Governor Wes Moore Unveils Ambitious Legislative Agenda for 2024 Maryland General Assembly

In a recent announcement, Governor Wes Moore introduced the Moore-Miller Administration's comprehensive legislative agenda for the 2024 Maryland General Assembly. The agenda comprises 16 bills that align with the governor's overarching priorities, focusing on making Maryland safer, more affordable, more competitive, and reinforcing its commitment to public service.

Governor Moore emphasized the agenda's significance in addressing issues vital to Marylanders and shaping the state's future. The proposed legislation covers a range of critical areas, and once enacted, is expected to propel Maryland forward, aligning with the administration's vision for the decade.

Key components of the legislative agenda include:

Making Maryland Safer
Victim Compensation Reform Act (SB 471/HB 575): Modernizing Maryland's victims compensation program to enhance efficiency and provide faster access to compensatory funds for crime victims.

Growing Apprenticeships and the Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act (SB 470/HB 597): Focused on training and supporting highly qualified law enforcement professionals to address challenges in hiring and retaining officers.

Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention (SB 475/HB 583): Establishing a center within the Maryland Department of Health to coordinate the state's public health approach to preventing gun violence.

Making Maryland More Affordable
ENOUGH Act (SB 482/HB 4601): A groundbreaking state-level effort to end concentrated poverty through place-based interventions, allocating $15 million in the first year.

Housing Expansion and Affordability Act (SB 484/HB 538): Addressing Maryland's housing supply and affordability crisis by incentivizing targeted housing construction and modernizing land use laws.

Housing and Community Development Financing Act (SB 483/HB 599): Strengthening state financing tools for housing construction and community development investments.

Renter’s Rights Stabilization Act (SB 481/HB 4517): Aiming to address the immediate needs of renters experiencing housing instability through various measures, including the establishment of an Office of Tenant Rights.

Mental Health – Emergency Evaluation and Involuntary Admission Procedures and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (SB 453/HB 576): An omnibus behavioral health bill introducing reforms to improve access to behavioral health services.

Making Maryland More Competitive
Pava LaPere Legacy of Innovation Act (SB 473/HB 582): Honoring Pava LaPere's legacy by investing in Maryland's innovation economy, with a focus on the Baltimore Tech Hub.

Critical Infrastructure Streamlining Act (SB 474/HB 579): Removing barriers to Maryland’s technology infrastructure growth by streamlining the regulatory process for industries relying on backup power generators.

Transparent Government Act (SB 472/HB 581): Enhancing predictability for individuals and businesses seeking to build or grow businesses in Maryland by requiring state agencies to establish and publicize projected timelines for licensing and permitting applications.

Making Maryland the State that Serves
Maryland Road Worker Protection Act (SB 479/HB 513): Implementing legislative recommendations to protect Maryland road workers and foster a culture change among motorists to adopt safer driving behaviors.

Protecting Election Officials Act (SB 480/HB 585): Addressing threats and harassment targeting election officials by creating a new misdemeanor charge.

Caring for Public Employees in Safety Professions (CAPES) Act (SB 476/HB 584): Expanding workers’ compensation presumptions for firefighters to cover additional cancers.

Families Serve Act (SB 478/HB 604): Supporting military families by expanding job opportunities for military spouses through incentivizing businesses and state governments.

Time to Serve Act (SB 477/HB 580): Ensuring state employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves receive comprehensive support, expanding military leave.

Governor Moore expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort in shaping this legislative agenda and called for continued partnership to successfully enact these bills into law. The agenda reflects a commitment to addressing pressing issues and fostering positive change across Maryland.

For more information and updates, visit Maryland.gov.