Dear Friends:
We hope your 2025 has gotten off to a good start. This month, we are focusing on some of the legal changes you should be aware of in the upcoming year.
If you have any questions or think you may need legal advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your Legal Team,
Steve Bienstock
Josh Bienstock
Sheila Gindes
Lisa Jennings
Carly Johnson
NEW LAWS IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC
A number of new laws went into effect January 1, 2025. Here are some you should be aware of:
Maryland
- Speed cameras will be added to work zones, and fines will increase for speeding in those areas.
- Hospitals are now required to be able to treat opioid overdoses.
- Health insurance companies are now required to provide coverage for adult hearing aids.
Washington, DC
- Right turns on red are now prohibited.
- Stores in DC are required to accept cash payments.
- Home visiting services will now be covered by Medicaid.
ESTATE PLANNING ALERT
Governor Wes Moore is proposing to reduce Maryland’s estate tax exemption from $5 million down to $2 million for the 2026 fiscal year. This may change some of your estate planning considerations. If you would like to review your estate plan and make sure your assets are protected, give us a call: 301-251-1600.
STAND-BY GUARDIANSHIPS
Under President Trump’s Executive Order your immigration status might put you in jeopardy of deportation. It is important that you are prepared. We can draw up a stand-by guardianship for those in your care, should you be forced to leave the country.
BELIEVE IT, OR DON’T!
- A woman in Japan caused 8 traffic accidents in 35 minutes. When arrested, she denied that she had even been driving a car.
- During inspections, Florida and Oregon police found drugs in bags labeled “DEFINITELY NOT A BAG FULL OF DRUGS” .
- A man in New Jersey was arrested for calling 911 seventeen times to ask police for a ride to the Wawa.
Do you have a question for us?
Are there any topics you would like to hear more about?
Email our Paralegal, Carly, at carly@bienstocklegal.com
or call us on 301-251-1600.