The Washington Area Women’s Foundation has a round-up of new laws affecting women and girls in Maryland and Virginia. Two highlights: In Virginia, “Domestic violence victims will be able to extend protective orders obtained in cases of family abuse or stalking” for two years, with no limit on the number of extensions. And in Maryland, the “Kids First Express Lane Eligibility Act” will use tax records to “identify families with children who may be eligible for Medicaid or the Maryland Children’s Health Program,” in an effort to encourage eligible families to apply for those benefits.

Photo via steakpinball, Creative Commons Attribution License 2.0