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Citizen Portal News Maryland
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A new bill aims to protect families from lead abatement failures by requiring contractors to have performance bonds or liability insurance, addressing alarming cases of falsified certifications that have endangered countless homes.

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#MD #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #HousingSafety
Bill Would Require Bonds, Insurance for Lead‑Abatement Contractors to Protect Families
SB203 would let the Maryland Department of the Environment require performance bonds or liability insurance for accredited lead‑abatement contractors after cases of falsified inspections and failing abatement left families exposed; advocates said bonding of at least $50,000 would match civil penalties and provide recourse.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 1:17 AM
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MEDCO is making waves with over $1 billion in financing and an exciting $11 billion pipeline of new investments set to transform Maryland's economy!

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#MD #CitizenPortal #MarylandEconomicDevelopment #MinorityEnterprise #InfrastructureInvestment #ProjectFinancing
MEDCO reports record financing, $54 million Elkton bond; says $11 billion pipeline is emerging
The Maryland Economic Development Corporation told the subcommittee it executed more than $1 billion in financing in FY26, issued $54 million in bonds for an Elkton sports park and is overseeing new programs and projects with an $11 billion potential pipeline.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 12:03 AM
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Counties in Maryland could face a hefty $39 million bill as the governor's budget shifts retirement costs, with Prince George's County taking the hardest hit from grant cuts.

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#MD #CitizenPortal #BudgetAccountability #CommunityCollege #EducationFunding #MarylandCounties
Counties would absorb some retirement costs; Prince George's singled out for disparity-grant reductions
The governor's budget would shift about $39 million in increased retirement costs to counties, cap community-college growth at 3% through FY29 and reduce disparity grants that most heavily affect Prince George's County; Legislative Services referred members to a county-by-county appendix for details.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 12:00 AM
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A new bill in Maryland could revolutionize how state contracts are handled, ensuring that security firms and labor unions can adjust costs in response to rising wages and new laws.

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#MD #MarylandUnions #ContractAdjustments #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LaborRights
Security firms, unions back bill to require equitable adjustments for some long state contracts
SB 63 would require certain multi‑year, high‑value state contracts to include equitable adjustment clauses when statutory changes or collective bargaining raise labor costs; supporters—security contractors and SEIU 32BJ—said narrow thresholds (3 years, $2,000,000) and procurement‑officer approval limit state exposure.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 11:32 PM
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Maryland's higher education scene is facing critical challenges with enrollment declines and looming federal loan changes, prompting urgent strategies from universities to support students.

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#MD #CitizenPortal #StudentSupport #EducationAccess #TeacherPipeline
Analysts and university leaders outline enrollment shifts, loan changes and teacher-pipeline concerns
DLS presented the fiscal 2027 higher education overview showing modest state funding increases and enrollment trends; USM, public and private colleges described outreach, early-college efforts, concerns about federal Grad PLUS/Parent PLUS caps, and strategies to grow the teacher pipeline amid declining program enrollments.
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February 6, 2026 at 11:27 PM
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A transformative bill is on the table in Maryland, aiming to streamline energy funding and shift focus from energy savings to greenhouse-gas reductions!

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#MD #SustainabilityReform #EnergyInnovation #CitizenPortal #MarylandCleanEnergy #ClimateChangeAction
Committee hears bill to transfer Janie Lawton loan to Maryland Clean Energy Center and refocus MEA reporting
MEA told the Environment and Transportation Committee that HB 245 would move the Janie Lawton Conservation Loan Program to the Maryland Clean Energy Center and narrow MEA reporting to grants over $10,000 while changing the statutory reporting metric from energy savings to greenhouse‑gas reductions.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 11:06 PM
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A new specialty "Old Line" license plate in Maryland could not only celebrate the state's rich history but also generate significant revenue for transportation—are you ready to bid?

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#MD #AuctionRevenue #CitizenPortal #TransportationFunding #MarylandSpecialtyPlates
Committee considers auctioned specialty "Old Line" plate as modest revenue source
Senate Bill 352 would create a limited-run, blackout Old Line specialty license plate sold via auction to raise recurring Transportation Trust Fund revenue; sponsors say the design taps demand shown in other states, while committee members asked about auction logistics, market impact on mission plates and small-business name conflicts.
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February 6, 2026 at 11:02 PM
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Maryland lawmakers are pushing for a new law to ensure uniform standards for custody evaluators, aiming to protect children from system failures that have cost lives.

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#MD #CitizenPortal #ChildSafety #JudicialReform #FamilyLaw #MarylandCustody
Maryland delegate urges law to set statewide standards for child custody evaluators
Delegate Kauffman and child-advocacy witnesses urged passage of HB137 to create statutory qualifications and training for custody evaluators, citing Maryland fatality-review data and cases where underqualified evaluators missed domestic violence or coercive-control indicators.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 11:01 PM
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A groundbreaking Honors Engineering Essentials course has been approved, set to empower high school students with essential skills in design, modeling, and problem-solving!

