Justin D. Ready (/ˈrd/ REE-dee; born April 15, 1982) is an American politician who has served as a member of the Maryland Senate since 2015, representing District 5 in Carroll County. He previously represented the district in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2011 to 2015.

Justin Ready
Ready in 2023
Member of the Maryland Senate
from the 5th district
Assumed office
February 2, 2015
Appointed byLarry Hogan
Preceded byJoseph M. Getty
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
In office
January 12, 2011 – February 2, 2015
Preceded byTanya Thornton Shewell
Succeeded byApril Rose
ConstituencyDistrict 5A (2011–2015)
5th district (2015)
Personal details
Born (1982-04-15) April 15, 1982 (age 42)
Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Children2
EducationCarroll Community College (AA)
Salisbury University (BA)
Signature

Early life and education

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Ready was born in Mobile, Alabama, but moved to Westminster, Maryland, at the age of 11 after living in Mississippi.[1] He graduated from Carroll Community College in 2002, and afterwards attended Salisbury University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2004.[2]

Political career

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Ready became interested in politics at a young age.[3] After graduating from Salisbury, working as a field director on the 2004 U.S. Senate campaign of E. J. Pipkin. He later worked as a legislative aide to state delegate J. B. Jennings from 2004 to 2006, afterwards working as the chief of staff for state senator Janet Greenip.[2]

In April 2008, the Maryland Republican Party named Ready as its executive director, replacing John Flynn.[4] He served in this position until July 2009, when he was fired by party chairman James Pelura for "personnel reasons". Ready's firing eventually led to the removal of Pelura as chairman of the Maryland Republican Party.[5][6] Ready later served as an interim executive director from July to December 2011.[7][8]

Also in 2008, Ready unsuccessfully ran for delegate to the Republican National Convention, pledged to Mike Huckabee.[9]

Maryland House of Delegates

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On January 5, 2010, Ready announced that he would run for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 5A, challenging incumbent state delegates Nancy R. Stocksdale and Tanya Thornton Shewell.[10] He won the Republican primary, placing first with 39.3 percent of the vote,[11] and later defeated Democrats Francis X. Walsh and Sharon L. Baker in the general election alongside Stocksdale.[12] Ready was sworn in on January 12, 2011, and served as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee.[2] He ran for re-election to a second term in 2014.[13][14] Ready was a member of Larry Hogan's Change Maryland organization, and later served Hogan's transition team following his upset victory in the 2014 Maryland gubernatorial election.[15]

In 2011, Ready served as a co-chair for Rick Perry's 2012 presidential campaign in Maryland.[2] He later ran for delegate to the Republican National Convention pledged to Perry, receiving 1.2 percent of the vote.[16]

Maryland Senate

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Ready in the Senate Finance Committee, 2023

In January 2015, following the resignation of state senator Joseph M. Getty to serve as the chief legislative officer to Governor Larry Hogan, Ready applied to fill the vacancy left by Getty in the Maryland Senate. The Carroll County Republican Central Committee nominated Ready alongside Dave Wallace and County Commissioner Robin Bartlett Frazier to fill the seat.[17] Hogan appointed Ready to the seat on February 2,[18] and he was sworn in on the same day.[19] Ready was elected to a full four-year term in 2018.[20]

Ready served as a member of the Judicial Proceedings Committee from 2015 to 2021, afterwards serving on the Finance Committee.[21] In October 2021, Ready was elected to serve as the Senate minority whip.[22]

During the 2016 Republican Party presidential primaries, Ready participated in organizing activities for Ted Cruz.[23][24] He celebrated Donald Trump's win in the 2016 United States presidential election, calling it a "pretty stunning repudiation of Washington, D.C., and the establishment, the media establishment, and sort of the coasts".[25]

Ready endorsed Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly M. Schulz in the 2022 Maryland gubernatorial election. After Schulz was defeated by far-right state delegate Dan Cox in the Republican primary, Ready endorsed Cox, claiming that he would act as a counter on progressive legislation passed by the legislature.[26][27]

