After sharp backlash, Howard County reversed layoffs and restored 55 library shelver jobs with emergency county funding to carry them through the fiscal year.

The Maryland House approved HB1341 to stop school security from assisting ICE and sharing student or staff records. The bill now heads to the Senate for review.

Lawmakers have proposed a bipartisan change to carve inspectors general out of the Maryland Public Information Act after Baltimore’s watchdog office says it was blocked from records. The move follows a lawsuit and a joint appeal from four local inspectors general.

County commissioners approved a $1,200 annual stipend and a retirement plan for volunteer firefighters as officials scramble to blunt a steep recruitment shortfall.

A legislative audit found missing and delayed background screenings for Worcester County Public Schools staff and flagged procurement problems that were referred to prosecutors.

A review of state budget records shows only about one quarter of Maryland’s TANF funds become direct cash assistance, while most is spent on child‑welfare, foster care and administration.

A crowded Democratic primary has formed to replace Steuart Pittman in Anne Arundel County, while only one Republican has filed so far. Early fundraising and public‑matching funds could reshape the race before June’s primary.

HER Resiliency Center says the state withheld more than $218,000 in VOCA reimbursements, forcing program suspensions and layoffs in Baltimore.

House Bill 980, dubbed Kanaiyah’s Law, gets a House Judiciary hearing Thursday as Ward’s family prepares to testify. The bill would create an independent child-welfare ombudsman and ban unlicensed placements.

A new Maryland bill would require earlier notice, automatic 90‑day continuity of care and special enrollment when hospital–insurer contracts end. Lawmakers say the change is aimed at preventing another Hopkins–UnitedHealthcare style scramble.

A new OIG synopsis says mayoral staff skipped required p‑card waivers on hundreds of transactions and charged about $52,589 for food at Orioles and Ravens games. The report urges tighter oversight and policy updates.

Council advances a bill to require audits, owner disclosure and court receivership for landlords who flout rental licensing rules.

Families told lawmakers in Annapolis that a 291‑page package of DDA rule changes posted on Feb. 4 will add heavy documentation and staffing rules to self‑directed care.