Jill P Carter

Makes the Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Pilot Program a permanent program within the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Amends the principles of public higher education in the state to emphasize a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.

Expands the scope of the Catastrophic Event Account and the Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund to provide financial assistance to non-civilian federal employees.

Proposed increasing the sales-and-use tax on firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition from 6% to 11%.

Requires each community college to develop and implement a plan by August 1, 2025, to provide students with access to over-the-counter contraception on campus.

Expands the definition of "legally protected health care" to include gender-affirming treatments.

Proclaims October 5 annually as Dashain Day, codifying into law a Hindu religious festival in honor of Durga, the Universal Mother Goddess.

Establishes the Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention to "develop strategies to prevent and respond to hate crime activity" and "evaluate State laws and policies."

Directs the Maryland State Police Gun Center to track all firearms surrendered under final protective orders and creates a statewide database for law enforcement agencies to report information on individuals who surrender firearms.

Requires Medicaid, under the "Trans Health Equity Act," to provide coverage for "gender-affirming treatment" to all "transgender, nonbinary, intersex, two-spirit, and other gender diverse individuals."

Proposes to amend the Maryland Constitution to declare a "fundamental right" to "reproductive freedom," including but not limited to the ability to "prevent, continue, or end one's own pregnancy."

Authorizes a family court to grant an "absolute divorce" on the grounds of either a six-month separation between the parties or "irreconcilable differences" based on reasons stated by the complainant.