[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6694211,"mediaKeyId","2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43","parentId",2381953,"title","Broad coalition backs Maryland Voting Rights Act bills to prevent vote dilution and require pre‑clearance in high‑risk jurisdictions","audioSeconds",1544,"startMs",4782000,"endMs",6326000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43&start=4782&end=6326","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43/thumbnail_4782000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6694211/Maryland/Broad-coalition-backs-Maryland-Voting-Rights-Act-bills-to-prevent-vote-dilution-and-require-preclearance-in-highrisk-jurisdictions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694211-840bb043d4778b71e755acf88ed469b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776394211&Signature=D7e5bjex~l~ULg2HU3YTyo5XtNBdHLhUaz5rfBPVUuNbvUXviPMTbp1jyFIi-NnZ9X-IQ8iZDov57IDM0Vmtghb5SA3~hvyvpfVIc89hIzwlvDLAFiLo6IQoND8rp0AS2dpFDlkZP1rfs1HjPOAlJeKfWUrE9PRqaCEZN6IHX1IzvNN7Fx5Mnu2tO4KX4LAsCz1JvPrTdujK6tGu-h0t4Pp29JkgP7AYetpnlquZs27~rEO7d3EPrRrRTM7h2vclyduw8lEsPE6U1jXxlSPMe2lWsZ7mA-rV-2zYepFZ~FLe-B6M3TF8bE0YhR-MJELS1FPEtvGRXRT0iu4gCIGAWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - Ways and Means","date","2025-02-24T20:48:42.107Z","article","(Combined coverage: HB 10‑43 and HB 10‑44)

A broad coalition of civil‑rights, legal and civic organizations urged the Ways and Means Committee to advance two linked bills in the Maryland Voting Rights Act package: HB 10‑43, which would establish state‑level causes of action and streamlined standards to challenge racial vote dilution and suppression, and HB 10‑44, which would require pre‑clearance of covered changes in election administration for jurisdictions with evidence of past discriminatory practices or disparities.

Speakers included representatives of the League of Women Voters, ACLU of Maryland, Campaign Legal Center, Legal Defense Fund, Common Cause Maryland, and the Maryland Episcopal Public Policy Network. Testimony recounted litigation in Federalsburg and Baltimore County and argued federal enforcement is increasingly uncertain and costly; the advocates said state tools would enable quicker, less costly remedies and encourage pre‑litigation negotiation.

HB 10‑43 would create a streamlined state right of action and modify remedy standards to reduce litigation expense and allow courts to order appropriate remedies. Proponents said the bill also requires written notice before litigation and a chance for local governments to collaborate on a cure. HB 10‑44 would create a state‑tailored, targeted pre‑clearance program for jurisdictions identified via specific coverage prongs (e.g., past violations, disparities in turnout or criminal‑justice contact). The attorney general would publish covered jurisdictions and offer an accelerated review for proposed changes; appeal to court is possible.

Speakers described recent local examples — Federalsburg, Wicomico County, and Baltimore County ballot measures and redistricting disputes — and urged that pre‑clearance and a state statutory cause of action could have prevented prolonged litigation and costly court battles. Advocates emphasized the bills are tailored to Maryland: the pre‑clearance list is limited in scope, differentiates municipal and county processes, and offers an opportunity for collaborative review rather than automatic injunctions.

Committee members asked procedural questions about state vs. federal remedies and appeals; witnesses explained that claims under the proposed state statutes would proceed in state court and that federal law remains supreme where direct conflict exists. No final committee action or vote was recorded; proponents said the bills are designed to provide faster, less expensive remedies than federal Section 2 litigation and to preserve voting rights if federal protections continue to erode.

