Posted on 07/07/23
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD - July 7, 2023 - In the weeks following multiple mass shootings in Maryland, some eyes are now turning to Annapolis, watching and waiting to see if a special session will be called to address the tightening grip of gun violence on our state.
"Voters and citizens want to have an answer to this problem," said political analyst John Dedie.
"This has reached a level of crisis where Annapolis should come back into session and do something about it," said Sean Kennedy with the Maryland Public Policy Institute.
Three times this week, FOX45 News has sent questions to Governor Wes Moore's office, asking:
As of the time this article was published, we have not heard back.
"There's no change coming under Wes Moore. There's no special session, there's no plan," said Kennedy.
Meanwhile, special sessions are tackling issues elsewhere. FOX45 News’ research team found in the last year alone, 30 out of 50 states have held a “special” or “extraordinary” session.
For example, in Washington, lawmakers recently passed laws strengthening restrictions and penalties for illegal drug possessions, as well as establishing new treatment options for those struggling with addiction.
In Pennsylvania, lawmakers extended the statute of limitations on sexual assault cases.
In Idaho, lawmakers produced the largest tax cut in state history, while also increasing funding for education.
In South Carolina, lawmakers criminalized fentanyl trafficking with added gun penalties.
All were solutions discussed and delivered outside of normal legislative sessions. This, as Maryland’s capitol remains closed for the summer.