Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to authorize Maryland's attorney general to challenge actions by federal government.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate, commence, and prosecute or defend any civil or criminal suit or action that is based on the federal government's action or inaction that threatens the public interest and welfare of residents, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• Protecting the health of residents and ensuring the availability of affordable health care;

• Safeguarding public safety and security;

• Protecting civil liberties;

• Protecting financial security of the residents;

• Protecting the natural resources and environment of the state;

• Protecting the residents against illegal and unconstitutional federal immigration and travel restrictions.

• Requires the Attorney General, except under emergency circumstances, to provide the Governor with notice and an opportunity to review and comment on certain suits and actions before commencing such suits and actions (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the Attorney General to determine that emergency circumstances require the immediate commencement of a suit or an action to protect the public interest and welfare of residents (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Governor, except under emergency circumstances, to provide in writing reasons for certain objections to the Attorney General’s suit or action within 10 days (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Attorney General, under emergency conditions, to provide the Governor with notice of the suit or action as soon as reasonably practicable (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text