As not-for-profit, tax-exempt entities, The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation (JHHS) are required to comply with certain lobbying disclosure laws and ethics rules, and are prohibited as institutions from endorsing candidates or participating in political campaigns.

If you would like to assist an elected official or advocacy group in any way, please contact our office. We can provide practical guidance in all aspects of the policy-making process and anticipate any political landmines to ensure you are well-prepared. It is also possible that your participation may be construed as lobbying and/or as setting forth the position of Johns Hopkins. Unless you are explicitly authorized in advance to speak on behalf of Johns Hopkins, all testimony should be given on a personal basis, should not use Johns Hopkins letterhead, and should include the following disclaimer: �The opinions expressed herein are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Johns Hopkins University (or The Johns Hopkins Health System, as applicable).�

Please use Government and Community Affairs as a resource and, as a general rule of thumb, contact us whenever you plan to engage with a public official (includes any federal, state, or local elected or appointed official and relevant staff) in your capacity as a faculty or staff member of Johns Hopkins.


Session Opens

The Maryland General Assembly convened on Wednesday, January 11th, marking the opening of the 430th Legislative Session. Closure of the state�s $1.1 billion deficit is expected to be an overriding concern throughout the session; likely to affect the outcome of most issues which are raised. After 90 days of work, the legislature will adjourn on April 9th.

The presiding officers of each chamber were reelected to their leadership roles, making them the longest serving pair of presiding officers in the nation. In his acceptance remarks, the Speaker of the House recognized Adam Riess�s receipt of the Nobel Prize in Physics this year, mentioned that he is the 35th Nobel Prize winner from Johns Hopkins, and praised the state�s dedication to education and research efforts.

Some dates of major legislative importance include:
- January 18th: Deadline for the introduction of the Operating Budget Bill
- January 30th: Deadline for the introduction of the Capital Budget Bill
- February 1st: Governor scheduled to deliver the State of the State Address
- April 2nd: Deadline for the passage of the Budget Bill
- April 9th: General Assembly adjourns Sine Die

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BILLS INTRODUCED

General Education

HB0002 Public School Buildings - Carbon Monoxide Detection and Warning Equipment

This bill requires that carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment be installed during the construction or remodeling of public school buildings. Construction and remolding of public school buildings comply with the 2009 edition of the National Fire Protection Association�s Standard 720 related to the installation of carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment for commercial structures.

Effective Date: Emergency Measure
For more information, please contact: Delora Sanchez

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Health Care Facilities

SB0027 Health Care Facilities - Notification of Death of Resident Under Guardianship

This bill requires a �related institution� that is a comprehensive care facility or an extended care facility to, upon the death of a resident under guardianship, notify both the guardian and an interested family member. An �interested family member� is a family member of a resident under guardianship who has provided the facility with contact information. A nursing home fits within this definition of "facility".

The current law outlined in state regulations requires that in comprehensive care facilities and extended care facilities, a facility administrator (or the administrator�s designee) must notify the agency or relative responsible for a patient upon the patient�s death or transfer from the facility.

Effective Date: July 1, 2012
For more information, please contact: Nicki McCann

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Research/Human Subject

HB0015 Maryland Medical Marijuana Act

This bill authorizes the medical use of marijuana and creates a medical marijuana production and distribution system. DHMH is charged with oversight of the system. The bill creates the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board that will determine medical conditions that warrant the use of medical marijuana; provide recommendations to DHMH on the issuance of medical marijuana registry ID cards; and determine the amount of medical marijuana that providers can prescribe. Also creates �compassion centers� that will acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, deliver, transport, supply, or dispense marijuana. Qualifying patients will receive ID cards that will allow them to receive and possess a certain amount of marijuana. Designated caregivers are authorized to possess a certain amount of marijuana on behalf of qualifying patients. The bill provides protections for a qualifying patient, designated caregivers, and providers against arrest, criminal prosecution, or penalties. The bill protects qualifying patients from housing and employment discrimination. The bill does not authorize a person to undertake any task under the influence of marijuana when doing so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice.

Effective Date: June 1, 2012
For more information, please contact: Delora Sanchez

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Workplace Regulation

SB0016 Jury Service - Employers - Prohibited Acts

The bill prohibits an employer from requiring an individual to work on a day dunring which an individual spends more than 3 hours in responding to a summons or attending, or being in proximity to, a circuit court for jury service. An employer is prohibited from firing or coercing, intimidating, or threatening to fire an individual because the individual loses employment time in responding to summons or attending, or being in proximity to, a circuit court for jury service; or exercises a right to refrain from work.

Effective Date: october 1, 2012
For more information, please contact: Delora Sanchez


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