A number of new and wide-reaching Montgomery County and Maryland laws have recently been implemented. These laws, both wide-reaching and controversial, first went into effect on Jan. 1.
In stores throughout Montgomery County, the newly enacted Bring Your Own Bag Law prohibits most plastic carryout bags. Shoppers who forget to bring a reusable bag have the option of purchasing a paper bag for 10 cents. There is an exception, however, for certain pharmacy and produce items.
“I think the new laws like the plastic bag ban are definitely a step in the right direction when it comes to the environment and protecting it,” Sherwood High School senior Mieraf Haile said.
The Zoning Text Amendment has additionally gone into effect in Montgomery County, altering how public benefits go into development projects within the county. Inclusive and innovative projects will likely now receive more support, in an effort to create a greater balance with infrastructure and neighborhood ones.
Montgomery County has also added on their policy regarding renters’ rights and housing policies. Renters now have an extended capability for reporting housing code violations, seeking repairs and pursuing implementation when landlords neglect serious problems, including mold, lack of heat and plumbing issues.
Newly implemented state-wide laws entail anything from employment, consumer and health policies. For one, rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are now required, in accordance with House Bill 861, to provide greater transparency to their drivers. This entails more detailed weekly earning summaries and data. In addition, per House Bill 1547, barbers and cosmetologists are now required to complete an hour of domestic violence awareness training when seeking a license or renewal; this includes recognition of the signs of domestic violence, how to listen to and support victims of domestic violence as well as resources and groups for the victims.
In terms of consumer protection laws, House Bill 936 now requires that healthcare providers send cancellation or non-renewal notices to customers at a minimum of 90 days prior. Notices must also include extra information on other health benefit coverage options. Additionally, House Bill 59 provides new protections to “heirs” living in family homes, including stopping properties from being sold at tax sales, establishing homeowner protections, implementing a registry for their properties and adjusting tax sale redemption policies.
A number of health-related laws have also been added, including those relating to screenings and pediatric transfers. As of the new year, firefighters employed by counties have coverage provided for free preventative cancer screenings (bladder, breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin, testicular, thyroid). Data is also now being compiled for future studies to investigate cancer diagnoses as they relate to firefighting. Furthermore, insurers are now, in accordance with House Bill 666, required to cover coronary calcium score testing, which can detect early heart disease.
For those between the ages of 2 and 22, House Bill 1301 now stops certain organizations from requiring prior authorization for transfer to a special pediatric hospital.
Although the wide variety of implemented laws have immediately sparked mixed reactions, they have regardless spurred both immediate and lasting effects that will likely become more evident in the coming weeks and months.
“I think local and state governments should continue to put funding and support towards it [new laws] and the community initiatives that advocate for them,” Haile said.
Written by Nisha Khatri
Graphic courtesy of Cathie Ngassam Ngouzo