Governor Hogan announced the introduction of emergency legislation on social media earlier today.
His statement can be seen below:
“People are being shot nearly every single day in Baltimore City, and we have an obligation to do something about it right now. My full statement on the introduction of the “Violent Firearms Offender Act” and “Judicial Transparency Act” as emergency legislation.”
STATEMENT | DECEMBER 6, 2021
People are being shot nearly every single day in Baltimore City, and we have an obligation to
do something about it right now.
Today, our administration has introduced emergency legislation to require tougher sentencing for violent offenders, specifically those who continue to commit violent felonies with guns, and to bring greater transparency to the sentences handed down by judges for all violent crimes.
Passing these desperately-needed reforms has been a multi-year effort by our administration. An overwhelming majority of Baltimore City residernts, and all Marylanders, strongly support these bills. We have all waited long enough. City leaders, the city delegation, and all members of the General Assembly must finally work with us to make our neighborhoods safer and to get these violent shooters off the streets.
People are being shot nearly every single day in Baltimore City, and we have an obligation to do something about it right now. My full statement on the introduction of the “Violent Firearms Offender Act” and “Judicial Transparency Act” as emergency legislation: pic.twitter.com/Jp1MTwB4vR
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) December 6, 2021
Maryland State Legislators Pass Counseling Compact Bill
Maryland becomes the second state to pass legislation that will allow counseling practice across state lines.
This will allow for professional counselors licensed and residing in a compact member state to practice in other compact member states without the need for multiple licenses.
The bill is now awaiting Governor Larry Hogan’s signature.
Per the American Counseling Association
Alexandria, VA – On March 29, 2021, the Maryland state legislature passed the Counseling Compact— an interstate compact, or a contract among states, allowing professional counselors licensed and residing in a compact member state to practice in other compact member states without the need for multiple licenses. The bill is now being sent to Governor Hogan’s desk for signature.
In the fall of 2018, the American Counseling Association (ACA) Governing Council authorized more than $600,000 to fund the initiative solely. The National Center for Interstate Compacts leads the project. Once ten states have enacted the legislation, the Compact will go into effect, enabling professional counselors who meet uniform licensure requirements to quickly obtain a privilege to practice, which is equivalent to a license to practice counseling in another state.
The Georgia legislature passed the Counseling Compact on March 25, 2021, and is awaiting their governor’s signature. Nebraska and Tennessee both have bills that are being worked on at the committee level. North Carolina and Delaware legislators are currently drafting Counseling Compact bills for introduction.
“I am so proud to be a counselor in Maryland to see the incredible leadership the state has shown in enacting this legislation. Licensure portability has been a long time coming, and many in the profession didn’t think we would ever get it here. ACA seeing the legislation solution and keeping the focus on achieving this for professional counselors means it is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when,” said Dr. Lynn Linde, Chief Knowledge & Learning Officer. “This is a great accomplishment. We’ve seen that state by state – in core elements of education and experience – we are more similar than we are different.”
The Counseling Compact will allow licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines – both telehealth and in-person – and will increase client access, facilitate continuity of care when clients relocate, and promote cooperation among states in areas of licensure and regulation.
“We know that mental health resources and the services of licensed professional counselors are desperately needed across the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The pandemic has just reinforced this need. The Counseling Compact is a practical, efficient, and consumer-centric way to address the mental health needs of many Americans,” said Richard Yep, ACA CEO.
