ANNAPOLIS, Md. — As the 2019 session begins, we find a large freshman class of law makers, including the largest representation of women lawmakers in Annapolis ever.
Those freshman, along with the veterans of Annapolis, will find what might be a contentious year. It seems to be getting harder for Democrats and Republicans to agree on anything but one subject seems to have agreement on both sides of the isle.
"We got to do something about trying to assist the city with this violent crime situation," said Governor Larry Hogan.
The Governor and legislators have expressed the violent crime problem in Baltimore is becoming a bigger problem every year.
Delegate Nic Kipke says the crime problem is bigger than just one area.
"It's not just Baltimore City, it's a problem for the whole state. Everyone in the state has seen an increase in violent crime. We need to do everything that we can to address it," said Kipke.
Kipke says republicans will put forth some crime bills early in the session.
"Actually in Baltimore City crime is out of control. We're going to deal with root causes of crime but, we are going to put additional officers in Baltimore City," said President Mike Miller.
Miller is back for his 49th session and says Johns Hopkins University needs its own police force. He believes this would free up city police and also beef up crime protection on campus.
"We are going to allow Hopkins, just like Morgan, to have their own police force. Morgan University has it's own police force. Hopkins has three campuses in Baltimore City. It is the life blood of that side of Baltimore City, it's economic development and they need police protection," said Miller.
We will find out how the legislators and the Governor deal with crime 90 days from now when the session ends on April 8th.
