Maryland House of Delegates erupted into chaos as Republicans demanded that the Democratic House speaker, Adrienne A. Jones, cede control of the chamber. The Republicans were incensed that Jones steamrolled them in the final minutes of the annual session to pass a bill related to cannabis, denying the minority party a tactic it often deploys to run out the clock. The influential Maryland Legislative Black Caucus is “demanding an apology for the disrespect” shown to Jones, said Del. Jheanelle K. Wilkins (D-Montgomery), the caucus chair.
The Maryland House of Delegates descended into chaos with just six minutes left in the session as Republican delegates shouted at Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, objecting to legislation at the top of Democrats’ lists. The House passed a bill banning people from carrying firearms at certain public locations, like schools, bars, and restaurants, and a bill prohibiting law enforcement officers from conducting traffic stops and searches based solely on the odor of cannabis. The House never got to the next bill on the agenda, and the session ended with Republican delegates moving toward the exits at the back of the chamber. Maryland Legislative Black Caucus Chair Jheanelle Wilkins demanded a public apology for the disrespectful and out-of-order outburst directed at Jones.
