March 25, 2026 · Maryland faces $1.4B budget deficit in Session 2026 · 406 words · 4 speakers · 12 segments
House Republicans want to create an investigative committee that would have subpoena power. They say it's not unprecedented, but it hasn't been done in 20 years.
A legislative oversight panel finds that SHA charged 360 million in expenses to the feds to hide a transportation deficit of state audit charges. The Labor Department missed a chance to recover $760 million and overpaid unemployment benefits. Another audit determined the state failed to protect some of the foster children in its care.
It feels like at any moment we could learn of another state agency flouting the rules or perhaps even the law.
Republicans plan to introduce a resolution to create an investigative committee to dive into state fraud and waste. They stopped short of rolling out a legislative agenda, instead announced the theme in which their bills will be framed.
Themes of accountability, taking responsibility for what you're supposed to do, and affordability.
House GOP lawmakers will introduce legislation to reform foster care to make it easier to generate more energy in the state. Juvenile justice reform measures are on their agenda. And they will introduce redistricting legislation calling for an impartial committee to redraw maps in compact compatible districts. Republicans and Democrats will be grappling with a projected $1.4 billion deficit. It will be a work in progress the entire session, but pledges of no new or increase in taxes are already being made.
No, our focus is going to be on living within our means. I don't expect any taxes.
Lawmakers will be addressing controversial issues such as immigration. Democrats are eager to rein in federal enforcement. A bill has already been drafted to ban 287 agreements with ICE that allows agents to pick up illegals from jails. The governor's push for mid cycle redistricting may be too late to pass this session.
The window for action has closed. We are already too close to the deadline.
A bill has already been drafted to address juvenile crime. Child advocates want youth charged with certain crimes to start in the juvenile system rather than the adult.
So today in Maryland, there are 33 offenses which you can automatically be charged as an adult. What my bill simply does is shift that decision making to the judge.
The legislative session begins at noon tomorrow. The governor is expected to roll out his balanced budget proposal next week. Reporting from the Statehouse, David Collins, WBAL TV 11 News.