The resurging coronavirus pandemic is forcing a culture shift in the state capital of Annapolis, where in past years the business of lawmaking happened in impromptu hallway meetings and during dinner receptions almost as often as in hearing rooms.

The Maryland Senate’s new Republican leaders are more conservative than their predecessors ― but say they still plan to collaborate with their Democratic colleagues during the 2021 legislative session.

A proposal to limit the governor’s authority to impose a state of emergency in practically unlimited 30-day periods is being derided by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan.

The session starts as the pandemic continues to pummel businesses, who are looking for relief.

While he continues to run the day-to-day operations of Anne Arundel County government ― including the local COVID-19 response ― and begins to plot his 2022 reelection campaign, County Executive Steuart Pittman (D) is pressing ahead with plans for his new statewide political advocacy group, Future Matters.

Gov. Larry Hogan Monday said he will push for $1 billion in aid to businesses and individuals struggling financially as the coronavirus pandemic moves into a 10th month.

Maryland State Del. Kris Valerrama said she knows what it’s like to be questioned for taking leave to care for her children and aging mother. Valderrama is joining Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Baltimore City) to sponsor the “Time to Care Act” which establishes a family and medical leave insurance program that employees may take up to 12 weeks of paid leave in Maryland.

Democrats intend to override Republican Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr.’s veto of a 10-year multibillion-dollar education reform effort, but it may not happen until the middle of the General Assembly session.

The Maryland State Police is preparing for the possibility of violence at the State House in Annapolis next week, after officials received an FBI bulletin that warned of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

As we transition to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, veto overrides to enact the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and other important legislation that supports education and equity must be a priority when the General Assembly convenes.

Maryland officials said security will be heighted around the State House and capital complex, as the FBI warned Monday of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C., in the days ahead.

In Maryland and beyond, those who once bragged about overrunning the Capitol are now deleting their photos and falling silent.