Maryland lawmakers look to plug in disconnected Marylanders Search By Jack Hogan COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Jan. 29, 2021)—Maryland state lawmakers aim to amend inequities in broadband internet access that the coronavirus pandemic has accentuated. "There's a great deal of urgency now," said Sen. Sarah Elfreth, D–Anne Arundel, the Senate sponsor for one of two related bills presented Tuesday to a House of Delegates committee. Broadband provides the high-speed internet access needed for online school, teleworking, telehealth appointments, access to court proceedings and, increasingly, social interaction. Kevin Kinnally, legislative director for the Maryland Association of Counties, said access is a statewide issue, affecting internet users in counties rural, urban and in-between.