2. Baltimore

This will be the first legislative session since the death of Freddie Gray and the riots in Baltimore City. And Charm City is expected to be a focus this year. In addition to legislation that would change police policies, Democrats have a package of bills that includes initiatives for workforce training, improving education and addressing blight. How will Hogan address the needs of the city when many people in his base resent the money the state already sends?

3. Spending mandates relief

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Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-Calvert) said Tuesday it would be a “cold day in hell” before he will allow Hogan to get spending mandates relief, which he calls a “code word for cutting public education.”

4. Hogan’s response to social issues

Hogan ran a campaign based on cutting taxes and making government more efficient and business-friendly. He largely avoided the social issues that can make it hard for Republicans to be elected in blue states. This year, the legislature is poised to deal with bills that would require employers to pay for sick leave and another that would require them to set up retirement plans for their workers. The governor also has not taken a definitive stance on whether assisted suicide should be legalized, a bill that returns this year with Busch’s support.

5. Glimmers of bipartisanship

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While the session is expected to be filled with its share of acrimony, there are some areas where the Democratic-controlled General Assembly and Hogan are expected to agree: justice reinvestment; heroin treatment, and re-entry programs for former offenders.

6. Lawmakers running for other positions

More than a half dozen lawmakers are running for other offices and must juggle their legislative duties with continuing to campaign back in their districts before the April 26 primary. With the election just a couple of weeks after the end of the session, it could be a hectic 90 days for:

House Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga (R), who is running for U.S. Senate; State Senate Majority Leader Catherine Pugh (D-Baltimore), who is running for Baltimore mayor; and Sen. Jamie Raskin (D-Montgomery) and Dels. Kumar Barve (D-Montgomery), Dereck Davis (D-Prince George’s), Ana Sol Guttierez (D-Montgomery), Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-Prince George’s), and David Vogt (R-Frederick), all of whom are vying for congressional seats.

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7. Second-year lawmakers