Political positions

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During his tenure in the Maryland House of Delegates, Ready was a member of the legislature's Tea Party caucus.[28] In January 2020, the American Conservative Union gave Ready a score of 76 percent on its annual legislative scorecard, the highest score among members of the Maryland Senate.[29]

Crime

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In the Maryland Senate, Ready repeatedly introduced and supported bills to increase penalties on violent crimes, including those involving guns.[30][31][32] He has called crime in Baltimore "out of control and destabilizing our entire region",[33] and has expressed skepticism on claims that gun control would decrease violent crime.[33][34]

During the 2015 legislative session, Ready introduced a bill to increase penalties for human trafficking. The bill was withdrawn after activists expressed concerns that the bill's definition of "trafficker" was too broad.[35]

In 2019, Ready introduced "Laura and Reid's Law", a bill to increase penalties for murdering a pregnant woman. The bill was named after Laura Wallen, a pregnant woman who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend in September 2017.[36] The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.[37] He also introduced a bill that would prohibit courts from authorizing pretrial release for an individual accused of assaulting a police officer.[38]

During the 2023 legislative session, Ready expressed concerns with and voted against Governor Wes Moore's appointment of Vincent Schiraldi as Maryland Secretary of Juvenile Services, pointing to the Schiraldi's controversial approach to reducing juvenile crime amid the state's "crisis in juvenile crime".[39]

Education

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In May 2015, Ready defended Governor Larry Hogan's decision to withhold $68 million in funding for Maryland's costliest public school systems, saying that the state needed to restrain its growth spending to settle its fiscal issues.[40]

During the 2019 legislative session, Ready defended Governor Larry Hogan's executive order requiring public schools to start after Labor Day, claiming that the order resulted in "incredibly good" economic effects.[41]

In October 2019, Ready expressed skepticism with the Kirwan Commission's recommendations, also known as the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, comparing them to the recommendations made by the Thornton Commission and arguing that it would be better to address achievement gap deficits in education locally rather than raising education funding statewide.[42] He later voted against the Blueprint bill, arguing that it would have a significant negative impacts on the state's economy.[43]

In February 2022, Ready signed onto a letter to the Maryland State Board of Education imploring the agency to rescind its COVID-19 mask mandate in schools, falsely claiming that masks were ineffective at limiting the spread of COVID-19.[44]

During the 2023 legislative session, Ready introduced a bill to establish the "fundamental right to parents' rights" in education.[45]

Electoral reform

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In 2016, Ready opposed a bill to automatically register people to vote when getting their driver's license at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.[46]

In March 2019, Ready said he supported Governor Larry Hogan's proposed redraw of Maryland's congressional maps—which saw Maryland's 6th congressional district redrawn to include Frederick and Carroll counties, thereby making it more favorable to Republicans—following the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit's decision in Benisek v. Lamone.[47] In June 2021, Ready participated in hearings for Hogan's Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission, during which he advocated for districts that broke up communities as little as possible.[48] He criticized the redrawn congressional districts passed by the legislature during the 2021 special legislative session, calling it "incredibly gerrymandered".[49]

During the 2021 legislative session, Ready introduced a bill to require voters to show a government-issued voter ID before casting a ballot,[50] citing what he called "major deficiencies" in the 2020 United States presidential election.[51] The bill was reintroduced in 2022.[52] In August 2024, Ready endorsed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, a federal bill that would require voters to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote.[53]

Gun policy

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During the 2018 legislative session, Ready said he supported a bill to repeal several sections of the Firearms Safety Act, including a ban on assault rifles.[54]

In 2019, Ready said he opposed a bill to abolish the state's Handgun Permit Review Board, which handled conceal carry applications.[55] In June 2022, he celebrated the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, which overturned Maryland's concealed carry laws.[56][57] In 2023, Ready said he opposed the Gun Safety Act, a gun control bill that increased requirements to obtain a handgun permit and limited where guns could be publicly carried following the Bruen decision, saying that he anticipated the bill's "fiery end by the court" if passed.[58]

