2023 Maryland Session Updates

We are almost halfway through Maryland’s 90-Day Session. Here’s what Maryland is tracking, and what’s coming up:

Cannabis

  • Cannabis is a blazing topic this session after voters legalized recreational marijuana via referendum on November’s ballot. Starting July 1st, anyone over the age of 21 will be able to possess marijuana for personal use. The question before the legislature in this session is how to implement this throughout the state. Co-sponsors of the Cannabis Reform bill held a workgroup last Friday to discuss how much of the implementation would work. Highlights of the hearing included the prioritization of social equity throughout each implementation step.
Gun Control
  • After the Supreme Court ruling on New York v Bruen, key legislators in Maryland have decided to revisit gun control laws. The SCOTUS ruling changed the way courts evaluate the constitutionality of state gun control laws. The bills before the Maryland Legislature attempt to continue to restrict gun access and concealed carry permits while attempting to follow the new standard by the Supreme Court. A number of bills came before the Senate Committee for a contentious 11-hour hearing on February 7th. The next step is for the Senate committee to vote on bills.
Budget Process
  • The budget process is underway in Maryland with new excitement as the Legislature has more say in Budget negotiations. Previously under Republican Governor Larry Hogan, the party divide between the Governor’s office and state legislature meant that legislators had to fight for what they wanted in Hogan’s budget. Now, with new Democratic Governor Wes Moore, the legislator has an easier path to prioritizing their agendas in this year’s budget. Subcommittees that unpack the budget have already started meeting, but we are anticipating more discussions in the coming weeks.
Mental Health Funding
  • While all of these issues will continue to be debated throughout the coming months, we wanted to highlight the stand the Senate took regarding the first bill they passed. Senate Bill 003 also known as the 9-8-8 Trust Fund – Funding was passed on January 30th. The 988 Trust Fund was created by legislation passed last session with stipulations that it would receive around $5 million in funding. This bill, if passed by the House, will more than double the required funding to $12 million by 2025. This is an important message from the Senate about prioritizing mental health and could be an indicator of the success of other mental health bills coming before the body.

Political Strategy: Phone Campaigns

An important advocacy tool to influence public opinion is implementing phone campaigns. We have the ability and find that clients are successful when we develop campaigns to mobilize constituents to support or oppose policies heard before state, local and federal governments.

Compass Public Relations has the ability to target specific demographics to send a specific message. We can send through live calls, which are effective in persuading legislators. Compass PR consultants often work in tandem with lobbyists in employing such calls to advance or defeat legislation pending in Delaware, Maryland or at the local level.

We can help frame a message for or against legislation and then facilitate targeting key legislators who may play a decision-making role on such issues. Then dozens – or even hundreds – of live constituent phone calls are generated into legislators’ offices.

Preparing for Vacation

 

As Spring (slowly) approaches, many families are starting to finalize their vacation plans. March and April are big months for winter-weary families to get away.

However, as families prepare for their vacations, one item is typically never found on their “To Do” list – estate planning. If you plan to travel with your family, you should really have your affairs in order in the event the unthinkable happens.  Whether it is death or disability, an estate plan will provide your heirs with the information they need to carry out your wishes.  Otherwise, you are at the mercy of State law and, potentially, a Judge who has no idea who you are.

The core documents in an estate plan are a Last Will and Testament, Financial Power of Attorney and an Advance Medical Directive.  While preparing an estate plan may seem like an onerous task, the attorneys at Compass Law Partners will walk you through the process and ensure your estate plan is completed in a timely manner.

Posted in Law

Compass PR: Political Strategy

The legislative session has convened in Maryland and Delaware, so it’s time for your organization’s voice to be heard. In today’s complex and information-saturated world, simply having a good cause and dedicated supporters may not be enough for your coalition or campaign to thrive. At Compass Advocacy, our Public Relations services act as a multiplier for your efforts, bringing years of advocacy experience and long-term relationships with the legislature. Through our industry expertise, large network, and tested political campaign strategies, we position our clients in front of key legislative allies that produce tangible results. 

Working at the intersection of business and government, our public relations firm develops authentic and compelling campaigns that mobilize constituents to support or oppose policies heard before state, local, and federal governments. As part of such services, our public relations specialists can facilitate patch-thru phone calls from constituents to legislators, letters to elected officials, polling and public opinion surveys, and much more. Additionally, identifying influential figures is essential for gaining traction and achieving your goals. Our team leverages targeted campaign strategies to find and engage committees, legislators, or third parties with your messaging. 

While your grassroots campaign or coalition may be passionate and dedicated, Compass can provide crucial amplification, such as phone, website, and email strategies to boost your message to the right decision-makers. Broad exposure and compelling narratives strengthens your voice, builds public trust, and increases your chances of making an impact. In the unique political landscapes of Delaware and Maryland, Compass can help your organization navigate the many legislative and public relations nuances–get started today!

 

New Years Resolutions 2023: Guardianship

Take the time to understand Guardianship and how it actually works:

If a child’s parents die and no relative or close family relation is immediately identified as being able to care for the child, a child will go into the foster care system. Hopefully, this is only for a brief stay until someone can be located, but sometimes these things take time. Next, a relative or family friend petitions the court for guardianship of the child. There are hearings, possibly multiple petitions from different people to deal with and possibly conflict. A judge has to do their best to guess who is the best person to be guardians of your kids. Judges try hard, but they aren’t you. They can’t possibly know or internalize all the reasons why someone who looks great on paper might not be the person you want raising your kids.
Even if the person you want to “win” is appointed guardian, they may still have had to go through an exhausting, contested, and expensive process. Contested guardianships often benefit from an attorney’s help, and those fees can be quite expensive in an involved proceeding.
Investing a bit of time, energy, and funds now ultimately saves your family the uncertainty of now knowing your wishes, the anxiety of a potentially contested proceeding, and the related expenses.
Contact the Compass Law team for assistance!
Posted in Law
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