|
Legislators. A constituent's State Senator or Dele-
gate, or the bill's sponsor often are the most effec-
tive source of information on proposed laws.
Department of Legislative Reference. The Library
and Information Services Division of the Depart-
ment provides information about the status of bills,
the legislative process, and the General Assembly.
Library & Information Services (410) 841-3810
DC area: (301) 858-3810
Other areas: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3810
TTY: (410) 841-3814, or (301) 858-3814
State House Information Desk (410) 841-3886
(ground floor) DC area: (301) 858-3886
During the legislative session, the Department issues
daily synopses of bills introduced. Synopses note pri-
mary sponsors, committee assignment, and section of
the Annotated Code of Maryland affected by the pro-
posed law. As with printed bills, Senate synopses are on
white paper, House synopses on blue. Issued weekly all
year, the Department's Committee Meetings and Hearing
Schedule shows times and places for legislative committee
meetings. It is useful especially during the legislative
session, listing what bills will be heard each day.
Synopses and hearing schedules are available at infor-
mation desks in the State House (ground floor) and
Legislative Services Building (basement). Copies of
bills and joint resolutions are found at the Bill Room
in the Legislative Services Building. A subscription
service for bills, synopses, proceedings, and hearing
schedules is available from
Legislative Sales, Room G-17
90 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 841-3885
DC area (301) 858-3885
other areas 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3885
|
Each April, immediately after adjournment of the
General Assembly, the Department of Legislative Ref-
erence prepares Session Review. This volume gives an
overview of issues considered, legislation passed, and
significant bills that failed. Copies may be purchased.
The Department also publishes legislative committee
reports, various indexes to bills, Final Status Report of
Proposed Legislation, Synopsis of Laws Enacted, journals
of both Senate and House, and Laws of Maryland
Office of Legislative Data Processing. By subscrip-
tion, the Office offers access to an online bill status
system, called the Maryland Legislative Informa-
tion System (MLIS). For subscription information,
call (410) 841-3900, or (301) 858-3900
Legislative Caucuses. Legislative caucuses track bills
of interest to their members and may issue newsletters.
The General Assembly has two formally organized
caucuses .The Maryland Legislative Black Caucus was
created in 1970. The Women Legislators of Maryland
began as the Maryland Chapter of the Order of
Women Legislators in 1972.
Maryland Legislative Black Caucus
Lowe House Office Building, Room 323
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 841 3328
(301) 858 3328
Women Legislators of Maryland
Lowe House Office Building, Room 200
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 841-3013
(301) 858-3013
Newspapers. During a legislative session, newspapers
often publish articles about bills introduced and public
hearing schedules of General Assembly committees.
|