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#MD #CitizenPortal #CurriculumInnovation #STEMEducation #AccessToLearning #MarylandEducation
Board approves new Honors Engineering Essentials high‑school course
The Anne Arundel County Board of Education approved a full‑year, 1‑credit Honors Engineering Essentials course for grades 9–12 aimed at broadening access to Project Lead The Way pathways across comprehensive high schools; board vote passed 8–0.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 10:05 PM
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A new bill could empower Baltimore County's inspector general to oversee public schools, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in a budget that represents half of the county's spending.

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#MD #CitizenPortal #MarylandPublicSchools #EducationFunding
Delegation hears testimony for HB 89 to let Baltimore County inspector general oversee public schools
Delegate Ryan Niraki sponsored HB 89 to authorize the Baltimore County Council to grant the county inspector general authority to oversee Baltimore County Public Schools. Witnesses from unions, the League of Women Voters, the state and local inspectors general urged support, while delegates sought clarifications about cost, guardrails and interagency coordination.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 9:03 PM
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Wicomico County has temporarily closed the Newland Park Landfill as a precaution during a criminal investigation—what's happening behind the scenes?

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#WicomicoCounty #MD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyManagement
Wicomico County orders temporary Newland Park Landfill closure amid investigation; council amends emergency resolution
The County Council unanimously approved an amended emergency resolution temporarily closing Newland Park Landfill and on-site convenience centers for an investigation, adding language to keep the site closed "or until the investigative request from the office of state's attorney has been completed," and allowing public works to adjust hours to reduce impacts.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 8:52 PM
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Liliana Norcitis has been confirmed to the Harford County Board of Education, earning praise for her community involvement and fresh perspective despite one councilmember's abstention over ethics concerns.

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#HarfordCounty #MD #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal
Harford County Council confirms Liliana Norcitis to Board of Education after 6–0–1 vote
The Harford County Council approved Liliana Norcitisto the Harford County Board of Education by a 60 vote with one abstention; members praised her community engagement while one member cited an outstanding ethics question as the reason to abstain.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 8:47 PM
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College Park has taken a bold stand against predatory leasing practices by adopting a new ordinance that limits how early landlords can offer lease renewals, protecting vulnerable tenants from high-pressure decisions.

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#CollegeParkPrinceCounty #MD #CivicAccountability
College Park adopts ‘early lease’ ordinance limiting landlords’ renewal offers
The College Park Mayor and Council on Feb. 3 adopted Ordinance 25-013, an “early lease” law that limits when landlords may offer renewals and establishes civil fines and limited court-ordered relief; the measure was driven by sustained student testimony about aggressive early-renewal tactics.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 8:02 PM
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A new bill aims to strengthen grandparent visitation rights, emphasizing the vital role they play in children's lives during family transitions.

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#MD #CitizenPortal #ChildrensBestInterest #FamilyLaw #MarylandGrandparents #CaregivingRights
Delegates hear emotional testimony for expanded grandparent visitation rights
HB25 would expand the court's ability to consider grandparent visitation after divorce or custody shifts; grandparents and reentry advocates testified with personal stories about caregiving and loss, while members discussed Supreme Court precedent and urged careful drafting to respect parental fitness and children's voices.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 7:29 PM
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Governor's proposed budget promises a staggering $342.1 million in state aid for Washington County, but some local programs could face cuts amidst soaring school funding!

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#MD #MarylandCounty #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #EducationFunding #LocalGovernment
Analysts: Governor's proposed budget would deliver $342.1 million in state aid to Washington County, with school funding driving most of the increase
Department of Legislative Services analysts told the Washington County delegation the governor's proposed budget would provide $342.1 million in state aid for fiscal 2027 — mostly to public schools — while some local programs face reductions and a proposed shift of retirement costs to local governments.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 6:40 PM
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Maryland's Education, Energy, and Environment Committee just advanced groundbreaking election measures, including gender-neutral terminology and clearer ballot language!

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#MD #GenderNeutrality #ElectionReform #CitizenPortal #VoterEducation #MarylandElections
Committee clears four additional election measures, including gender‑neutral code updates and special‑election amendment
The committee advanced three additional bills: Senate Bill 93 (gender‑neutral terminology in the Maryland code) passed committee 9–1; Senate Bill 5 (constitutional amendment to require special elections for legislative vacancies) and Senate Bill 29 (plain‑language ballot questions and petition procedures) each passed unanimously, 10–0.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 6:21 PM
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The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission has turned a $13 million investment into a staggering $1 billion in private funding, driving groundbreaking discoveries in health and medicine.

