In November, leaders of state-wide organizations and advocates addressing issues of concern to women of Maryland participated in a conference to identify potential legislative initiatives for the 2024 Maryland General Assembly. Eighteen bills were presented at the conference for consideration. A ballot was sent to MLAW members who voted on the top priorities which will make up our official 2024 Legislative Agenda.  

As we prepare for the start of the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly, we are thrilled to announce the bills that will comprise MLAW’s 2024 Legislative Agenda. The issues selected are listed below and described in more detail here.

The nine bills selected are:

• Sexual Crimes – Definition of Consent and Repeal of Force
• Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
• Firearm Background Check Denial – Law Enforcement and Victim Notification
• Joint resolution affirming the federal Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution
• Home Care Worker Misclassification: Residential Service Agencies – Reimbursement – Personal Assistance Services
• Dignity in Access to Healthcare Act
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Board – Victims of Nonfatal Strangulation
• Wage Transparency
• Gender Affirming Care Protection Act

One of the most powerful advocacy tools for the Agenda is your signature as a supporter. Organizations and individuals are invited to sign on as a supporter of the 2024 Agenda. We also encourage you to invite your friends and colleagues to sign on. A list of supporters will be attached to the document before it is distributed to legislators and the public, as well as included on our website. The document will be released at our Legislative Briefing and will be distributed to all legislators.

Cooperative action is the basis upon which MLAW operates. One voice is important but the collective voices of many impacts public policy and enables advocates and legislators to demonstrate concern and support for women’s issues. Make your voice count for women and their families in the 2024 session of the Maryland General Assembly. 

To add your name to the list of supporters, complete this simple online form. If you would like to add multiple names of friends or colleagues who give you permission to add their names, please email them as well. Spread the word and ask others to support this agenda. You do not need to be a member of MLAW to add your name.

MLAW’s Annual Legislative Briefing will be held online on Wednesday, February 7th at 5pm. Click HERE to register.

Please join us as we announce our 2024 Legislative Agenda. Hear from legislators and advocates who will present each of the bills on the 2024 Agenda and explain how they will impact Maryland women and families. You will hear what you can do to help pass these bills and become involved in the legislative process. Your voice in Annapolis is needed!

This year’s briefing will be virtual and hosted on Zoom. There is no charge to attend the briefing, but you must register in order to receive the link to the briefing.

We invite you or your organization to co-sponsor the briefing. Your sponsorship supports our legislative efforts in Annapolis. Sponsorship includes your logo displayed in the published Agenda, on our website and our Facebook page, and recognition during the online briefing. The sponsor option is located in “Tickets”.

Job Title:        Executive Director
Status:            Part-time, Contractual; 16-20 hours/month
Salary:            Hourly range of $75-100; no benefits
Organizational Description: The Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women (MLAW) was established to harness the collective power of women and to create a statewide, non-partisan, independent coalition of groups and individuals to advocate for progressive legislative initiatives that promote and protect the well-being of women and their families in Maryland. 

Job Summary: This is a new position created to provide leadership and sustainability for the 29-year-old MLAW organization. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing MLAW’s strategic direction, legislative events and advocacy activities, fundraising efforts, and operations.  The executive director will collaborate with the MLAW Coordinator, Board of Directors, and coalition partners to advance MLAW’s mission and effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
*Collaborate with the Board of Directors and the MLAW Coordinator to implement the organization’s strategic vision.
*Lead development and execution of short and long term goals, objectives, and activities.
*Maintain diversity and inclusivity within the Board of Directors, facilitate board meetings, committees, and work groups as needed.

Legislative Events and Activities:
*Provide leadership and support for MLAW’s annual fall legislative conference, legislative briefings, and wrap-up events.
*Oversee Agenda process, legislative monitoring, and preparation of legislative reports.
*Lead advocacy efforts, including coordination with legislative partners and representation of MLAW to various stakeholders.
*Maintain and enhance relationships with members, organizations, and individuals to expand MLAW’s support base.
*Create and update MLAW materials and documents.

