A new law that takes effect Tuesday in Maryland honors the late Laura Wallen, who was killed by Tyler Tessier, the father of her unborn child.
The law, Laura and Reid’s Law — Wallen planned to name her son Reid — increases the sentences for crimes against women known to be pregnant. Wallen was from Olney and taught high school in Columbia. Tessier died by suicide last September as his trial was about to begin.
Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted about some of the other bills taking effect:
I was proud to sign a number of bills that will go into effect tomorrow, many of which are essential to the safety and security of Marylanders. pic.twitter.com/YqOZWWiqyh
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) September 30, 2019
Grace’s Law 2.0 is a precedent-setting measure to increase penalties for cyberbullying with the intent to induce a minor to commit suicide. It is named in honor of 15-year-old Grace McComas, who died tragically as a result of vicious cyberbullying.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) September 30, 2019
A new law will close loopholes in order to expand workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters. It is named for PG County firefighter Jesse McCullough, who passed away last year after a battle with cancer.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) September 30, 2019
Laura and Reid’s Law is named in honor of Howard County educator Laura Wallen and her unborn son. It increases sentences for those who commit crimes of violence against women they know or believe to be pregnant.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) September 30, 2019
In addition to the laws Hogan mentioned, another law is taking effect that changes the minimum age from 18 to 21 for Marylanders to buy tobacco products.
Maryland is also now allowing people to an unspecified gender option on their state identification.
NBC4 has mapped out all of the new laws taking effect on its website.
Previous Post:
https://www.mymcmedia.org/murder-of-pregnant-wallen-prompts-bill-that-would-allow-charges-when-younger-fetuses-are-killed/
https://www.mymcmedia.org/senate-approves-legislation-to-add-unspecified-gender-option-on-license/
