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Maryland lawmakers aim to pass opioid bills
Legislators in the General Assembly are pushing to pass a number of bills directed at the heroin and opioid epidemic in the state before the year’s legislative session ends in two weeks. At least 30 bills address the crisis, which polling shows affects one-third of state residents, with much of the legislation focused on prevention, treatment, law enforcement, insurance coverage and public awareness. Many of the proposals have bipartisan support. [Washington Post]
Zika virus still a concern with five Maryland cases this year
There have been five cases of Zika logged in Maryland this year, and state health officials advise vigilance about the virus. The cases occurred among travelers. Adults, especially pregnant women, should be watchful of mosquito bites and should be cautious about visiting countries where the virus is actively transmitted, largely in Central and South America. [Baltimore Sun]
Law could punish slow drivers in left lane
The Maryland Senate will vote on a bill, already approved by the House of Delegates, that would punish drivers who travel slowly in left lanes. Pointing to the safety risks and bottlenecking traffic, supporters say the legislation would aid traffic flow, while detractors say speeding is a more pressing concern. The bill would only affect numbered highways with speed limits over 55 mph, including 270 and the Beltway. [WTOP]
States adds 11,500 jobs in February
Maryland added 11,500 jobs last month, rounding out the strongest three-month growth in jobs since the Great Recession. Although unemployment is steady at 4.2 percent, Maryland jobs have increased by close to 60,000 last year, the highest year-over-year growth since 2011. [AP]
Montgomery Planning looks at converting aging office buildings into apartments
Just as the Octave in Silver Spring was converted from an unused office high-rise to a residential building with fast-selling condos, other empty office spaces could go through a similar redefinition. These tall structures in downtown city spaces are often too expensive to demolish entirely, but they can be given new life as living quarters in walkable areas where parking is not a necessity. [Montgomery Planning]
Some rain and fog in the mix
The National Weather Service shows scattered showers throughout the day and a chance of thunderstorms after 2 p.m. There could be fog in the morning, but it should clear up. A high near 74 is expected during the day and a low near 56 at night.
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