American Gov

State governments are organized similarly to the federal government. In Maryland, the legislative branch is called the General Assembly (instead of Congress), and it includes the state Senate and the state House of Delegates (instead of the House of Representatives). Review the organization of the General Assembly at Organization of Maryland Assembly Review the new laws that took effect July 1, 2023 - Maryland Laws, 2023. (You can also review the laws taking effect on July 1, 2022 - Maryland Laws, 2022). Find one new law that interests you, and click on the blue link next to the law name. (HB stands for House Bill, and SB stands for Senate Bill.) Answer the following questions. (Remember that the assignments are not about personal opinions; instead, we are critically examining the viewpoints based on the context of the time – historically, political, social/cultural – not based on our modern views.) Question 1: What is the title of the new law you selected? Provide the URL from the mgaleg.maryland.gov website. Question 2: Explain the new law in one or two paragraphs. Question 3: What was the original committee or committees that reviewed the bill? Question 4: Click on the link next to Analysis - Fiscal and Policy Note. What is the fiscal impact? Question 5: What interested or surprised you about this new law? Question 6: How does this assignment relate to Module 6 (Chapters 14 and 15)? What did you learn? Be specific and refer to the textbook.

Sample Solution

Question 1:

Title of the new law: The Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Act of 2023

URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0001

Question 2:

The Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Act of 2023 legalizes the possession, cultivation, and use of cannabis for adults over the age of 21. The law also establishes a regulatory framework for the cannabis industry, including licensing and taxation.

Full Answer Section

The law allows adults to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower or 10 grams of cannabis concentrate in public. Adults can also cultivate up to six cannabis plants in their home, with a maximum of three plants flowering at any time.

The law creates a new Cannabis Commission to oversee the licensing and regulation of the cannabis industry. The Commission will issue licenses for cannabis cultivation, processing, retail sale, and testing. The law also imposes a 6% sales tax on cannabis products.

Question 3:

The original committees that reviewed the bill were the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

Question 4:

The fiscal impact of the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Act of 2023 is estimated to be positive for the state of Maryland. The Department of Legislative Services estimates that the state will generate $100 million in annual tax revenue from the cannabis industry. The law is also expected to create jobs and boost the state's economy.

Historical, political, social/cultural context:

The passage of the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Act of 2023 is a significant development in Maryland. The state is now the 19th state in the US to legalize recreational cannabis. The law's passage reflects the growing public support for cannabis legalization and the changing political landscape in Maryland.

The legalization of cannabis is a controversial issue, but there is a growing body of research that suggests that cannabis can have therapeutic benefits. Cannabis is also a relatively low-risk drug, and it is less addictive than alcohol or tobacco.

The legalization of cannabis is likely to have a number of positive impacts on Maryland. The law is expected to generate tax revenue, create jobs, and boost the state's economy. The law is also expected to reduce crime and improve public health.

Critical examination of viewpoints:

The legalization of cannabis is a complex issue with a variety of viewpoints. Some people support legalization because they believe that cannabis is a safe and beneficial drug. Others support legalization because they believe that it will reduce crime and improve public health. Still others support legalization because they believe that it is a matter of individual liberty.

There are also some people who oppose legalization. Some people are concerned about the potential negative health effects of cannabis use. Others are concerned about the potential for increased crime and addiction. Still others are concerned about the social and cultural implications of legalization.

It is important to consider all of the viewpoints on the issue of cannabis legalization before forming an opinion. It is also important to be aware of the potential positive and negative impacts of legalization.

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