In this week's episode of In Session, host Heather Mongilio and statehouse/county government reporter Steve Bohnel discuss the impact of the coronavirus on state politics. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and senior state officials announced sweeping measures this aimed to prevent the spread of the virus, including closing K-12 public schools for two weeks and prohibiting gatherings of more than 250 people, among several other actions. Statehouse leadership also announced several restrictions regarding access to the statehouse and Senate and House office. Per the state constitution, the state legislature must pass an operating budget, but it remains to be seen if the General Assembly will adjourn early for the first time since the Civil War. *NOTE: The In Session podcast, due to the coronavirus news, will likely be taking a hiatus for at least next week, and perhaps longer. Visit fredericknewspost.com for all the latest updates regarding the virus and how it's impacting Frederick County.

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In Session - March 14, 2020

In this week's episode of In Session, host Heather Mongilio and statehouse/county government reporter Steve Bohnel discuss the latest information about the coronavirus, which has been a topic of discussion among lawmakers in Annapolis. Later on in the episode, they discuss two bills involving local sponsors. One is from Sen. Ron Young (D-Frederick) mandating that elementary schools statewide allot 150 minutes total each week for physical education and recess. The other is cross-filed, with Del. Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick and Carroll) from the House of Delegates and Sen. Michael Hough (R-Frederick and Carroll) as local sponsors. They sat on a task force last year which included multiple stakeholders, all who tried to strengthen the state's criminal gang statute. Both Pippy and Hough said the proposal aims to tackle more white-collar crime statewide. They wrap up the episode by discussing a "signature move" of Del. Kumar Barve, chair of the House of Delegates' Environment and Transportation Committee.

In Session - March 4, 2020

In this week's episode of In Session, host Heather Mongilio and county government/statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel discuss a trio of local bills. Sen. Ron Young (D-Frederick), after some discussion with the Maryland Department of Transportation, has decided to move forward with a bill discussing commuter buses along I-270 from the city of Frederick area to Washington D.C. and northern Virginia. Then, they discuss a bill by Del. Dan Cox (R-Frederick and Carroll) which would provide relief to Thurmont and its residents by lessening their requirements for solar energy under the Clean Energy Jobs Act. Lastly, they discuss a bill by Sen. Young which would require more annual training for concealed carry handgun permit holders. The bill exempts law enforcement officers but was heavily opposed at a hearing last week. They also discuss the Kirwan legislation and some light moments involving Del. Haven Shoemaker (R-Carroll) and House Majority Leader Eric Leudtke (D) on the House floor Monday.

In Session - Feb. 19 2020

Host Heather Mongilio and county government/statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel discuss a bill proposed by Del. Karen Lewis Young (D-Frederick) involving biosafety level 3 laboratories. Then, they discuss a proposed change to the state's hate crime statute by Del. Dan Cox (R-Frederick and Carroll), which he proposed in response to a deadly assault at The Great Frederick Fair last year.  Other topics include higher education legislation by Del. Ken Kerr (D-Frederick) and a balloon release bill ban; a local county issue that has risen to legislation at the state level.

In Session - Feb. 13 2020

This week host Heather Mongilio and county/statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel sit down to discuss Frederick Day in Annapolis and what local officials are lobbying for from the state. From money for the Lake Linganore dredging to a new Frederick Police Department headquarters, we hear from members of the delegation as well as local officials.

In Session - Feb. 10 2020

This week host Heather Mongilio and county/statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel highlight a series of healthcare-related bills, ranging from reclassifying strangulation to a first-degree felony assault, a medical aid-in-dying bill, minors' access to some forms of contraceptives among others. Later in the episode, Mongilio and Bohnel discuss the Frederick County delegation, including a birthday tribute from Del. Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick and Carroll) to Del. Ken Kerr (D-Frederick) on the House of Delegates floor, but not without a minor hiccup that caused a bit of laugh in the chamber.