Health care

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Ready supports efforts to repeal Obamacare.[59]

During the 2017 legislative session, Ready said he opposed a bill requiring companies to provide employees with five days of paid sick leave per year, which he claimed would exacerbate income inequality.[60]

In 2019, Ready criticized the End-of-Life Option Act, which would have provided palliative care to terminally ill adults.[61]

Immigration

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Ready supported Question 4 in 2012, which sought to repeal Maryland's Dream Act, a bill that extended in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, saying that the bill made Maryland appear as a sanctuary state.[62]

In 2014, Ready condemned a proposal to house immigrant children at a former U.S. Army Reserve Center in Westminster, Maryland, and blamed the increase in immigrant children on President Barack Obama's immigration policies.[63]

In 2017, Ready supported the Trust Act, a bill that would prohibit police from asking about a detainee's immigration or citizenship status.[64] During the 2020 legislative session, he introduced legislation that would require state correctional facilities to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accusing detention centers in Prince George's and Montgomery counties of defying ICE requests.[65] In 2021, Ready opposed the Dignity Not Detention Act, a bill that would end all contracts between state correctional facilities and ICE, arguing that it would make communities less safe.[66]

In 2021, Ready said he opposed a bill to extend the state's earned income tax credit to non-citizens.[67] In 2023, during debate on a bill to make the tax credit permanent, Ready introduced an amendment to phase out the credit for non-citizens, which was rejected in a 14-33 vote.[68]

Policing

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Ready describes himself as being pro-police, but supports citizen oversight over the police and military.[69] He has criticized police reform bills passed by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2021 legislative session, including a bill regulating police use of force policies,[70] which he called the "most dangerous provision in the police bill package".[71]

During the 2023 legislative session, Ready introduced a bill that would allow police departments to negotiate contracts to purchase police body cameras, citing the state's 2025 deadline to have on-duty officers wearing body cameras.[72] He also criticized a bill to give the attorney general of Maryland sole prosecutorial power over police-involved incidents, imploring legislators to instead pass bills to deal with violent crime.[73]

Social issues

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During the 2012 legislative session, Ready voted against the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which legalized same-sex marriage in Maryland. He later supported a ballot referendum aimed at repealing the law, saying that he believed that the "institution of marriage" was between a man and a woman.[74] In 2022, he defended a Carroll County Board of Education policy banning pride flags in schools.[75] During the 2024 legislative session, Ready opposed a bill to provide legal protections to health care providers that provide gender-affirming care to out-of-state patients, arguing that it would expand access to gender-affirming care to minors.[76]

In December 2018, Ready signed onto an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case American Legion v. American Humanist Association defending the cross-shaped Peace Cross monument in Bladensburg, Maryland.[77]

During the 2019 legislative session, Ready voted against a bill to raise the age to buy tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21, calling it "government overreach".[78]

During the 2021 legislative session, Ready introduced legislation that would give college athletes the right to profit off their names and likenesses. The bill passed and became law.[79]

In March 2022, Ready said he opposed a bill to provide $3.5 million toward training medical professionals to provide abortions, calling it "reckless and wrong".[80] During the 2023 legislative session, Ready sought to amend a bill creating a ballot referendum on codifying abortion access into the Constitution of Maryland to include a provision protecting the right to make reproductive decisions without being coerced by health care providers. The amendment was rejected.[81]

Personal life

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Ready is married and has two children.[2]

