2022 Legislative Session
The 2022 Legislative Session was a successful one for the WLC and its coalition partners; despite the uncertainty still surrounding the pandemic, and an aggressive slate of bold legislation trying to get pushed through before election season starts, a great deal was accomplished.
The WLC achieved a tremendous amount in those 90 days, due to coalitions, alliances, and partnerships with sister-organizations and legislators. We monitored 246 pieces of legislation, submitted written testimony on 83 bills, presented testimony either live or via Zoom on 32 bills, and sent out 28 legislative alerts. 38 bills we supported passed and all 26 bills we opposed failed. You can find out more about those bills in our full wrap-up, divided into eight sections: Top Priorities that Passed; Top Priorities that Failed; Economic Security and Employment Law; Family Law; Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; Reproductive Rights; Civil Rights and Access to Justice; and Other.
Two bills that are critically important to the well-being of Maryland women were passed this session: the Abortion Care Access Act and the Time to Care Act. Both were vetoed by the Governor, but the legislature overrode the vetoes, and they are both now enacted into law. Also, bills to expand access to legal services for survivors of domestic violence as well as sexual harassment also were passed, among other important victories. We also had some difficult losses, as the Prohibition on Spousal Defense of Rape failed yet again this year, and critical legislation to create a constitutional amendment to protect our rights to abortion passed the House but stalled in the Senate. The WLC will be back next year to carry on those fights.
Click HERE for the full Legislative Wrap-Up.
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2021 Legislative Session
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the WLC accomplished a great deal, through coalitions, alliances, and in partnership with sister-organizations and legislators. We monitored 167 pieces of legislation, submitted written testimony on 87 bills, presented testimony via Zoom on 18 bills, and sent out 20 legislative alerts. Twenty-nine bills we supported passed, and all 21 bills we opposed failed. Please find more about those bills in our full wrap-up below. It is divided into eight sections: Top Priorities that Passed; Top Priorities that Failed; Economic Security and Employment Law; Family Law; Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; Reproductive Rights; Civil Rights and Access to Justice; and Other. WLC had a number of important wins, including an expansion of the statute of limitations for victims of employment discrimination and a prohibition on sexual activity by police officers with victims and witnesses. There also were some tough losses, as Paid Family Leave and the Prohibition on Spousal Defense of Rape failed yet again this year. WLC and its coalition partners will be back next year to carry on those fights.
There were many unknowns going into this past session. But one thing was always for certain: we can only do the work we do with your support and the support of our allies in Annapolis. The legislators we partner with put so much into each session, and we are grateful for their support. And of course, nothing is done alone – we are so much stronger because of the other advocates standing beside us.
Click HERE for the full Legislative Wrap Up.