Maryland General Assembly 2010

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• Health care bill among 170 signed into law by O'Malley
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley signed legislation focusing on health care into law on Tuesday, hours after the Maryland General Assembly adjourned. more »
• Foreclosure mediation bill approved on final day
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Mediation will be required between borrowers facing foreclosure and mortgage lenders if borrowers choose under a bill finalized Monday by lawmakers. more »
• Local projects included in final Md. budget
  ANNAPOLIS — The House of Delegates, during its last day of the legislative session Monday afternoon, gave final approval to the state’s capital budget for fiscal year 2011, securing funding for several local projects. more »
• Bills of local interest
  Editor’s note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us. more »
• Md. House approves operating budget
  ANNAPOLIS — During a rare Saturday session, the Maryland House of Delegates debated — and finally approved — the state’s $13.2 billion operating budget. more »
• Delegate predicts health bill will pass Md. General Assembly
  ANNAPOLIS - Del. John P. Donoghue, D-Washington, said Thursday he believes a health care bill that he is sponsoring will become law. more »
• Panel restores state funds for dam repair
  ANNAPOLIS — A $550,000 grant to repair the dam at Devil’s Backbone Park was restored to the state’s capital budget bill Thursday evening during a conference committee meeting. more »
• Commission to study state employees' retirement benefits
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A panel of Maryland lawmakers has decided to create a commission to study how to address rising pension costs for state employees. more »
• Cell phone driving bill clears House panel
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A House committee has approved a measure that would require drivers to use handsfree devices to talk on cell phones while behind the wheel. more »
• Senate to debate medical marijuana bill
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland’s Senate is expected to consider legislation on the floor that would legalize medical marijuana. more »
• Correctional Officers' Bill of Rights approved by committee
  ANNAPOLIS — In a hasty vote Tuesday evening, the Senate version of a Correctional Officers’ Bill of Rights was passed out of committee by a unanimous vote. more »
• Md. House passes budget bill with no funding for dam repair
  ANNAPOLIS — The House of Delegates voted Wednesday to pass a capital budget bill that includes an amendment that strikes a $550,000 grant to fund repairs to the dam at Devil’s Backbone Park. more »
• Amendment to cut funding for Casa de Maryland fails in Md. House
  ANNAPOLIS — House Minority Leader Anthony J. O’Donnell, R-Calvert/St. Mary’s, offered an amendment Wednesday that would strip $200,000 allocated to Casa de Maryland Inc. from the state’s capital budget. more »
• Delegates: Amendment striking funds for dam repair is partisan retaliation
  ANNAPOLIS — An amendment to the state’s capital budget bill strikes a $550,000 grant that would fund repairs to the dam at Devil’s Backbone Park. more »
• Annapolis note
  ANNAPOLIS - Washington County's delegation boasts one of the most influential lawmakers in Maryland, and four of the least influential, according to lists compiled every four years by The Gazette of Politics and Business. more »
• Justice's Law could get another look from Judiciary Committee
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill increasing penalties for those convicted of abusing and killing a child, introduced three consecutive years by a local lawmaker, could get another look by the Judiciary Committee. more »
• Bill would alter inmate count for Census
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County might lose about 6,000 people from its legislative and congressional districts because of a bill that has been passed by both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly. more »
• Bills of local interest
  Editor’s note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us. more »
• Myers withdraws support for ATV registration bill
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr. has pulled his support for a bill before the House of Delegates that would require the registration and titling of all-terrain vehicles. more »
• Serafini participates in panel on state pension and health care
  ANNAPOLIS — A local delegate who has earned the nickname “Dr. Doom” within the Republican caucus on Tuesday took part in a four-person panel about the state’s pension and health care obligations. more »
• Inmate immigration status bills killed in committee
  ANNAPOLIS — With about two weeks left in this year’s Maryland General Assembly session, a number of bills have been killed in committee. more »
• Munson, Shank clash over voting records on Casa de Maryland
  ANNAPOLIS — Two local lawmakers who will square off in the September Republican primary election have been swapping accusations over votes related to Casa de Maryland Inc. more »
• Bills of local interest
  Editor’s note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us. more »
• Amendment to Md. capital budget includes $550,000 for dam
  ANNAPOLIS — An amendment to the state’s capital budget would set aside a $550,000 matching grant to the Washington County Commissioners to assist in repairing Devil’s Backbone Dam. more »
• Budget bill continues roads funds reductions
  ANNAPOLIS — The amount of Highway User Revenues that the state distributes to local governments to fund road maintenance would remain at drastically lowered levels for at least five more years under a budget bill passed this week more »
• Bill would lessen burden on HSWC in neglect, abuse cases