Why it matters: proponents said the measures would provide state‑level enforcement tools to address racially discriminatory election practices more efficiently than federal litigation alone, with potential to change local electoral outcomes and reduce long litigation burdens on plaintiffs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","W&M Committee Session, 2/24/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","Civil‑rights, legal and civic groups urged the House Ways and Means Committee to pass two measures in the Maryland Voting Rights Act—HB 10‑43 to create a state cause of action to challenge vote dilution, and HB 10‑44 to require pre‑clearance in jurisdictions with evidence of discriminatory practices—saying federal protections are no longer sufficient.","taxTitle","Ways and Means Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15064,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6694227,"Montgomery County delegates again press for local option to allow ranked and approval voting",297,220000,517000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43&start=220&end=517","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43/thumbnail_220000.jpg","/articles/6694227/Maryland/Montgomery-County-delegates-again-press-for-local-option-to-allow-ranked-and-approval-voting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694227-4a6efca2edf4b194e78e1e2b31ebdc54/orig.mp4?Expires=1776394211&Signature=HI8Jlk3J7b2bey-Ok8DEEQp80OIAIeTznH-N77gVcmtD9o3yxmqSJMlJ3CSpE7jAnsdsEmbl1L~R1L3VWqNRFXtksVU0F1o8fSVwrun90cKFkpwONk95QKxvjkuQRNuDni7GeBoiPPA~dpRVdZDTdE8keO~Y8CAETIXpU~9ESDagmu1jT4cSLY4pjLJczo7isNm9AznqG3lx7YxsuGDSa4YHYrETXhGeBgmyDjUI9umQIn3SIHnAoFdOH4DKMknLSE~FPG1GCYP8LaUl8dXuE~W0Pjdq~HqkqzbogU66zLXvptD92W3J7SI0h~7EzFxqYXC9m2HRP460P0HlnE12Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Aaron Kaufman, representing Montgomery County, briefed the House Ways and Means Committee on House Bill 10‑94, enabling Montgomery County to adopt ranked‑choice voting and approval voting for local elections.

Kaufman said the Montgomery County House delegation unanimously adopted the bill and that the measure has the support of the county executive and all members of the county council. He noted endorsements from 17 outside organizations, including Common Cause Maryland and the League of Women Voters, and cited public statements from Senate President Bill Ferguson favoring ranked choice as a path to broader education on alternative voting systems.

Kaufman described how ranked‑choice voting works and answered anticipated concerns. He said the bill is enabling legislation only: counties would decide whether to adopt the systems and would retain responsibility for public engagement. Kaufman told the committee that voters could still choose to mark a single candidate if they prefer and that ranked‑choice systems used elsewhere, including Alaska, Maine and the District of Columbia, provide examples Montgomery County could study.

There was no public questioning recorded and no formal committee action taken during the sponsor‑only hearing. Kaufman closed by asking the committee to honor local courtesy and recommend a favorable report.

Kaufman emphasized the local‑option nature of the bill and repeatedly described it as enabling legislation rather than a statewide mandate. He offered to answer committee questions and noted that this is the latest in a series of bills filed for Montgomery County on this topic.

The hearing record contains only sponsor testimony and no votes or committee directions on this bill.

Why it matters: the bill would not change statewide ballot rules but gives Montgomery County a tool to adopt alternative voting systems if local officials choose to do so.","Delegate Aaron Kaufman told the House Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 24 that House Bill 10-94 would enable Montgomery County to adopt ranked‑choice or approval voting for local offices; he said the county delegation, county executive and county council support the measure and urged a favorable report.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6694217,"Delegate Roberts and witnesses press for requirement of athletic trainer or ambulance at every high school football game",469,2968000,3437000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43&start=2968&end=3437","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43/thumbnail_2968000.jpg","/articles/6694217/Maryland/Delegate-Roberts-and-witnesses-press-for-requirement-of-athletic-trainer-or-ambulance-at-every-high-school-football-game","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694217-3b434c603db923e4cc365421d67fd0ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1776394211&Signature=anJpk8cU6yDDca1QLMRVI8rR5pzvIEkjMzIE2JZP5qTPlTq7tgaEXdUJzszLucpevyz469r1jUCj~N9LlxOWAmnrdxcUO5TZ9or7iBKN7~vI55UTg9uGKlam8kvgSemGlMBtI4wUXnOBFC67Oh1YvKNbPX-ThIG3QNBq8tknv8iJQXj9tk0jlyUfAtIJGY5aZC8Q8WtaQxpDf~UGsIsg~QdmkSHFTMQKVtkNCuIVPYA5SqPdAxxx1Ob67Lv5u69aWIgb-IK~0uRQbgEA~Fv4WHqLMnPIm3cwgpcb4ixQOfAWBZIUD74VXhL0Xt45l8rn~FMyruEVlaW~uvs1vQS6hQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Denise Roberts introduced House Bill 9‑35, requiring a licensed athletic trainer or ambulance to be present at every high school football game in Maryland.

