Annual Founders Day Luncheon at Bistro 11
Saturday, March 21, 2026 11:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.
13208 Fountain Head Plaza, Hagerstown
Speaker will be Emily Becker, National Park Ranger and 4 time AAUW scholarship recipient.
Lunch will be ordered from the menu.
RSVP to Charlotte by March 18.
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Public Policy Update
Denise Fry, Public Policy Vice President
The Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women (MLAW) has announced its 10 top legislative priorities for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, focusing on health care, reproductive rights, economic justice, and safety for women and families.
The 2026 MLAW agenda includes several key bills aimed at protecting women and families. These include legislation to protect sexual assault survivors from retaliatory lawsuits and ensure student safety by prohibiting sexual conduct between School Resource Officers and students. MLAW is also supporting bills to strengthen protective orders to facilitate firearm removal from abusers and require automatic redaction of victims’ names in court documents.
Further priorities involve protecting the privacy of data related to abortion and gender-affirming care medication and providing comprehensive rehabilitation for incarcerated women, many of whom are survivors of sexual assault. Economic justice is addressed through a bill allowing victims of financial abuse to be freed from debt caused by abusers. Additionally, MLAW supports legislation to prevent the criminalization of individuals for pregnancy outcomes and to extend the time between temporary and final protective orders, clarifying the availability of reimbursement for abuse-related costs. The agenda also includes efforts to limit or prohibit 287(g) agreements that deputize local law enforcement for ICE enforcement activities.
Additional Focus Areas: MLAW is also supporting a pilot program to create a network of vetted substitute caregivers to help stabilize childcare centers. The organization addresses a broad spectrum of issues, including economic security, domestic violence, and healthcare access.
The legislative session is in its infancy, and much can change/happen. Updates will be made as information becomes available.
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Membership Renewal forms: AAUW 2025-26 membership form
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AAUW’s Mission
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.
AAUW’s Value Promise
By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women and girls have a fair chance.
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