  ANNAPOLIS — A case of animal neglect involving dozens of horses several years ago cost the Humane Society of Washington County between $400,000 and $500,000, and organization officials say the costs could have been much greater. more »
• Sideling Hill exhibit ‘lost,’ found
  HANCOCK — A mystery surrounding missing taxidermy specimens made it all the way to Annapolis this week. more »
• Myers withdraws job creation bill to work on existing rules
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr. on Wednesday withdrew a bill that would have created a tax credit for Maryland businesses that establish or expand a facility, thereby creating jobs, and said he intends to work with current more »
• Donoghue used colleague’s e-mail account to trash critic
  WASHINGTON COUNTY — Del. John P. Donoghue has acknowledged using the e-mail account of another delegate, without the other delegate’s knowledge, to trash a frequent critic. more »
• Serafini to participate on panel concerning state's pension system
  Del. Andrew A. Serafini, who during the current General Assembly session has been sounding the alarm about the state’s underfunded and underperforming pension system, next week will be on a panel that discusses the issue. more »
• Md. Senate OKs ban on using handheld cell phones while driving
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — If Maryland drivers want to talk on a cell phone while driving, they would have to use handsfree devices, under legislation approved by the Maryland Senate. more »
• Md. Senate passes $13 billion budget plan, reconciliation bill
  Maryland’s $13 billion budget and a budget reconciliation bill have been approved by the Maryland Senate, but a provision that would shift some teacher pension costs to the counties likely will have trouble in the House of more »
• Panel hears testimony on Correctional Officers’ Bill of Rights
  ANNAPOLIS — Correctional officers and union representatives testified Tuesday before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of a bill known as the Correctional Officers’ Bill of Rights. more »
• USM-Hagerstown escapes significant budget cuts
  ANNAPOLIS — The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown has escaped substantial cuts to its budget this year, a member of the Washington County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly said Tuesday evening. more »
• Md. lawmakers OK changes to unemployment insurance laws
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland’s House of Delegates has approved a compromise on changes to unemployment insurance laws that was agreed to by the state’s labor and business communities. more »
• Bills of local interest
  Editor's note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us. more »
• Politicians 'Face' constituents, debate online
  ANNAPOLIS — While the digital world doesn’t allow for shaking hands or kissing babies, some local lawmakers say they see it as an invaluable tool for interacting with their constituents and generating support during campaigns. more »
• Bill would not fine Marylanders who don't buy health care coverage
  ANNAPOLIS — If a bill supporters are calling the Health Care Freedom Act of 2010 passes the Maryland General Assembly this year, Maryland residents would not have to pay fines if they do not purchase health care coverage. more »
• Bill would block service fees to union
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Christopher B. Shank on Thursday defended a bill that would block a potential requirement for state employees covered under collective bargaining to pay service fees to the state’s exclusive bargaining unit. more »
• Mullendore testifies in support of GPS tracking device bill
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore traveled to Annapolis Thursday in support of a bill that would create a pilot program in which some who failed to comply with protective orders would be outfitted with a GPS more »
• Jobs bill amendments discussed Wednesday during session
  ANNAPOLIS — Several amendments to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed jobs bill were discussed Wednesday morning during the House of Delegates session. more »
• Md. House passes Safe Schools Act to curb gang activity
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The House of Delegates has approved legislation designed to keep gang activity out of schools. more »
• Donoghue sponsors bill that supports ‘clinically integrated’ health care
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill before a House committee in Annapolis could help lower health care costs and improve the quality of care by allowing physicians to coordinate care for local patients. more »
• Annapolis roundup
  Senate backs Chesapeake Conservation Corps; Senate approves tax credit for scholarships; Bill would transfer state money from big banks; House to consider new sex offender laws more »
• Audit faults Public Broadcasting Commission for payments
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — More than $2 million paid to one vendor by Maryland’s Public Broadcasting Commission may have violated rules that govern how contracts are awarded, according to an audit released Monday. more »
• Annapolis roundup
  Senate panel advises using reserve fund; Senate amends bill to raise dropout age to 18 more »
• Md. lawmakers consider shifting costs of teacher pensions
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland lawmakers searching for budget cuts are giving some serious thought to shifting at least some costs of teacher pensions to counties. more »
• Bills of local interest
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• State’s attorney’s offices will no longer schedule cases
  ANNAPOLIS — Bills being considered in Maryland’s General Assembly are designed to take the job of scheduling criminal cases out of the hands of state’s attorney’s offices. more »