In Session - Jan. 30 2020

It’s week three of the Annapolis session. Delegates and senators are finalizing bills they hope to submit. But there are two legislative issues facing that aren’t exactly bill related. The first is $5 million that was once meant for a hotel and conference center. With it no longer going there, Sens. Michael Hough (R-Carroll and Frederick) and Ron Young (D-Frederick) have proposed different options, including water improvements in Brunswick and money for a new shelter. Mongilio, who has covered some of the proposed areas the money could go, and Bohnel talk about the different options and when it will be decided. The second is the 287(g) program. The controversial program has been the topic of much discussion in the county. Del. Karen Lewis Young and Young sent letters to the Attorney General’s Office about the program. Bohnel and Mongilio discuss the answers, potential next steps and what this means for the county. And always looking to end a long day in Annapolis on a good note, Bohnel mentions a resolution that announced the Catoctin Cougars as football champs.

In Session - Jan. 23, 2020

In the first episode of In Session for 2020, host Heather Mongilio speaks with county government and statehouse reporter Steve Bohnel about the Kirwan Commission, a well-known statewide initiative to improve public education. The two discuss how some of the current members of the Frederick County delegation view the issue, and what possible funding sources could be used. Later, they discuss Sen. Ron Young's assault weapons buyback program bill, which was recently withdrawn due to state police stating the bill would be costly. The episode wraps up with discussion of a bill which would make "The Land Mary-Land" by Tom Wisner the state song for children.

In Session - Jan 16, 2020

The 2019 legislative session came to a close on Monday with sad news that Michael Busch, speaker of the House of Delegates for 16 years, had died at age 72 from complications of pneumonia the day before. State house reporter and host Allen Etzler wrap-up this season of In Session by reviewing what bills made it through the General Assembly, a possible legal battle over prescription drug pricing and what freshman delegate impressed her most with his approach to legislation. Thanks for listening. 

In Session - Sine Die marks the end of the 2019 General Assemby

Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issues his first veto on three bills this session, and lawmakers turn around to override him within 24-to-48 hours. In this episode of In Session, state house reporter Samantha Hogan and host Allen Etzler discuss the surprise defeat of the medical aid-in-dying bill in the state Senate and gerrymandering as the U.S. Supreme Court hears the Maryland's second appeal to the highest court. They also hone in on what's still left to be done with just one more week left in the 2019 session.

In Session - March 29, 2019

In this special two-week update edition of In Session, state house reporter Samantha Hogan and host Allen Etzler discuss what bills are headed to the desk of Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and which ones are racing the clock. With approximately 17 days left in the General Assembly session, the House and Senate are making tough calls on what will bills to bring to a vote. The two chambers also hash out details on an operating and capital budget for the state. Listen to this episode to catch up on the minimum wage, tanning, redistricting and whether soy milk might someday not be able to call itself "milk" in Maryland.

In Session - March 22, 2019

The Maryland House of Delegates makes a landmark decision to pass a medical aid-in-dying bill by a slim majority this week in Annapolis. State house reporter Samantha Hogan and host Allen Etzler discuss what's next for this bill in the Senate, how legislation to ban plastic foam is moving in the House and the fate of the Handgun Permit Review Board. In this episode of In Session, we also hear about new legal grounds for divorce being considered by the House Judiciary Committee, and how men and women are differing in their reaction to it.

In Session - March 8, 2019

Leaders in Annapolis made so many decisions last week, we had to wait until Monday to tell you about it. Catch up with state house reporter Samantha Hogan and host Allen Etzler on the House of Delegates vote to approve a $15 minimum wage, end-of-life options leaving committee for the first time, surprising turns in the redistricting decision and what can be expected this week in the state capital.

In Session - March 4, 2019

Maryland lawmakers consider alcohol and gun laws this week in Annapolis. State house reporter Samantha Hogan and guest host Allen Etzler discuss the probability of local and state brewery bills passing and why the gun debate has already become complicated in this week’s edition of In Session. They also catch up on redistricting proposals for the 6th Congressional District, which could mean big changes for Frederick County.

In Session - Feb. 22. 2019

News-Post city editor Allen Etzler is joined by state government reporter Samantha Hogan, who calls in from Annapolis to update us on this week’s developments in the General Assembly. The two discuss a pair of bills that would allow the creation of which would authorize Maryland to establish up to six "overdose and infectious disease prevention sites,” possible bans of Styrofoam/Polystrene and restrictions of single-use straws and several other bills being considered by Maryland lawmakers.

In Session - Feb. 15, 2019

A series of podcasts covering politics and elections in Frederick County, Maryland.

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