As Maryland's 2024 Legislative Session gets underway, advocates are hoping state lawmakers consider bills that would improve access to care for low-income Marylanders, help reduce high-cost drug prices and reform prior authorization practices. Included in this public health conversation are two priorities from MCASA's legislative agenda:
Last legislative session, the Moore administration allocated $1 million in new general funding to community-based rape crisis centers. This year, MCASA is pushing for a continuation of that funding to face an increase in demand for crisis services following the pandemic and keep up with workforce challenges. It is critical that we maintain support for the core services that sexual assault survivors need.
MCASA also supports a bill that would create a statutory definition of consent and make it clear that people have the right to control who touches their body in a sexual manner. Sponsored by Delegate Emily Shetty and Senator Ariana Kelly, HB496 was introduced in the House this week, and the senate bill will be filed soon.
Read MCASA's full list of legislative priorities for 2024
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