• Annapolis roundup
  Senate confirms judges, including Miller’s son; House backs expunging records for some youth more »
• Bill would require jails to report inmates' immigration status
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill that would require the Division of Correction to report the immigration status of inmates to federal authorities also would require local jails to report the same information. more »
• Md. House votes to ban reading texts while driving
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland’s House of Delegates has voted to prohibit reading text messages while driving. more »
• Md. might allow more evidence in death penalty cases
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland prosecutors could use fingerprints or photos to link a defendant to a murder in death penalty cases under legislation being considered by a Senate panel Wednesday. more »
• Md. Senate delays vote to increase dropout age
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland senators are again deferring a vote on a bill that would require school attendance until age 18. more »
• Bills would force DOC to send immigration status to feds
  ANNAPOLIS — Two bills sponsored by local lawmakers would require the Division of Correction to forward to federal agencies specified information about an inmate’s immigration status. more »
• Md. Senate bill would prohibit recognition of gay marriages
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A Maryland state senator has introduced a measure that would prohibit the state from recognizing gay marriages authorized elsewhere without legislative approval. more »
• Senate panel kills Frederick incinerator ban
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A state Senate committee has rejected two bills aimed at blocking construction of a regional trash incinerator near Frederick. more »
• Bill would set minimum age for tanning bed use
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — People under 18 would no longer be allowed to use tanning beds in Maryland under legislation being considered by the state General Assembly. more »
• Bill would set minimum sentence for adults in drug deaths of minors
  ANNAPOLIS — Harry Angle sat in a committee room, wearing a pendant engraved with his late son’s face, and urged lawmakers to create a state law under which the people who sold his son methadone could have been prosecuted. more »
• Library director testifies against collective-bargaining bill
  ANNAPOLIS — “It was a busy day in Annapolis for a country librarian,” Washington County Free Library Director Mary C. Baykan said Tuesday evening. more »
• Bills of local interest
  Editor's note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us. more »
• Md. alcoholic beverage tax increase proposed
  ANNAPOLIS — Some local businesses oppose bills to raise alcohol taxes, while one health group says the increase would curb abuse and fund public health needs. more »
• Senate rejects Mooney's bill to protect door-knocking
  ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Senate has killed a measure that would prohibit restrictions on homeowners or tenants who contact their neighbors about upcoming elections or issues. more »
• Roundup: Md. Senate OKs new license plate slogan
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland drivers may soon advertise the state as the “Home of Our National Anthem.” more »
• Bill would provide tax credits for creating jobs
  ANNAPOLIS — In an effort to spur job creation, Del. LeRoy E. Myers, R-Washington/Allegany, is introducing a bill that would provide a tax credit to businesses that either establish or expand a business facility in Maryland more »
• Senators say Md. prosecutors setting some judges' schedules
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland senators say some circuit court judges are allowing staff from state’s attorney’s offices to set their schedules, and critics say that gives an unfair courtroom advantage to prosecutors. more »
• Washington Co. delegation discusses school design bill
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill that addresses the Washington County Advisory School Design Review Committee was discussed Wednesday during a meeting of the Washington County delegation to the General Assembly in Annapolis. more »
• Md. House speaker testifies for bill to fight gang activity in schools
  ANNAPOLIS — House Speaker Michael E. Busch testified Wednesday during a hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee in favor of the Safe Schools Act of 2010. more »
• Washington Co. lawmakers sponsor nearly half a million in bond bills
  ANNAPOLIS — Local organizations could benefit from almost half a million dollars in bond bills sponsored by Washington County lawmakers. more »
• Leading House Republicans meet with O’Malley to discuss budget cuts
  ANNAPOLIS — Leading House Republicans met with Gov. Martin O’Malley on Tuesday to discuss some of the budget cuts they presented last week. more »
• Three bills head to Md. Senate for consideration
  ANNAPOLIS — Three local bills made it out of the House of Delegates Tuesday by unanimous vote on third reading, and will now head to the Senate for consideration. more »
• Md. Chamber backs unemployment insurance reform
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The Maryland Chamber of Commerce has officially given its support to a compromise on unemployment insurance system reform. more »
• Prosecutors want stronger anti-gang laws
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland prosecutors say more must be done to battle crime committed by gangs. more »
• Bills of local interest
  Editor's note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us. more »
• Senators’ plan would have roughly $8M impact on Washington Co.
