Latest news with #MotorVehicleAdministration
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Maryland emissions testing fee increasing from $14 to $30 on July 1
Vehicle emissions inspection costs in Maryland are slated to increase from $14 to $30 on July 1, part of a package of higher taxes and fees passed by the General Assembly as lawmakers sought to offset a deep budget deficit. The Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program, also known as VEIP, requires vehicle owners to undergo emissions testing every two years to reduce air pollution, according to the state's Motor Vehicle Administration. Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said earlier this year that the VEIP fee has not increased since 1997. The funds raised will increase revenue to the transportation trust fund, which has funded the Maryland Department of Transportation since its creation in 1971. The extra revenue will go towards major transportation projects, such as improving I-81 and U.S. 15, state officials said. 'Democrats in Annapolis continue to punish drivers with gas vehicles,' Republican Del. Ryan Nawrocki said in a post on Facebook, pointing to the higher emissions inspection fee. Next week, the Maryland Board of Public Works is expected to approve a new contract for Envirotest Corp. to manage the VEIP stations and self-service kiosks in 13 of the states 23 counties and Baltimore City, according to the meeting agenda. Have a news tip? Contact Irit Skulnik at iskulnik@ or on X as @irit_skulnik
CBS News
6 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Dozens of new laws just took effect in Maryland, impacting DUI penalties, payouts to sex abuse survivors and more
Dozens of laws took effect in Maryland on June 1, impacting DUI penalties, payouts to the victims in cases of sexual abuse cases, and more. Here's a look at some of the changes. Sexual abuse survivors Sexual abuse survivors in Maryland now face caps on court compensation after revisions to the Child Victims Act took effect Sunday. HB1378 limits payouts to $400,000 for abuse claims involving public institutions and $700,000 for claims against private institutions. Attorney fees are also capped at 20% for cases settled out of court and 25% for cases that go to trial. Governor Wes Moore signed the revisions into law in April. The changes come as juvenile detention facilities across Maryland face multiple lawsuits from abuse survivors. The original Child Victims Act allowed payouts up to $890,000 from public institutions and $1.5 million from private institutions. The new caps represent significant reductions from those amounts. The revisions also establish specific limits on attorney fees for the first time. Punishments increase for DUI convictions Maryland drivers convicted of driving under the influence now face stiffer penalties under HB388. The Motor Vehicle Administration will assess 12 points against anyone's license for DUI convictions involving alcohol or other drugs. Baltimore City will now increase its speed cameras along Interstate 83 from two to four under HB913. Healthcare and housing changes Several laws expand healthcare protections and access. HB1045 classifies gender-affirming healthcare as "legally protected health care" in Maryland and makes it not subject to disclosure laws. Health insurers must now permanently cover telehealth visits under HB869, known as the Preserve Telehealth Act of 2025. HB390/SB327 allows county governments to exempt rental housing properties from property taxes if owners maintain at least 25% of units as affordable housing and enter payment agreements with counties. Other notable changes HB102 delays the Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program launch 18 months to January 1, 2027. HB910/SB911 increases property tax exemptions for blind individuals from $15,000 to $40,000. HB402/SB307 raises Anne Arundel County's student board member scholarship from $8,000 to $15,000. HB412/SB337 requires local election boards to provide meeting agendas at least 48 hours in advance and offer live video streaming of open meetings. Maryland also gained two new official state symbols under SB764. Chromite becomes the state mineral, and the orange crush becomes the state cocktail.
CBS News
08-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Proposed bill would allow Marylanders to disclose nonapparent disabilities on their IDs
BALTIMORE -- A proposed bill in Maryland would allow residents to disclose "nonapparent disabilities" on their driver's licenses or identification cards. Eric's ID Law, or HB707, would require the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to add a certain symbol to licenses, ID cards or moped permits indicating that the applicant has a nonapparent disability. The idea was proposed by a Maryland family during an appearance on ABC's "The View," The Baltimore Banner reported. The Carpenter-Grantham family had the idea after the 2020 murder of George Floyd which sparked protests across the nation. "I realized that I have an African American son with an invisible disability," mother Linda Carpenter-Grantham said during the TV appearance. The bill was introduced in the state Senate during the 2024 legislative session but missed a deadline in the House. The proposed bill would require the MVA to establish public outreach programs to educate the public about the new symbols or notations. The MVA would work with disability advocates to design the symbols. The MVA would be prohibited from sharing information about an applicant's disabilities. The bill would also prevent the MVA from asking an applicant to provide proof of their disability or reject an application because the listed disability does not match other documents associated with the applicant. Under the bill, the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission and Department of State Police would have to immediately implement training for police interactions with those who have nonapparent disabilities noted on their IDs. The bill will be the subject of a hearing on Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. What is a nonapparent disability? According to the proposed bill, a nonapparent disability is a health condition that is not immediately obvious or visible, this could include developmental or intellectual disabilities. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), common nonapparent disabilities are anxiety and depression, Alzheimer's, deafness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder/attention deficit disorder (ADHD/ADD), and diabetes among others. People with developmental disabilities are about seven times more likely to encounter law enforcement than neurotypical individuals, according to a 2001 study by the Department of Justice.
