The MSBA, through its advocacy efforts in Annapolis, including the work of the MSBA-supported Maryland Access to Justice Commission, has successfully advocated for an increase in  annual funding for Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) from $2 million to $8 million.  These funds are critical to ensuring that deep cuts are not made to the civil legal aid delivery system at a time when demand for services is soaring. MLSC funds over 35 civil legal aid organizations in the state that provide life-saving services to Marylanders who are facing eviction, abuse and more. While this is a positive step, this alone will not be enough. A2JC and MSBA continue to push for other streams of funding for MLSC, even as we enter the last week of the legislative session.

Link to Bill: HB 514 – MD Legal Services Corporation – Abandoned Property, passed both Chambers of the General Assembly. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0514?ys=2021RS

Link to Maryland Access to Justice resources: https://mdaccesstojustice.org

Track the latest bills from the MSBA Legislative Action Center: https://www.msba.org/advocacy (sorted by law practice areas)

The MSBA monitors hundreds of bills each session and advocates on behalf of the profession. The ability to make a difference in Annapolis is just one of the many reasons we need all attorneys to belong to the MSBA to ensure we remain a strong and vibrant association. Thank you for your support.