By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com As the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session came to a close, lawmakers rushed to pass dozens of bills before the midnight deadline on April 13. Bills that failed to pass before the deadline must be reintroduced next session and go through the legislative process again to be reconsidered. The 90-day […]
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Caucuses push priority legislation in Maryland
Lawmakers from Maryland’s legislative caucuses gathered March 24 in Annapolis to advance shared priorities as the session nears its end, highlighting bills on youth justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant protections, and educational equity. Unity and collaboration remain central to their push for measurable results before Sine Die.
Lawmakers, community members rally in Maryland for immigrant protections
Lawmakers and community members rallied in Annapolis, Md., for We Are Casa’s Black Lobby Day, urging the state legislature to pass bills limiting federal immigration enforcement and ensuring humane standards for immigrant detention facilities.
Maryland leaders conduct surprise inspection of Baltimore ICE facility
Maryland leaders toured the Baltimore ICE facility, condemning the inhumane conditions identified even in the absence of detainees. Legislators praised Judge Julie R. Rubin’s March 6 order limiting capacity for detainees at the facility to 55 people and city officials have pledged to protect immigrants by fighting private detention centers.
Gov. Moore, Lt. Gov. Miller file for re-election ahead of Maryland primaries
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller filed for re-election Feb. 23, ahead of the June 23 primary. Voters will weigh his record on the economy, schools and crime as the campaign begins.
Black patriots of the Revolutionary War: Maryland’s forgotten soldiers
Scholars and descendants are uncovering the forgotten role of Black Marylanders in the Revolutionary War, highlighting how free and enslaved men fought for independence yet were largely erased from history.
Moore calls White House snub ‘blatant disrespect’
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the nation’s only Black governor, said the White House disinvited him from the annual bipartisan National Governors Association dinner, calling the move disrespectful and partisan. The 47th president’s administration limited the event to Republican governors, a break from longstanding tradition that NGA leaders criticized as undermining cooperation.
Maryland legislators advance redistricting plan after tense hearing
Maryland legislators advanced a partisan congressional redistricting bill Jan. 27, sending it to the floor amid support from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Senate backing remains uncertain and Republicans are criticizing the process.
Maryland faith leaders press Ferguson to back congressional redistricting
Faith leaders across Maryland are urging Senate President Bill Ferguson to prioritize mid-cycle redistricting legislation ahead of a House hearing. The appeal comes as lawmakers consider a proposed congressional map that critics say could eliminate the state’s lone Republican seat and backfire on Democrats.
Moore unveils 2026 legislative priorities ahead of 2026 legislative session
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) outlined his 2026 legislative priorities ahead of the General Assembly, emphasizing public safety, education and vaccine access. The agenda reflects efforts to address crime, close achievement gaps and strengthen Maryland’s long-term economic stability.
DC, Maryland and Virginia officials warn of measles exposure
Maryland health officials say the public should be on alert after a recent measles exposure warning. Officials are urging the public to watch for symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious health complications, especially for younger children.
Maryland to consider slavery reparations after Gov. Wes Moore’s veto is overridden
Maryland lawmakers overrode Gov. Wes Moore’s veto to create a commission that will study potential reparations for slavery, despite his argument that the state should focus on direct action rather than further study. Supporters say a formal commission is necessary to ensure reparations efforts are credible, constitutional and effective.

