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January 2021 legislation goes into effect in Maryland

January 2nd, 2021 by WCBC Radio

With the new year just around the corner, some D.C.-area jurisdictions have new laws on the books. Here’s a brief compilation of laws and regulations slated to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021, or shortly thereafter.

Maryland

Minimum wage increase: Minimum wage in Maryland is rising from $11 an hour to $11.75 an hour, effective Jan. 1, for businesses with 15 or more employees. For businesses with 14 or fewer, it’s rising from $11 an hour to $11.60 an hour. Maryland state wage minimums will be applied to Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, where it previously didn’t.

Plastic bag fee in Baltimore: If you’re shopping without bringing your own bag in Baltimore, expect to be charged five cents each time you use one starting Jan. 13. One cent will be claimed by the city for efforts to mitigate plastic bags.

Prostate cancer screening: Health care providers can’t charge patients copays or deductibles for prostate cancer screenings.

Impounded vehicles in Prince George’s County: Starting Jan. 4, owners will have to pay outstanding parking violations and traffic citations before they can retrieve their vehicle.

In vitro fertilization: The bill specifies the coverage qualification requirements for unmarried patients and alters the requirements for married patients seeking to receive IVF. Generally, the state makes qualification for coverage easier for patients who have not been able to get pregnant during sustained periods of unprotected sex and after multiple attempts using artificial insemination.

Workweek guarantee: Montgomery County adopted a 30-hour workweek guarantee for janitors and other building maintenance staff in privately owned buildings. The bill was designed to expand health insurance to more workers. Beyond janitors, covered building staff include door attendants, concierges, security officers, handymen or superintendents not earning more than twice the living wage.

Scooter contact information: Low-speed motor and electric scooters must have a tactile display on each unit so a person who is blind or has low vision may contact the company.