officials told the Senate Finance Committee Thursday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/h...
Republicans won a second delay Thursday in the progress of a bill to redraw the state's congressional districts before this fall's midterm elections, but House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk made it clear that the latest delay would be the last.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/n...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/n...
No more delays for congressional redistricting bill in House, Peña-Melnyk says - Maryland Matters
Republicans won a second delay Thursday in the progress of a bill to redraw the state's congressional districts before this fall's midterm elections, but House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk made it cle...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:54 AM
Republicans won a second delay Thursday in the progress of a bill to redraw the state's congressional districts before this fall's midterm elections, but House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk made it clear that the latest delay would be the last.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/n...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/n...
The U.S. Senate has a tentative deal to approve a government funding package that will keep the government open, but strip out the Homeland Security budget and extend it for two weeks to negotiate new safeguards on immigration officers.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/r...
US Senate poised to send House spending deal in race to avert partial shutdown - Maryland Matters
The U.S. Senate has a tentative deal to approve a government funding package that will keep the government open, but strip out the Homeland Security budget and extend it for two weeks to negotiate new...
marylandmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:53 AM
The U.S. Senate has a tentative deal to approve a government funding package that will keep the government open, but strip out the Homeland Security budget and extend it for two weeks to negotiate new safeguards on immigration officers.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/r...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/r...
Officials who oversee foster care and out-of-home youth placements say they’ve made significant progress reducing the number of youth in improper living situations – after months of backlash for kids living in hotels, hospitals and office buildings.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/l...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/l...
Lawmakers grill DHS over 'hospital overstays' for youth under the state's care - Maryland Matters
Officials who oversee foster care and out-of-home youth placements say they’ve made significant progress reducing the number of youth in improper living situations – after months of backlash for kids ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Officials who oversee foster care and out-of-home youth placements say they’ve made significant progress reducing the number of youth in improper living situations – after months of backlash for kids living in hotels, hospitals and office buildings.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/l...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/29/l...
Most everyone agrees that a bill prohibiting the use of ratepayer funds for utility employee bonuses would only be a drop in the bucket when it comes to reducing electricity bills -- but it still got plenty of discussion at a House hearing Wednesday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/m...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/m...
Maryland utilities fight bill that would regulate employee bonuses - Maryland Matters
Most everyone agrees that a bill prohibiting the use of ratepayer funds for utility employee bonuses would only be a drop in the bucket when it comes to reducing electricity bills -- but it still got ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Most everyone agrees that a bill prohibiting the use of ratepayer funds for utility employee bonuses would only be a drop in the bucket when it comes to reducing electricity bills -- but it still got plenty of discussion at a House hearing Wednesday.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/m...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/m...
The House Judiciary Committee pushed through a bill Wednesday to ban agreements between local police and federal immigration authorities, amending it to make it emergency legislation that would take effect immediately on signing by the governor.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/h...
House committee advances bill to ban sheriffs' agreements with ICE, a day after Senate panel OK - Maryland Matters
The House Judiciary Committee pushed through a bill Wednesday to ban agreements between local police and federal immigration authorities, amending it to make it emergency legislation that would take e...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:50 PM
The House Judiciary Committee pushed through a bill Wednesday to ban agreements between local police and federal immigration authorities, amending it to make it emergency legislation that would take effect immediately on signing by the governor.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/h...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/h...
A divided Maryland Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that police cannot pull over drivers who are merely touching their cell phones while behind the wheel, actions that could be permitted under the state’s distracted driving laws.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/t...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/t...
'Touching' your phone behind the wheel is not enough for a traffic stop, Supreme Court rules - Maryland Matters
A divided Maryland Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that police cannot pull over drivers who are merely touching their cell phones while behind the wheel, actions that could be permitted under the state’s ...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:49 PM
A divided Maryland Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that police cannot pull over drivers who are merely touching their cell phones while behind the wheel, actions that could be permitted under the state’s distracted driving laws.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/t...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/t...
Del. Bonnie Cullison will step down after 16 years, Sen. Jim Rosapepe tries to get by without a staff, and while some kids are stuck in the house by the snowstorm, the children of some lawmakers are stuck in the House, in political notes.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/c...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/c...
Cullison hangs it up, Rosapepe misses staff, snow days mean kids at the State House, in notes - Maryland Matters
Del. Bonnie Cullison will step down after 16 years, Sen. Jim Rosapepe tries to get by without a staff, and while some kids are stuck in the house by the snowstorm, the children of some lawmakers are s...
marylandmatters.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Del. Bonnie Cullison will step down after 16 years, Sen. Jim Rosapepe tries to get by without a staff, and while some kids are stuck in the house by the snowstorm, the children of some lawmakers are stuck in the House, in political notes.
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/c...
marylandmatters.org/2026/01/28/c...