Lawmakers are back in Annapolis for the annual 90-day legislative session, where they’ll take on a budget shortfall, a hostile administration in the White House and more.

Here’s what we’re watching today, Jan. 23:

  • Gov. Wes Moore traveled to Washington, D.C., yesterday to talk about redistricting with U.S. House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Moore is ratcheting up the pressure on Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, who opposes redistricting, to hold a vote on a new Congressional map. More details here.
  • A pair of bills aimed at restricting federal immigration enforcement in Maryland appear poised to sail through the General Assembly. The bills would ban masking by law enforcement and local cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Read more.
  • Moore declared a state of preparedness ahead of an upcoming winter storm that could dump snow across Maryland. He’s set to speak more about the state’s preparations Friday afternoon.

— Madeleine O’Neill

3:42 p.m.: Moore outlines danger of winter storm

Gov. Wes Moore traded his suit for a Maryland State Police zip-up on Friday, as he held a news conference urging Marylanders to get ready for the weekend snow storm.

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“Unless you have an emergency, plan to stay home starting tomorrow,” Moore said. Read more.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and state officials discuss preparations for an upcoming snow storm at the State house on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
Acting Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson, center, is joined by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and state officials to discuss preparations for the upcoming winter storm. (Pamela Wood/The Banner)

2:18 p.m.: No snow day — yet — for General Assembly

The General Assembly typically has a light schedule on Mondays, but several hearings and briefings have been moved online on account of the snow.

Both the Senate and House of Delegates are scheduled to meet in full sessions as usual on Monday night, but legislative leaders cautioned that could change based on the weather.

— Pamela Wood

1:47 p.m.: Redistricting fight intensifying

Redistricting is moving fast — at least in the House of Delegates, which introduced a new map on Friday with an online hearing scheduled for Monday.

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Meanwhile, redistricting proponent Gov. Wes Moore and redistricting opponent Senate President Bill Ferguson continue to trade words on the matter. Read more.

— Pamela Wood