  ANNAPOLIS — Among the budget reductions in a bill presented by a pair of state senators last week is a $1 million cut to the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown. more »
• Md. GOP House Caucus budget plan would cut $830 million
  ANNAPOLIS — Republican lawmakers in the House of Delegates who presented their own plan for budget cuts last week want to protect what they call “rank-and-file” state employees while trimming “top-heavy” state government. more »
• Munson sponsors bill to create state correctional officers' Bill of Rights
  After meeting a correctional officer who was fired amid allegations of abusing an inmate, was tried and later cleared, Sen. Donald F. Munson is sponsoring a bill that would create a state correctional officers’ Bill of Rights. more »
• Bill would take governor out of parole decision in cases of life sentences
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill introduced in Maryland’s House of Delegates this year would take the governor out of the parole process for inmates serving life in prison with the possibility of parole. more »
• Annapolis roundup
  Lawmakers move to close corporate tax loophole; Senate approves BPA ban on baby bottles more »
• Lawmakers are asked to close sex offender registry loopholes
  ANNAPOLIS - Maryland residents and some legislators told a House committee Tuesday that the state's sex offender registry does not do a good job of tracking convicted predators who are homeless or who own one home but rent more »
• Md. Attorney General: State should recognize same-sex marriages
  ANNAPOLIS — In an opinion released Wednesday, Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said the state should recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states until the legislature or courts decide otherwise. more »
• GOP senators' budget proposal would reduce USM-H funding
  ANNAPOLIS — A pair of Republican state senators on Tuesday presented a plan for budget cuts that would reduce funding for the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown by $1 million, or about half. more »
• Shank bill is intended to protect students’ rights of free speech
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, on Tuesday went before the House Appropriations Committee to defend a bill he is sponsoring that is intended to protect students’ rights of free speech. more »
• In vitro benefits bill passes Senate
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The Maryland Senate has approved a measure that would force insurance companies to provide benefits to certain couples pursuing in vitro fertilization. more »
• GOP offers budget plan with additional $825M in cuts
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland Republicans have presented suggested budget cuts aimed at getting a grip on the state’s running deficit into future years. more »
• Campaign finance reform supporters hold rally
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Supporters of campaign finance reform in Maryland say a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision means now is the time to create a voluntary public financing system. more »
• Chancellor tries to protect USM-H funding
  ANNAPOLIS — For the second time in four days, University System of Maryland Chancellor William E. “Brit” Kirwan urged state lawmakers not to chop higher education funding. more »
• Bills of local interest
  This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. more »
• 14.3% cut in USMH funding proposed
  ANNAPOLIS — The Department of Legislative Services on Friday recommended a 14.3 percent reduction in funding to the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown. more »
• O'Malley supports ignition locks for drunken drivers
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley said Thursday he would support requiring first-time drunk drivers to install ignition locking systems in their vehicles, so they couldn’t drive them if they’ve had too much to drink. more »
• Grandmother testifies for 'Justice's Law'
  ANNAPOLIS — Dee Myers traveled to Annapolis on Thursday to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on a bill named for her grandson, who was killed in January 2007. more »
• Md. Senate rejects attempt to alter pensions
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland senators have defeated an attempt by a Baltimore County senator to alter their legislative pensions. more »
• Local lobbying group makes its priorities known in Annapolis
  ANNAPOLIS — A local lobbying group in Annapolis on Wednesday reiterated to lawmakers a set of priorities agreed upon by several Hagerstown and Washington County organizations. more »
• Bill would make GPS tracking possible in protective-order cases
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County lawmakers voted Wednesday to introduce a bill allowing GPS tracking of some who have not complied with protective orders. more »
• Lawmakers honor Morgan for winning national award
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Morgan was honored Wednesday morning in Annapolis by the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate. more »
