By Frank JohnsonDeputy City Attorney, City of Gaithersburg Roughly two-thirds of Maryland voters approved Question 4, which provides that after July 1, 2023, a person “who is at least 21 years old may use and possess” marijuana (legally referred to as “cannabis”), but Question 4 included a second section making legalization subject to the GeneralContinue reading “Limits On The Constitutional Amendment’s Legalization Of Marijuana And The Impact On Public Policy”
Category Archives: Legislation
Spring Institute topics range from appellate to policing
By Frank JohnsonDeputy City Attorney, City of Gaithersburg The Section held its annual training in June and, given ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it was virtual. There was first a panel discussion on the Supreme Court’s 2022 term, including participation from Amanda Karras, who is the director of the International Municipal Lawyers Association, andContinue reading “Spring Institute topics range from appellate to policing”
Reach of Open Meetings Act expanded
By Frank JohnsonDeputy City Attorney, City of Gaithersburg House Bill 375 added a new Section 307 to the Open Meetings Act, making 17 more State-created boards, corporations, and authorities subject to its requirements. Boards identified include the Board of Directors for the Maryland 9-1-1 Board, the Maryland Clean Energy Center, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation,Continue reading “Reach of Open Meetings Act expanded”
Enforcement powers change for the Public Information Act Compliance Board
By Frank JohnsonDeputy City Attorney, City of Gaithersburg The General Assembly made some significant changes to the Public Information Act (Md. Code Ann., General Provisions, Sec. 4-101 et seq.) this year. First, as part of the changes related to police reform, Senate Bill 178 removed the confidentiality of certain police personnel records, now allowing disclosureContinue reading “Enforcement powers change for the Public Information Act Compliance Board”
New law protects retired K-9s
By Frank JohnsonDeputy City Attorney, City of Gaithersburg The General Assembly this year focused on many bills addressing all elements of police reform. But SB 156 involves veterinary care costs for retired K9s. The bill, which the Governor signed, mandates that, as of July 1, 2021, state and local police forces cover the “reasonable andContinue reading “New law protects retired K-9s”
Maryland State and Local Government Law Blog 