Roberts framed the bill as a safety measure for student athletes, recounting a family story of a catastrophic spinal injury to emphasize the stakes. She said seconds matter in emergencies and urged the committee to require immediate on‑site medical care.

Multiple witnesses testified in support. Jennifer Reiling, a long‑time secondary‑school athletic trainer, described prevention work athletic trainers perform — emergency action plans, equipment readiness (AEDs, cold‑water immersion), and practice drills — and gave examples where faster on‑site care would have improved outcomes. Mario Roberts (a survivor who suffered a catastrophic spinal injury in 1985) described being rescued by luck — an ambulance happened to be nearby — and told the panel that Washington, D.C., later required ambulances at high school football games.

Witnesses and the sponsor said the bill would not impose unnecessary burdens on schools but would provide critical, sometimes life‑saving care and reduce long‑term injury costs. Testimony cited estimates of very high lifetime costs for severe spinal cord injuries to underline the public‑health rationale.

No committee vote was recorded at the hearing. The record shows multiple supportive written and oral testimonies from athletic‑training and medical organizations; the bill awaits committee action and possible amendment to clarify funding or implementation mechanics.

Why it matters: proponents said the change would create statewide minimum medical safeguards at high‑risk athletic events; opponents or cost concerns were not recorded at the hearing but may appear in follow‑up.","House Bill 9‑35 would require a licensed athletic trainer or ambulance at every high school football game in Maryland. Sponsor Delegate Denise Roberts and multiple witnesses described traumatic incidents and cited medical and athletic organizations in support during a detailed hearing.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6694222,"Delegate Spiegel urges local option for on‑site food and beverage surcharge under A&A tax",463,597000,1060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43&start=597&end=1060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43/thumbnail_597000.jpg","/articles/6694222/Maryland/Delegate-Spiegel-urges-local-option-for-onsite-food-and-beverage-surcharge-under-AA-tax","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694222-1549389ce35c4802f46407850f3d30be/orig.mp4?Expires=1776394211&Signature=nsgzCga2ph8zZtnmutqn4sjteVhSWCv~QSbu9ykZF~dlaqRG16e8z7lJQWzt~AoeK0-U90KTSJG9Axwr3BrxuCcfBsSQiFmfrmCmPL00yDPP2VArX4QjtEbbjCQszDzeCrnu5Xuc6eyAsyVRTDRz8jobePaOHziaWl6DpX86Ub9VUX4-telbpvRfLaT~fsnTC74Gc0ZtJVCNEcTaiFRPGpQxLnhfhIyaCHSZ9xDkY1RfWzYWeVOzEJHEYzd4kEEKvEqHuUxxLUIfLrMOtcKv0NpVt-lgpWChnzNkwMetXtF38-35Y0rDJnFO2nxhdPC-QV6dB8dvBe~geKy1FbBNbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Ryan Spiegel (sponsor) described House Bill 9‑97 to the Ways and Means Committee as a modify‑and‑enable bill that would allow counties and municipalities to adopt a surcharge on food and beverages consumed on site under the A&A (amusement and admissions) tax up to a maximum of 3 percent.

Spiegel said the change is aimed at giving local governments additional options to raise revenue as state costs shift to localities. He emphasized the bill is enabling only: local leaders would decide whether to adopt the surcharge and would be accountable to residents and businesses. He and his staff presented examples including Ocean City, which currently has a 0.5 percent A&A tax on food and beverages reserved for the convention center, and a field‑price comparison that showed the maximum 3 percent surcharge in Bethesda would roughly equal the price level in nearby Arlington, Va., under the sponsor's illustrative example.

Committee members pressed technical and policy questions. Delegates asked whether catered events would be captured, how the surcharge would be applied to hotels, and whether the cost would be borne by customers. Spiegel and his staff (Mr. Fiore) said the bill excludes groceries and takeout, and that carryout and grocery purchases would not be subject to the surcharge. They noted an updated fiscal note was being prepared to account for administrative fees that the comptroller can charge. Spiegel said the surcharge is targeted at on‑site consumption and would not be imposed statewide automatically.

Several delegates raised concerns about regressivity and competitive impacts for local businesses, noting alcohol tax stacks and the combined tax rates in neighboring jurisdictions. Spiegel responded that local governments remain accountable to residents and that other jurisdictions already operate similar local taxes. He also noted Baltimore City estimated a potential revenue gain of up to $75 million under the measure.

