Call to Action
MD 2021 Legislative Session Starts Wednesday, January 13 2021
January 13, 2021
News & Events
Human Rights Campaign 2020 Municipal Equality Index Report
December 9, 2020
☰ Menu
Home
Who We Are
Mission & History
Board
Board Members Emeritus
Leadership Team
Staff
What We Do
Training and Education
Trainings & Clinics
Request Training
Legal Services
Policy Advocacy
Youth Equality Alliance
Donate
Campaign for LGBTQIA+ Equity
Become an Event Sponsor
Leadership Circle
Leadership Circle Members
Maryland LGBTQ Legal Defense Fund
Let It Be Known
GET INVOLVED
Pro-Bono Attorney Application
Internship Opportunities
Youth Board Member Application
The Open To All Campaign
Our Issues
Name and Gender Change for Transgender and Non-Binary Individuals
Access to Quality, Affirming, and Inclusive Health Care
Education and Youth Policy
Non-Discrimination Policies
Criminal Justice
Family and Relationship Recognition
2021 Legislative Session Tracker
Advocacy in Action
RESOURCES
Request Legal Help
Maryland Administrative Gender Change FAQ
Pushing Back: A Blueprint for Change
Fairness for All Marylanders Act (FAMA) Toolkit
Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Youth in Maryland
Join Our Email List
News & Events
Careers
2020 Legislative Session Update
COVID-19 Early Session Closure and LGBTQ Policy Updates
Due to the public health crisis, the 2020 legislative session closed early and will tentatively reconvene in May. The abbreviated session meant that several of the bills we saw great momentum on did not make it across the finish line. FreeState Justice and our partners are eager to continue advancing policies to improve the lives of Maryland’s LGBTQ community. Learn more about our victories and progress below:
Passed:
SB0207/HB0206
: Unaccompanied Minors in Need of Shelter and Supportive Services
SB0735/HB0081
: Repealing sodomy law
SB633/HB541
: Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission – Training Requirements – Hate Crimes
SB0206/HB0242
: Easing ability to vacate offenses related to human trafficking
SB0738/HB1120
: Health care provider and benefit plans non-discrimination protections
Did not pass due to early adjournment:
SB0554/HB0488
: Panic Defense Ban – passed in the House of Delegates
HB0706
: Establishing Maryland Commission on LGBTQ Rights – passed in the House of Delegates
SB0993/HB1204
: Inclusive Schools Act – passed in the House of Delegates
HB1010
: LGBTQ Seniors Bill of Rights
HB0427
: Waiver of publication requirement for name change – passed in the House of Delegates
Received an unfavorable committee report:
HB0639
: Public Health – Health Care Professionals – Cultural Competency Coursework or Training
SB0401/HB1147
: Single-occupancy public restrooms availability (The Accessible to All Act)
The 2020 Maryland Legislative Session will tentatively reconvene in May. We are paying close attention to its developments and will continue to fight for the LGBTQ-inclusive bills that did not pass at our first opportunity.
Tags
lgbtq
outreach
SHARE THIS ARTICLE