• O'Malley testifies on foreclosure mediation bill
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley pushed for legislation Tuesday that would guarantee mediation between eligible borrowers facing foreclosure and their mortgage lenders to work out loan modifications that could save homes. more »
• Seniors, blind would get larger tax exemptions under bill
  ANNAPOLIS — Maryland seniors and blind residents would be able to count more of their income as tax-exempt under a bill lawmakers discussed Tuesday during a Senate Budget and Taxation Committee hearing. more »
• Hagerstown Police chief touts anti-gang proposal
  ANNAPOLIS — Legislation introduced Tuesday in the House of Delegates is meant to curb gang activity in schools, a move that Hagerstown Police Chief Art Smith said he applauds. more »
• Annapolis roundup
  Kids’ donations could count against parents; Vehicle laws get hearings; Senate deadlocks on in vitro benefits bill; Delegates want voters to fill Senate vacancies more »
• O'Malley proposal would change teacher tenure requirements
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley plans to introduce legislation Monday that would add a year to the time it takes public school teachers to achieve tenure. more »
• Bills of local interest
  This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. more »
• Bill would shield Md. residents from fines for not buying health insurance
  ANNAPOLIS — Local lawmakers are sponsoring a bill that would add an article to the Maryland Constitution limiting the regulation of health care in the state. more »
• Shank asks that budget cuts hearing be delayed
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Republican leaders in the House of Delegates want more time to prepare for a hearing to discuss budget cuts. more »
• Bill would give Md. voters say on taxes
  ANNAPOLIS - Lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony Tuesday in favor of a bill to set new limits on government spending and taxation. more »
• Lawmakers return to work after snow day
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The Maryland General Assembly is scheduled to return to duty after having a snow day due to the weekend storm. more »
• Serafini bill would punish those who vandalize foreclosed homes
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland tenants and homeowners who vandalize or put graffiti on residential properties going through foreclosure could face steep fines and jail time under legislation proposed in Annapolis. more »
• Bill would require voter approval for tax hikes
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A majority of Maryland voters would be asked to approve any new state or local taxes or tax rate increases, under a state constitutional amendment proposed by one lawmaker. more »
• Md. may fine for piercing minors without parent OK
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland could fine people who tattoo, body pierce or brand minors without their parents giving in-person written consent, under a bill in the General Assembly. more »
• Bills of local interest
  This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. more »
• Family organization representative concerned about state funding
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County legislators heard concerns Wednesday that funding decisions for some after-school, diversion and teen pregnancy prevention programs might be made at the state level. more »
• Md. voters could decide on constitutional convention
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Hey, Maryland voters! Do you guys want to hold a constitutional convention? more »
• Md. House committee kills anti-gay marriage bill
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Members of a Maryland House committee shot down a bill that would prohibit Maryland from recognizing gay marriages validated by other states or countries. more »
• Under Senate bill, people under 30 could get parent’s health care
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Current Maryland law allows dependent individuals to remain on a parent’s plan until they are 25 years old. A Baltimore County senator wants to raise the age limit to cover dependents up to age 30. more »
• Limited number of slots proposed for local organizations
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County’s delegation to the Maryland General Assembly heard a proposal to allow a limited number of slot machines to be run by local fraternal and veterans organizations. more »
• Mooney's bill would prohibit restrictions on flag, sign displays
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A Maryland bill would prohibit restrictions on homeowners or tenants who want to display flags, posters, signs or banners on their premises or contact their neighbors about upcoming elections or issues. more »
• Most local legislators praise O’Malley speech
  ANNAPOLIS — Local legislators were divided Tuesday in their opinions of Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s State of the State address to the General Assembly. more »
• Gov. O’Malley offers 'optimistic' State of the State address