Electoral history

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Maryland House of Delegates District 5A Republican primary election, 2010[11]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Justin Ready 6,266 39.3
Republican Nancy R. Stocksdale (incumbent) 4,196 26.3
Republican William C. Niner 4,173 26.2
Republican Dave Wallace 1,316 8.3
Maryland House of Delegates District 5A election, 2010[12]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Justin Ready 21,226 38.4
Republican Nancy R. Stocksdale (incumbent) 19,046 34.4
Democratic Francis X. Walsh 7,688 13.9
Democratic Sharon L. Baker 7,250 13.1
Write-in 110 0.2
Maryland House of Delegates District 5 election, 2014[82]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Susan W. Krebs 35,701 28.6
Republican Justin Ready (incumbent) 34,789 27.9
Republican Haven Shoemaker 33,985 27.2
Democratic Dorothy G. Scanlan 11,737 9.4
Democratic Zachary Hands 8,210 6.6
Write-in 351 0.3
Maryland Senate District 5 Republican primary election, 2018[83]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Justin Ready (incumbent) 10,745 100.0
Maryland Senate District 5 election, 2018[84]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Justin Ready (incumbent) 39,568 71.5
Democratic Jamie O'Marr 15,739 28.4
Write-in 63 0.1
Maryland Senate District 5 election, 2022[85]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Justin Ready (incumbent) 39,484 96.1
Write-in 1,598 3.9