No formal committee action or vote was recorded at the sponsor‑only hearing. Technical clarifications were requested and staff said they would follow up on questions about catered events, carve‑outs for nonprofits, and exact administration procedures.

Why it matters: the bill would give local governments a discretionary, targeted revenue option for on‑site food and beverage sales; the measure was discussed at length and drew a number of questions from committee members about implementation and local impacts.","House Bill 9‑97 would allow local governments to add an on‑site food and beverage surcharge under the existing Amusement & Admissions tax (A&A) up to 3%. Delegate Ryan Spiegel told the Ways and Means Committee the measure is an enabling local revenue tool he said could raise as much as $75 million for Baltimore City.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6694207,"Supporters urge state guardrails on school start times to improve adolescent sleep, health and achievement",896,9363000,10259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43&start=9363&end=10259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2381953-882227929f9637868a01f659df058b43/thumbnail_9363000.jpg","/articles/6694207/Maryland/Supporters-urge-state-guardrails-on-school-start-times-to-improve-adolescent-sleep-health-and-achievement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694207-813bebe10e8b1ed99344278484347671/orig.mp4?Expires=1776394211&Signature=b22sZTptbiriH5VHSijqfjJZH1YcmcQeoAH29~FzsajWiyv3qvgDaymPzdvpL3vA4uby~enkCaqbTdnnvlGDYODkkQlq3njfpxjbFsd9Cy9R8JnSCk49D83Uwbzt5p-HPaHpAU-xOORZ-vjd-tddO2MIzlOKvNP6jXfaLT0qpefh-FQl23-1RLGSy1e2aeXpp417nf~d9z0zDMMnhROt2EUgyJmgPGf1g-4kFtbE7-qFSuYS75EsjUoVYkSoeQG16MuOQBcbFnEEUqpN6aIXD0NaWB4L-Ev-6PjtZAnm8qZOaG0ZxJPoz-KJEZWCKN9WxTSRitKLA3k8QErykXxNsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate April Miller presented House Bill 10‑15, the \"Happy Healthy High Schoolers Act,\" proposing statewide guardrails on school start times to align instruction with adolescent sleep biology. The bill sets a baseline that no elementary school start before 8:00 a.m. and no middle or high school start before 8:30 a.m., with flexibility for districts to implement schedules within that floor.

Sponsors and witnesses — including sleep researchers, pediatricians, county PTA leaders and student speakers — cited decades of research showing adolescent circadian phase delay, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups, and described associations between insufficient sleep and higher rates of depression, anxiety, injuries, poorer academic performance, lower graduation rates, and increased absenteeism.

Student witnesses described waking and bus pickup times in the 5 a.m.–6 a.m. range and attributed migraines, concentration problems and illness to chronic sleep loss. County PTA and transportation consultants testified that updated routing and outside consultants had allowed some jurisdictions (Anne Arundel, Howard) to change bell times without dramatic costs; witnesses argued perceived transportation obstacles can be addressed with technical routing solutions and flexible vehicle options.

Opposition was not recorded in the hearing; several delegates asked technical questions about impacts on athletics, childcare and bus operations. Witnesses and advocates said those operational questions can be managed and cited examples of jurisdictions that changed times with limited fiscal impact.

No committee vote was recorded; sponsors urged lawmakers to adopt statewide guardrails to ensure equitable sleep health for Maryland students.

Why it matters: the bill would set statewide minimums for start times to address public‑health and academic concerns about adolescent sleep deprivation and would create operational changes for many school districts if enacted.","House Bill 10‑15 would set minimum healthy start‑time parameters (no elementary before 8:00 a.m.; no middle/high school before 8:30 a.m.). Sponsors and a broad coalition of medical experts, parents and advocacy groups told the committee that later start times improve student health, safety and academic outcomes and urged a favorable report.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Broad coalition backs Maryland Voting Rights Act bills to prevent vote dilution and require pre‑clearance in high‑risk jurisdictions

Montgomery County delegates again press for local option to allow ranked and approval voting

Delegate Roberts and witnesses press for requirement of athletic trainer or ambulance at every high school football game

Delegate Spiegel urges local option for on‑site food and beverage surcharge under A&A tax

Supporters urge state guardrails on school start times to improve adolescent sleep, health and achievement