  ANNAPOLIS — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on Tuesday delivered what some local legislators characterized as an uplifting State of the State address to the General Assembly. more »
• General Assembly honors Washington Co. Teacher of the Year
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County Teacher of the Year Jaime Mason was honored Tuesday by the Maryland General Assembly. more »
• Delegate proposes changes to wiretap law
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A Maryland delegate is proposing changes to state wiretap law after he was inspired by two filmmakers who claimed to be a pimp and prostitute seeking tax advice while surreptitiously taping ACORN staffers. more »
• Md. drivers might be barred from reading texts
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — People driving in Maryland would no longer be able to read texts while behind the wheel, under legislation proposed by one state lawmaker. more »
• Shank trying again to get Justice's Law passed
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Christopher B. Shank has again filed legislation that would increase the maximum penalty for conviction on a charge of first-degree child abuse resulting in death from the current 30 years to life in prison. more »
• Bills of local interest
  This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2010 regular session. more »
• Bill would criminalize causing damage to foreclosed property
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill sponsored by Del. Andrew A. Serafini, R-Washington, would criminalize the destruction, defacing or graffiti-marring of property that has been foreclosed upon or that is in foreclosure proceedings. more »
• 'DUI' plates for repeat offenders proposed
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Marylanders who repeatedly drink and drive could be required to have special yellow license plates that read “DUI.” more »
• Bill designed to provide more access to Md. legislative process
  ANNAPOLIS — A measure with sponsors in both Maryland’s House and Senate would, if approved, make more information about the state government process easily accessible to Maryland residents, supporters said. more »
• Mooney again seeks to block Frederick incinerator
  FREDERICK, Md. — Maryland state Sen. Alex Mooney says he’s renewing his fight against a proposed regional trash incinerator near Frederick. more »
• Commissioners meet with local delegation in Annapolis
  ANNAPOLIS — The Washington County Commissioners met Wednesday morning with members of the local delegation to the Maryland General Assembly to discuss potential legislation, including a proposal that would allow the commissioners more »
• Bill would create 'dispensing centers' for medicinal marijuana
  ANNAPOLIS — A measure to legalize marijuana for medical use would enable people with certain conditions to obtain the drug from registered “dispensing centers.” more »
• State of State address rescheduled for Feb. 2
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Martin O'Malley's office is changing the date for his annual State of the State address — again. more »
• Lawmakers on both sides push legalizing medical marijuana
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A measure to legalize medical marijuana in Maryland would create state-run production centers that supporters said Tuesday would be closely monitored and licensed by the state. more »
• Ban on SWAT team raids for misdemeanors proposed
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Law enforcement officers in Maryland would be prohibited from doing SWAT team raids on homes where residents are suspected of misdemeanor offenses, under a bill considered Tuesday by a Senate committee. more »
• Munson’s re-election campaign manager resigns
  ANNAPOLIS — Ryan Miner on Saturday resigned as campaign manager for state Sen. Donald F. Munson, saying he did not want his “youthful indiscretions” to hurt the senator’s re-election chances. more »
• Bill would expand Md. sex offender registry data
  Sex offenders would have to give more information to a state registry under a bill by a Maryland lawmaker who said it would help prevent deaths like that of an 11-year-old Eastern Shore girl. more »
• Bill would prohibit strip searches for minor violations
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland police would be prohibited from strip searching people suspected of some misdemeanors and minor traffic offenses, under legislation proposed by a Baltimore County lawmaker. more »
• Governor seeks bill to require lifetime supervision for sex offenders
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley is proposing legislation that would require lifetime supervision for some sex offenders. more »
• Proposed bills aimed to improve federal school funding odds
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley says he plans to push bills this legislative session that would better position Maryland to qualify for federal schools aid. more »
• O’Malley seeks to use corporate taxes for tuition