References

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  1. ^ "Meet Justin Ready". Ready for Maryland. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Justin D. Ready, Maryland State Senator". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  3. ^ Marshall, Ryan (November 1, 2022). "Ready looks to work with colleagues to advance conservative ideas". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  4. ^ Olson, Bradley (April 29, 2008). "GOP names Ready executive director". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  5. ^ Smitherman, Laura (July 8, 2009). "Infighting in Md. GOP". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  6. ^ Smitherman, Laura (July 21, 2009). "Is Pelura's ouster part of GOP leaders' plan?". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  7. ^ Bykowicz, Julie (July 12, 2011). "Republican delegate to direct state GOP". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  8. ^ Linskey, Annie (December 2, 2011). "MD GOP hires new executive director". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  9. ^ "Official 2008 Primary Election results for Congressional District 03". Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  10. ^ Bykowicz, Julie (January 5, 2010). "Candidate Watch: Ready to run". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  11. ^ a b "Official 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  12. ^ a b "Official 2010 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  13. ^ Ames, Blair (September 10, 2013). "Westminster's Ready makes re-election bid official". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  14. ^ Roubein, Rachel (June 25, 2014). "Ready, Shoemaker, Krebs to move on to District 5 November election". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  15. ^ "Gov.-elect Larry Hogan completes transition team". WBAL-TV. December 2, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  16. ^ "2012 Presidential Primary Election Results". Maryland State Board of Elections. May 2, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  17. ^ Hayes, Wiley (January 29, 2015). "Frazier, Ready and Wallace recommended for Senate seat". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  18. ^ Hayes, Wiley (February 2, 2015). "Hogan appoints Ready to Senate seat". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  19. ^ Dresser, Michael (February 2, 2015). "Two new Republican senators take their seats". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  20. ^ Mann, Alex (June 26, 2018). "Incumbent delegates secure 'Team Hogan' win in District 5 primary". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  21. ^ Leckrone, Bennett (January 7, 2021). "Senate Shuffles Committee Assignments as Session Approaches". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  22. ^ Bateman, Madison (October 5, 2021). "Carroll County's Justin Ready elected minority whip by Republican caucus of Maryland Senate". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  23. ^ Fritze, John (April 9, 2016). "Maryland could help pick presidential nominees, for a change". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  24. ^ Gaines, Danielle E. (April 21, 2016). "Cruz appeals to conservatives in Frederick as Maryland primary nears". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  25. ^ Norris, Heather (November 9, 2016). "Carroll officials react to Trump's historic presidential victory". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  26. ^ Dance, Scott; Janesch, Sam (July 24, 2022). "With far-right Dan Cox at top of ticket, choices for Maryland Republican leaders are fraught: vow support, push back or stay quiet?". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  27. ^ Janesch, Sam (September 6, 2022). "Maryland Senate GOP leader declines to endorse gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox during election push". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  28. ^ Bykowicz, Julie (February 8, 2011). "Baltimore Democrat joins the House tea party". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  29. ^ Kurtz, Josh (January 8, 2020). "National Conservative Group Rates Lawmakers on 2019 Votes". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  30. ^ Mann, Alex (January 9, 2019). "As 2019 General Assembly session gavels in, Carroll lawmakers review legislative priorities". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  31. ^ Blubaugh, Bob (January 12, 2021). "Members of Carroll County's legislative delegation focusing on business, health care, crime, election security bills". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  32. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (March 2, 2023). "Republicans revisit former Gov. Larry Hogan's crime bill, support legislation endorsed by new Baltimore prosecutor". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  33. ^ a b Keller, Mary Grace (January 3, 2020). "Carroll County legislators express concern Kirwan Commission will be 'boondoggle,' criticize Baltimore schools". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  34. ^ Wood, Pamela (January 25, 2022). "Maryland advocates push for ban on unregistered 'ghost' guns". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  35. ^ Ericson, Edward Jr. (March 25, 2015). "Human trafficking bill withdrawn in state Senate". Baltimore City Paper. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  36. ^ Mann, Alex (February 21, 2019). "Laura and Reid's Law would allow prosecution in murder of nonviable fetus; pro-choice group opposed". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  37. ^ Wood, Pamela (June 22, 2020). "Man accused of killing woman, girl in Baltimore charged under new law covering violence against pregnant women". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  38. ^ Mann, Alex (February 22, 2019). "Carroll County sheriff, state's attorney testify in support of law enforcement protection bill". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  39. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (February 22, 2023). "After delay, Maryland Senate confirms Vincent Schiraldi as head of juvenile services". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  40. ^ Cox, Erin; Loricchio, Lauren (May 14, 2015). "Guthrie 'disappointed' that state funding won't go to schools". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  41. ^ Broadwater, Luke; Wood, Pamela (February 7, 2019). "Maryland Gov. Hogan fights back against lawmakers over post-Labor Day school year start". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  42. ^ Keller, Mary Grace (October 20, 2019). "Considering Kirwan: Carroll politicians fear repeat of Thornton commission; MSEA supports recommendations". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  43. ^ Keller, Mary Grace (February 20, 2020). "Carroll County elected officials oppose proposed sales tax expansion to fund Kirwan upgrades". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  44. ^ Spence, Molly Fellin (February 10, 2022). "Carroll County lawmakers call on State Board of Education to immediately rescind 'unscientific' school mask mandate". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  45. ^ Smith, Thomas Goodwin (February 19, 2023). "Sen. Justin Ready sponsors proposed bill to establish fundamental parents' rights". