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MSBA Committee

Laws Committee

Laws Committee Mission

Laws Committee Purpose & Impact

When the committee identifies a bill of interest, aided by input from the appropriate MSBA member constituency, the committee analyzes the bill and determines which practice area the bill impacts. The committee solicits a recommendation from the impacted MSBA practice section.

The impacted section analyzes the bill and transmits back its recommendation to support, amend, oppose, or monitor the bill to the Laws Committee. The section may also include a statement accompanying its recommendation. Each section manages its decision-making process by its own rules.

The Laws Committee submits its analysis and recommendation, together with that of the impacted section, to the MSBA Board of Governors. The Board deliberates and votes on whether to adopt the committee’s recommendation. The Committee may then submit written or oral testimony, propose amendments, file informational letters, and/or monitor bill activity.

As the home of the legal profession, MSBA provides a strong voice and is a powerful advocate for our priorities on behalf of over 42,000 Maryland attorneys and legal professionals. A key component of the MSBA’s legislative advocacy effort is the Laws Committee, which monitors legislative activity for bills that could impact Maryland’s legal profession.

Legislative Priorities and Recent Successes Include:

  • Advocating for enhanced judicial and attorney security to preserve the administration of justice and to protect the legal profession and the public
  • Modernizing family law and reducing the financial burden on families through new no-fault grounds
  • Updating Maryland corporation code to better support and retain Maryland business entities, clients, and lawyers
  • Improving the probation before judgment process to no longer negatively impact a Marylander’s immigration matters or professional licenses
  • Securing millions of dollars in funding for Access to Counsel in Evictions program with A2JC
  • Updating intestacy law to secure rights for surviving domestic partners
  • Defeating proposed taxation on legal services
  • Providing testimony and advice on hundreds of bills that impact the profession and specific practice areas.

Contact Us: [email protected]

MSBA Engage

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