Fundraising and Financial Management:
*Ensure MLAW’s financial stability and responsibility.
*Develop and implement a fundraising strategy and plan in coordination with the Coordinator and Board of Directors.
*Fiscal accountability, including budget development and financial resource management.

Additional Duties: As needed.

Preferred Requirements:
*Understanding of women’s and family issues, MLAW’s principles and legislative history; commitment to social justice, gender equality, reproductive freedom, diversity, and inclusion.
*Demonstrated leadership and management experience in nonprofit and/or advocacy organizations, with strong organizational skills.
*Knowledge of Maryland’s legislative process, the Maryland General Assembly, and the state’s legislative landscape.
*Sound judgment and discretion, particularly in communications and advocacy.
*Experience building relationships and networks with diverse groups.
*Fundraising and financial management experience, including budgeting.
*Excellent writing, communication, speaking, and advocacy skills.
*Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, the Internet, and social media, with the ability to work remotely.
*Ability to travel around the state and to Annapolis and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
MLAW is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Application:

In order to be considered, you must send a 1) *cover letter, 2) resumé, and 3) three references by 11/30/23 via email to: mdlegagenda4women@yahoo.com.

*Please include in your cover letter: why you want to become the MLAW Executive Director, what experience you bring to the position, and what you think are the three biggest challenges facing women in Maryland.

The Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women (MLAW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply.  We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant due to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.  

Eyes on the Prize: When Women Vote, We All Win

The MLAW fall conference will be held in-person on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in the Engineering Arts Building, Lower Level.

The Conference will provide information and strategies to activate and energize participants to successfully advocate for legislation impacting women and families during the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Session.

Join us to:

• Hear from Keynote Speaker, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller
• Welcome message from Delegate Edith Patterson, President of the Women Legislative Caucus of Maryland
• Listen to Comptroller Brooke Lierman share insights from Annapolis
• Gain valuable insights from Advocates and Legislators presenting 2024 Legislative Proposals
• Network with other MLAW supporters from around Maryland about these important issues.

Tickets are $35 until 10/31/22; late registration is $40 beginning 11/1/23. Ticket sales will close at 5pm on Friday, 11/3/23. There will be no on-site registration. Please register now. We have a limited number of donated tickets available for those unable to afford the full registration fee. Please email us to request a complementary ticket. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Sponsorship opportunities are available and encouraged. Sponsorships will be accepted through October 13th. All ad copy must be received by this deadline in order to be included in the program booklet. Please see the “Tickets” page to purchase a sponsorship.

For more information, call 443-519-1005 or email us at mdlegagenda4women@yahoo.com

Morning refreshments such as coffee and continental breakfast items will be provided during arrival and registration. Lunch will not be provided, however, there are many dining options within a short driving distance the conference site for attendees to enjoy after the conference. Feel free to bring a snack or beverage/water bottle to enjoy during the conference.

PLATINUM
Maryland Commission for Women
Maryland Health Care for All
Maryland NOW
Planned Parenthood Maryland
Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

GOLD
Baltimore County Commission for Women
Rebuild Maryland Coalition

SILVER
AAUW Maryland
Business and Professional Women Maryland
Calvert County Commission for Women
Charles County Section of National Council of Negro Women
Delegate Bonnie Cullison
Delegate Nicole Williams
Delegate Sandy Bartlett
DMP Advocacy LLC
Emerge Maryland
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Maryland Family Network
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
Montgomery County Commission for Women
National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Southern Maryland
National Council of Negro Women – Prince George’s County Section
Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Tahira Hussain
Women’s Democratic Club – Montgomery County
Women’s Law Center of Maryland

BRONZE
AAUW Anne Arundel County
Allegany County Women’s Action Coalition
Christol Hair
CTL DomGroup Inc. 
Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield
Elizabeth F. Johnson
Elizabeth Joyce
Forward Midwifery
Joan Stine
Karen Ware
Maryland Women’s Heritage Center
Melissa Curtin Coaching
Michaele Cohen
Montgomery County NOW
North Arundel County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Reproductive Justice Maryland
Top Ladies of Distinction, Prince George’s County Chapter
Wendy Frosh
Women’s Equity Center and National Network (WECAN)
Zonta Club of Annapolis
Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland

Our new address is:

c/o Women’s Law Center of Maryland
102 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
Suite 100
Towson, MD 21204

ALL BILLS PASSED!