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley hopes to use some corporate tax revenue money to establish a permanent tuition stabilization account for higher education. more »
• Some stimulus funds uncertain, budget analyst warns
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A top Maryland budget analyst advised lawmakers on Monday that $389 million in new stimulus money assumed in the state budget may not materialize. more »
• Md. budget proposal has no major cuts to local funding
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County seems to have fared well in Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed fiscal year 2011 budget, local lawmakers said Friday. more »
• Poole: Consider legalized casinos
  ANNAPOLIS — Maryland should consider legalizing “true casinos” that could include table games like blackjack and craps instead of just slot machines, a member of the state’s Video Lottery Facility Location Commission said Friday. more »
• O'Malley's State of the State address postponed until Feb. 4
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley’s annual State of the State speech has been postponed. more »
• Mooney to seek 4th term; one Dem drops out, another in
  MARYLAND — In the race for a local state Senate seat, one Democrat is out and another is in. more »
• Serafini clarifies reference to 'Cadillac' health care plan
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Andrew A. Serafini defended his past characterization of the state health care plan as a “Cadillac” plan, pointing to proposed U.S. Senate legislation. more »
• Munson stands behind campaign manager
  ANNAPOLIS — Ryan Miner, campaign manager for state Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington, was punished by Duquesne University five years ago for a post on Facebook that some interpreted as calling homosexuality “subhuman.” more »
• Senators hope to ban employer credit checks
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Two Maryland senators hope to prohibit many employers from performing credit checks on job applicants. more »
• Morgan asks state for more than $5 million for schools
  ANNAPOLIS — Wednesday’s annual Hope-a-thon in the state’s capital began on a high note for Washington County Public Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Morgan. more »
• Clear Spring winery owner briefs delegation on forthcoming bill
  ANNAPOLIS — The Washington County delegation to Maryland’s General Assembly on Wednesday morning was briefed on legislation intended to make it easier for wineries to operate in the state. more »
• Md. GOP calls for more transparency in goverment
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Republican leaders in Maryland’s General Assembly are calling on lawmakers to increase transparency in the legislative process. more »
• Bill would set guidelines for human burials
  ANNAPOLS (AP) — Maryland residents would be required to send human remains to cemeteries, family burial plots, crematories or funeral establishments, under a bill proposed by Del. Theodore Sophocleus, D-Anne Arundel. more »
• O’Malley introduces $13.2 billion budget
  ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O’Malley on Tuesday made public a $13.2 billion fiscal year 2011 general fund budget. more »
• GOP hopes Shank challenge won't affect party
  ANNAPOLIS — Local Republican legislators weighed in on the impact that a primary election in September for the District 2 Senate seat could have on their party. more »
• Washington Co. lawmakers: Primary battle unlikely to affect work
  ANNAPOLIS — Despite an expected tough primary fight between two Washington County legislators, colleagues believe campaign tensions won't seep into their work. more »
• County's new delegate ready to get to work
  ANNAPOLIS — The newest member of Washington County’s delegation to the Maryland General Assembly takes a strong stance against illegal immigration and feels his strengths are in transportation and budget issues. more »
• County residents, lawmakers join rally to protest taxes
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County residents, elected officials and candidates for elected office joined a rally to protest taxes and government spending Wednesday night near the governor’s mansion. more »
• Jenkins’ appointment creates new vacancy
  Charles A. Jenkins’ selection as Maryland’s newest delegate ends a monthlong process in which Republicans in two counties disagreed over who should succeed Richard B. Weldon Jr. more »
• O’Malley calls for bipartisan cooperation as session opens
  ANNAPOLIS — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and several local delegates on Wednesday stressed a need for working together, despite party affiliations, in the face of a $2 billion budget deficit. more »
• Jenkins sworn in as new Md. delegate
  Charles A. Jenkins found out he would be a member of the Maryland House of Delegates just after 7 a.m. Wednesday. more »
• Budget cuts at top of Washington County delegation's agenda
  ANNAPOLIS — Members of the Washington County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly say they believe everything in the state budget should be looked at for possible cuts. more »