Archive | January 2024

MLAW Announces our 2024 Agenda

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.

2024 Legislative Briefing

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”.

Thank You – 2024 Legislative Briefing Sponsors

AAUW Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County NOW
Baltimore County Commission for Women
Business and Professional Women Maryland
Catherine Hill
Child Justice, Inc.
Court Watch Montgomery
DABS Consulting, LLC
Delegate Nicole Williams
Diana Philip/DMP Advocacy, LLC
Diane Jackins
Donna Williams, District 32 Community Advocate 
Junior League of Baltimore
Lenita Walker
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Maryland Family Network
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
Maryland National Organization for Women
Melissa Curtin Coaching
Mom Pro Network, Inc. 
Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club
Rebuild Maryland Coalition
Stella’s Girls, Inc.
Symbolie Smith
Women’s Equity Center and Action Network (WE CAN)
Women’s Law Center of Maryland
Zonta Club of Annapolis
Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland

Click here to sponsor the Briefing: https://mlawbriefing2024.eventbrite.com