Criminal Law – Sexual Crimes – Definition 

Bill Number: SB 667 and HB 1310
Synopsis: The bill would revise the definition of sexual act to include penetration with fists, fingers, toes, etc., putting them in the same category as penetration with an object.
Committee(s): Senate Judicial Proceedings and House Judiciary
Lead Sponsor(s): Senator Jennie Forehand and Delegate Kris Valderrama 
Lead Group(s): Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Lisae Jordan, Legislative Counsel, 443-995-5544
Outcome: SB 667 passed Senate.  No action in House Judiciary Committee.  

Unemployment Insurance – Tax Deferment, Trust Fund Solvency, and Cost-Neutral Modernization Act

Bill Number: SB 107 and HB 91 
Synopsis: Would adopt the alternative base period to include workers’ most recent earnings when calculating unemployment benefits and provide for training benefits. 
Committee(s): Senate Finance and House Economic Matters 
Lead Sponsor(s): The President (By Request - Administration)/Senator Thomas Middleton, et al and The Speaker
Lead Group(s): Job Opportunities Task Force.  Melissa Broome, Senior Policy Advocate, 410-234-8046 or 410-236-6079 (cell) 
Outcome:  Passed Senate and House.  Signed by the Governor.  

Family Law – Protective Order – Extension

Bill Number: HB 534 and SB 867 
Synopsis: Extends the term of a protective order up to two years when the respondent re-abuses the person eligible for relief during the term of the order. 
Committee(s): House Judiciary and Senate Judicial Proceedings
Lead Sponsors: Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher and Senator Anthony Muse 
Lead Group(s): Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence. Cynthia Lifson, Legislative Counsel, 410-531-1619 or Michaele Cohen, Executive Director, 301-352-4574
Outcome: Passed House and Senate.  Expected to be signed by the Governor.  

Collective Negotiations by Family Child Care Providers

Bill Number: SB 284 and HB 465 
Synopsis: Establishes collective bargaining rights for specified family child care providers who participate in the Maryland Child Care Subsidy Program.  
Committee(s): Senate Finance and House Economic Matters 
Lead Sponsor(s): The President (By Request - Administration)/Senator Rob Garagiola, et al and The Speaker and Delegate Tom Hucker, et al.
Lead Group(s): Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Mark McLaurin, Political Director, 240-477-9608 and Beth Myers, Child Care Division Director, 301-740-7100
Outcome:  Passed House and Senate.  Expected to be signed by the Governor.