ANNAPOLIS UPDATE. . .
Here's an update on some of the bills GSSCC has been watching as the Maryland General Assembly moves toward the end of its session at midnight next Monday.
* On Friday, the Senate approved a bill that will provide an annual
$167 million grant to support Metro. Similar legislation has cleared the House of Delegates. The measure also requires the grant to increase by 3 percent annually. Legislation that dictates Metro Board composition and improves oversight is expected to move this week.
* A bill that would have required public high schools to make students aware of
employment and skills training opportunities available through apprenticeships and without a four-year college degree failed to get out of committee.
* Legislation that would have preempted local governments' authority to set up permitting processes for placement of small cell towers and antennas has stalled. A hearing scheduled for the previous week was cancelled and has not been rescheduled.
* "Net neutrality" legislation passed through committee and is expected to move. The committee vote was along strict party lines, with the exception of a vote in opposition by Delegate Charles Barclay, who is running for Montgomery County Council At-Large. The bill also includes sections that address how Broadband Internet Access Providers handle customers personal information.
* Legislation that would prohibit employers from inquiring or seeking information about an applicants salary history could still get through the Senate this week. The House already passed legislation. GSSCC is working with the Maryland Chamber in an effort to keep the bill stalled in the Senate Finance Committee.
Members interested in more information should contact
Jane Redicker
.
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