The 2023 session of the Maryland General Assembly ended on Monday night. When all was said and done, legislative leaders in the Democratically controlled houses, along with the state’s new governor, declared victory.
“It’s not only the most successful first session for any new governor… [but] we’d argue that it’s the most successful… session for a governor, period,” enthused Gov. Wes Moore said at an afternoon press conference with fewer than eight hours left to go.
Moore did caution that, “nothing’s done until it’s done.” And there was indeed plenty more to do on this year’s adjournment day.
In the end, lawmakers approved the regulatory framework for the sale of recreational cannabis when it becomes legal July 1, passed more restrictive handgun laws over multiple attempts by Republicans to water down the proposals, established a new state authority to oversee thoroughbred horse racing, and expanded the size of the Maryland Stadium Authority board to 11, to include a seat for Prince George’s County.