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#MD #DiseasePrevention #CitizenPortal #ResearchFunding #MarylandStemCell #HealthInnovation
Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission tells committee $13M in grants helped attract roughly $1B in private follow‑on funding
Rachel Brewster told the committee the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRF), administered by TEDCO, has invested about $13 million in research grants that the commission estimates leveraged more than $1 billion in private funding and supported dozens of disease‑focused projects. The commission's budget is roughly $15 million.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:56 PM
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The Maryland Clean Energy Center is proposing new funding strategies that promise to multiply every dollar invested into a staggering $21 return for the state's economy—could this be the key to affordable clean energy access?

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#MD #CitizenPortal #MarylandCleanEnergy
Maryland Clean Energy Center seeks new operating funds, proposes navigators and loan transfers to boost local projects
The Maryland Clean Energy Center told the Environment and Transportation Committee it needs a larger operating budget and proposed project navigators and a loan-program transfer (House Bills 119 and 245) to expand consumer financing, technical assistance and community solar and charging projects.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:55 PM
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Senator Simon Ayre is pushing to remove the 2030 expiration date on a vital scholarship for military families, ensuring support for future generations of service members.

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#MD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #VeteransSupport #EducationAccess #MarylandMilitaryFamilies
Panel urged to remove 2030 end date from Douglas J. Peters Afghanistan-Iraq scholarship
Sen. Simon Ayre and veterans’ advocates told the Education, Energy and the Environment Committee SB 7 would remove the program’s June 30, 2030 termination, giving service members and dependents long-term certainty; witnesses said about 100 people use the scholarship yearly and urged a favorable report.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:53 PM
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Montgomery County is transforming transit equity with a fare-free bus service that not only honors Rosa Parks' legacy but also saves riders $1,200 a year!

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #MontgomeryCountyTransit #PublicTransit #CommunityAccess #TransitEquity
Speakers cite free Montgomery County bus service, urge continued focus on transit equity
At a Montgomery County remembrance of Rosa Parks, speakers highlighted the county's "fast, free, and frequent" bus service, said ridership rose 5.4%, and estimated riders save about $1,200 annually; advocates urged county and state officials to address riders' everyday obstacles.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:47 PM
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Montgomery County's Government Operations Committee has proposed a spending ceiling of $6.73 billion for FY27, tied to personal-income growth—what does this mean for the community's future?

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #FiscalPolicy #EconomicGrowth #BudgetAllocation
Committee backs staff recommendation for FY27 spending‑affordability ceiling of about $6.73 billion
The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee recommended a FY27 operating‑budget ceiling tied to county personal‑income growth (1.09%), producing an approximate aggregate ceiling of $6.73 billion; the committee will forward the recommendation to the full Council for final approval on Feb. 10 (unanimous hand vote; counts not specified).
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:44 PM
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In a powerful Black History Month address, the senator from District 28 honored the legacy of trailblazers like Pauli Murray while condemning racial injustices faced by Black women today, vowing to protest until redistricting reform is achieved.

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#MD #RacialJustice #CitizenPortal
Senator from District 28 honors unsung Black women and pledges protest over redistricting
In a Black History Month address, the senator from District 28 highlighted Pauli Murray, Ella Baker and Fannie Lou Hamer, alleged racial firings under the current administration and announced a pledge not to return to the podium until a mid‑cycle redistricting bill is brought to the floor.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:29 PM
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Upcoming Maryland legislation could threaten local policing and vital county services—are you ready to make your voice heard?

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#County #MD #CitizenPortal #StMarysCountyLegislation #LocalBudgeting #PublicParticipation #PoliceReform
Speaker urges public to review Maryland bills at mgaleg.maryland.gov, warns HB81 and HB176 and state cost‑shifting threaten county needs
An unidentified speaker urged residents to register testimony opposing HB81, flagged HB176’s proposed use of drones for property assessment, and warned that state cost‑shifting could jeopardize temporary homeless shelter plans and a $9,000,000 local funding request.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:26 PM
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The Maryland Senate made waves on Feb. 5 by passing several key bills while holding one back for amendments, all amidst a lighthearted Super Bowl poll!

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#MD #CivicParticipation #CitizenPortal #ElectionIntegrity #LegislativeProcess #MarylandSenate
Senate passes several bills on third reading; SB141 held for amendment
On Feb. 5 the Maryland Senate reported final passage for Senate Bill 5, 29 and 93 (constitutional majorities declared), moved SB141 back to second reader for a technical amendment and recorded the adoption of a committee amendment to SB255 before ordering it to third reading.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:23 PM
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Senate Bill 255 is stirring up a heated debate in Maryland as senators grapple with who can challenge "vote dilution" and what that really means for the future of voting rights.

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#MD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #MarylandVotingRights #VoteDilution #ElectionIntegrity
Senate debate centers on who may sue under Maryland Voting Rights Act bill
Senators debated Senate Bill 255, the state Voting Rights Act of 2026, focusing on who has standing to sue and what constitutes 'vote dilution.' The chamber adopted a committee amendment and ordered the amended bill to third reading; sponsors said courts would decide remedies.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 5:01 PM