HB705/SB798 – Declaration of Rights – Rights to Reproductive Freedom

Sponsors:  House Speaker Adrienne Jones, Senate President Bill Ferguson

This legislation authorizes a ballot measure (constitutional amendment) to enshrine the fundamental right to reproductive freedom in Maryland Constitution, including decisions related to preventing, continuing, or terminating a pregnancy.

HB808/SB859 – Reproductive Health Protection Act

Sponsors:  Delegates Nicole Williams and Terri Hill, Senator Will Smith

This legislation creates protection for pregnant individuals seeking abortion care as well as health care providers, support organizations, and volunteers from civil, criminal and administrative liability.

HB477/SB341– Public Senior Higher Education Institutions – Reproductive Health Services Plans – Requirements

Sponsors:  Delegates Ariana Kelly and Stephanie Smith, Senator Brian Feldman

Under this legislation, public 4-year colleges and universities will be required to provide 24-hour access to over-the-counter contraception (emergency contraception and medicated abortion) on campus through student health centers, retail outlets on campus, and/or vending machines; provide or refer a full range of reproductive services; and, submit a plan.  [This bill does not cover private colleges and universities or high schools]

HB4/SB129 – Criminal Law – Sexual Crimes – Repeal of Spousal Defense

Sponsors:  Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield, Senators Ariana Kelly and Pam Beidle

This legislation repeals the current statute that makes marriage a defense to some sex crimes.  Currently, spouses can be prosecuted for any sex crime only ifthey have a limited divorce, and some sex crimes if they have been separated for 3 months or have a written separation agreement.  This legislation repeals the prohibition on prosecuting a person for rape or certain sexual offenses against the person’s legal spouse at the time of the alleged rape or sexual offense.  Marriage will no longer be a defense against rape or sexual crimes.

HB297/SB292 – Criminal Law – Victims of Child Sex Trafficking and Human Trafficking – Safe Harbor and Service Response

Sponsors: Delegate Sandy Bartlett, Senator Jeff Waldstreicher

This legislation provides a safe harbor for child victims of sex trafficking and prevent prosecution for acts committed as a result of their trafficking, including prostitution and other related offenses.  It would prevent the criminalizing of children and divert youth into services (now available statewide).

HB495/SB350 – Early Childhood Development – Child Care Scholarship Program – Alterations

Sponsors:  Delegate Jared Solomon, Senator Nancy King

This legislation, as amended, prohibits the State Department of Education from increasing the copayment levels, reducing the reimbursement rates, reducing the income eligibility requirements, or implementing an enrollment freeze for the Child Care Scholarship Program in effect as of January 1, 2023, unless certain conditions are met. 

HB3/SB185 – The Maryland State Police Gun Center – Firearms Surrendered Under Final Protective Orders

Sponsors: Delegate Sandy Bartlett, Senator Pam Beidle

This legislation expands the role of Maryland State Police Gun Center (which tracks firearm crimes in Maryland) to include collecting and tracking data on guns surrendered under a final protective order (required in federal and state law).  It requires local law enforcement agencies to report to the Gun Center.

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HB___/SB___ – Climate Crisis and Environmental Justice Act (CCEJ)

This bill would have charged fossil fuel companies (heat and gas) a fee for damages and use the revenue from the fee to create two funds:  1) protect low- and moderate-income households and businesses; 2) help county and municipal governments to develop local Climate Action Plans (including clean energy infrastructure).

This bill was WITHDRAWN this year.  It will be reintroduced next year.