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.