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  46. ^ Dresser, Michael; Wood, Pamela (April 7, 2016). "Automatic voter registration bill killed in Senate". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  47. ^ Mann, Alex (March 7, 2019). "Carroll Republicans say proposed 6th Congressional District Map is step in the right direction". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  48. ^ Whitlow, James (June 17, 2021). "Advocates for political redistricting in Harford and Carroll recommend equal representation, keeping communities together". The Aegis. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  49. ^ Stole, Bryn; Wood, Pamela (December 6, 2021). "Maryland lawmakers convene special session to approve new congressional boundaries". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  50. ^ Blubaugh, Bob (February 4, 2021). "Ready among Maryland Senate Republicans proposing election safeguards". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  51. ^ Leckrone, Bennett (February 4, 2021). "Senate Republicans Announce Voter ID, Signature Verification Bills". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  52. ^ Bateman, Madison (February 19, 2022). "Carroll County legislators join other Republicans to introduce package of election safeguard bills in General Assembly". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  53. ^ Greenfield, Sherry (August 28, 2024). "Carroll lawmakers push to pass law requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  54. ^ Kelvey, Jon (March 24, 2018). "Carroll officials offer mixed response to firearms legislation". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  55. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (March 25, 2019). "Senate Votes to Eliminate Handgun Permit Review Board". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  56. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (June 23, 2022). "Supreme Court strikes New York gun law in major ruling with implications for Maryland's own concealed carry law". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  57. ^ Figueroa, Ariana; Kurtz, Josh (June 23, 2022). "U.S. Supreme Court Gun Rights Decision Has Major Implications for Md. Concealed Carry Law". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  58. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (March 15, 2023). "Maryland House, Senate advance concealed carry gun bills in response to U.S. Supreme Court ruling". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  59. ^ Mann, Alex (October 11, 2018). "District 5 General Assembly hopefuls discuss state, Carroll issues at candidate forum". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  60. ^ Cox, Erin (March 16, 2017). "Despite Hogan veto threat, Maryland Senate approves paid sick time proposal". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  61. ^ Wood, Pamela (March 22, 2019). "Medically assisted suicide bill advances in Maryland, but with changes that frustrate advocates". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  62. ^ George, Alisha (September 16, 2012). "Explaining the Maryland DREAM Act, referendum question four". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  63. ^ "Year in Review: Carroll reacts to proposal to house immigrant children". Carroll County Times. December 26, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  64. ^ Wood, Pamela (April 7, 2017). "Bill to limit police involvement in immigration advances in Maryland Senate". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  65. ^ Keller, Mary Grace (February 12, 2020). "Bill from Carroll County senator requires cooperation with ICE; sheriff says that already happens locally". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  66. ^ Stole, Bryn; Wood, Pamela (December 7, 2021). "Maryland lawmakers restrict cooperation with federal immigration agencies, advance new congressional maps". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  67. ^ Wood, Pamela (February 19, 2021). "Maryland senators advance tax credit for non-citizens left out of the RELIEF Act". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  68. ^ Ford, William J.; Kurtz, Josh; Sears, Bryan P.; Zorzi, William F. (March 20, 2023). "Lawmakers churn through hundreds of bills on drama-free 'Crossover Day'". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  69. ^ Gaines, Danielle E. (March 19, 2019). "Second Senate Panel Votes OK's Abolishing Handgun Board as Reluctant Zirkin Provides Pivotal Vote". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  70. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (September 22, 2020). "Senate Republicans, ACLU Knock Proposed Police Reform Legislation". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  71. ^ Bateman, Madison (July 7, 2021). "Carroll County lawmakers lament over 'one size fits all' police reform bills". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  72. ^ Greenfield, Sherry (February 12, 2023). "Proposed state bill could help Carroll police departments shoulder the high costs of body cameras". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  73. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (March 9, 2023). "Maryland Senate approves bill to give attorney general more prosecutorial powers". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  74. ^ Knauer, Carrie Ann (September 23, 2012). "Religious beliefs, concerns about family life reasons given for not supporting same sex marriage". Carroll County Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  75. ^ "Carroll County school board vote banning LGBTQ+ pride flags prompts battle on social media among politicians". Carroll County Times. June 12, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  76. ^ Witte, Brian (March 5, 2024). "Maryland Senate approves legal protections for gender-affirming care". Associated Press. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  77. ^ Anderson, Jessica (December 27, 2018). "State senators write brief in support of Bladensburg's Peace Cross". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  78. ^ Broadwater, Luke; Wood, Pamela (April 3, 2019). "21 and up: Maryland General Assembly passes bill banning young adults from buying tobacco, nicotine products". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  79. ^ Wood, Pamela (July 1, 2021). "These new Maryland laws go into effect today, from ending the state song to addressing 'period poverty'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  80. ^ Stole, Bryn (March 30, 2022). "Bill to expand Maryland abortion access heads to Gov. Larry Hogan's desk". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  81. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (March 10, 2023). "Abortion referendum bill advances, would give voters choice in 2024 of enshrining access in state constitution". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  82. ^ "Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 2, 2014.
  83. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator". Maryland State Board of Elections. July 31, 2018.
  84. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 11, 2018.
  85. ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 7, 2022.
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