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General Assembly coverage
They say visit did not provide a clear look at the troubled facility
Governor backs gambling to fix Md. budget shortfall
Beach resort fears gambling would draw money away
O'Malley official says state is losing millions, horse racing needs aid
Filing deadline passes with little fanfare
Sun follow-up
Action challenges new laws reforming a system that had cost hundreds their homes
As Bowling Brook closes, state eyes new youth facility
Training for private programs would be regulated by the state
Measure would prohibit creating such levies; Assembly to act tomorrow
Bill would have Md. oversee training in private facilities for juvenile offenders
O'Malley joins legislators in calling for support of new laws
1972: The U.S. Supreme Court invalidates death penalty statutes across the country.
Education: During the campaign, Martin
O'Malley pledged to limit tuition
increases at the state's universities,
spend $400 million this year on
school construction and fund part of
the state's landmark K-12 funding plan
that Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. skipped.
But all that could require some tradeoffs
elsewhere as the last stage of the
so-called Thornton Plan for education
funding is phased in next year, with no
dedicated revenue source to pay for it.
It aims to expand aid for heroin users
Despite election, Assembly's opposed, O'Malley's indifferent
Ehrlich blames Democrats for collapse of merger; not everyone laments loss
Ehrlich unveils plan for working poor; O'Malley focuses on nursing shortage
Ehrlich leads on the economy, O'Malley on schools
Assault weapons ban // The Assembly rejected legislation that would ban the possession and sale of assault weapons. A federal ban on assault weapons expired in 2004.
The young guns Dels. Dereck E. Davis of Prince George's County and Peter A. Hammen of Baltimore, the youngest committee chairmen in the legislature, got stuck with two of the toughest issues - BGE rate increases and stem-cell research, respectively. The Democratic chairmen of Economic Matters and Health and Government Operations earned kudos for keeping things orderly, fair and respectful.
Consumer advocate chief responds to blame for rate rise
General Assembly
Long-delayed testimony on Ehrlich bills seen as partisan snub
Measure aims to ease citizenship process for foreign-born troops
Bromwell trial to shine light on inner workings of State Circle
In Annapolis, Thomas L. Bromwell invariably sported a huge gold ring he described as "big and gaudy and loud" - much like himself.
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s legal counsel requested yesterday that Republicans on a special committee reviewing the administration's personnel practices have the right to hire their own attorney.
Party feuding tinges vote on powers of committee
After two years of hefty premium increases that touched off threats of a doctor exodus in Maryland and led to a legislative special session, the state's largest malpractice insurer said it does not need a rate increase for next year, leading some to question whether the much-debated malpractice crisis ever existed.
It refuses to rubber-stamp convention center project
In letter, governor offers alternative to probe of his administration's firings
Leaders dispute criticism from governor's counsel
Ehrlich's chief counsel says he won't recuse himself; Franchot alleges intimidation tactics
Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele said yesterday that if legislators the governor considers biased serve on a panel investigating his firing practices, the administration won't cooperate with the panel.
State Senate panel to look at issue; Hickey School's closing adds to worries
FREDERICK - The Frederick County Planning Commission voted Wednesday against a countywide ban on slot machines or slots parlors.
Critics of proposal voice concern for public safety
Special Report
'Need to halt culture of carelessness,' he says
Thomas wrote reports that have embarrassed Ehrlich administration
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. hosted the owners and trainers of Preakness Stakes winner Afleet Alex at the governor's mansion yesterday, pledging to help Maryland's struggling racing industry by continuing to push for slot machines at tracks.
Governor should 'club' Busch to get gambling bill passed, comptroller says; Business community is urged to help
A Republican delegate and conservative activists have abandoned their drive for a referendum next year on two gay rights bills vetoed by the governor.
Annual disclosure forms show more than $600,000 paid to 23 top liaisons
Speaker meets with Magna, says special session unlikely; Track owner seeks O'Malley's help
Asks to meet state leaders about reviving dead bill; Public attention on Preakness; Track owner seeking new Assembly session
State Senate committee to look at regulation changes for facilities; 'Goal is ... to make significant improvement'
O'Malley stance draws industry praise, attacks by political rivals, gambling foes; He calls viability of tracks, keeping Preakness goal
MARYLAND grain farmers think they have the solution to easing the country's dependence on imported oil and high gasoline prices that are only expected to increase as the summer travel season swings into high gear - a fill-up of fuel made from home-grown barley.
Md. will have fewer tents at race this year, he says
Some form of slot machine gambling legislation passed in the House of Delegates and in the Senate this year - but with the General Assembly session ending last night, slots still were not legal in Maryland, leaving a potent issue on the table for the coming gubernatorial election.
Montague faces criticism for fiscal crisis that could further destabilize system; $16 million shortfall anticipated; Advocates worry youths getting sent home without receiving help they need
The Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics has decided not to investigate allegations that Sen. Richard F. Colburn required a former aide to write college term papers for him, the senator's lawyer said yesterday.
Legislative audit leads to greater push for bill
Scenarios include a bill for Laurel only, Senate adopting House version
Man says Colburn required him to write school papers
By David Nitkin and Ivan Penn
Bill: A measure from the Prince George's delegation meets uncharacteristic opposition in Annapolis.
Lawmakers asked to work on negotiating plan for bill
Frederick officials begin to draft zoning legislation; 'We need to be prepared'; Showdown with Assembly over parlor sites possible
By David Nitkin and Andrew A. Green
Deal-making: One possibility would link some form of medical malpractice reform with a gambling package.
Former staffer claims he wrote term papers for Sen. Richard F. Colburn.
General Assembly
Ehrlich asserts his terms for assembly's inquiry
Legislators question plan to rely on heavy borrowing; Both houses drafting alternatives
Speaker says the House will reject changes to bill; Few options left for Miller; Differences in approach keep two houses at odds
The state Senate passed a bill last night that would implement a fund to hold down doctors' insurance rates and set limits on malpractice lawsuits.
Sunshine Week
Some citizens, concerned they're being kept in the dark about public issues, are pressing for access and, in turn, are bringing more attention to the state's open-meetings law.
Lawyers for eight state legislators and a county clerk who oppose same-sex marriage asked the state's highest court yesterday to let their clients become defendants in the hot-button lawsuit filed by couples who want Maryland's ban on gay marriage declared unconstitutional.
8 lawmakers want to join lawsuit as defendants
Gambling: Slot machines are hung up in legislative debate, but a type also using lights and sounds can qualify as legal lottery terminals.
He assails potential foe O'Malley's 'irresponsible' position on the issue
General Assembly
New plan envisions 9,500 machines in 4 counties; Busch expects close vote Friday; Passage would prompt deal-making with Senate
Del. Luiz R.S. Simmons renewed yesterday his pitch for a bill to prohibit political donations from gambling interest groups and said that, if necessary, he will propose a ban as an amendment if a slots bill makes it to the House floor for a vote.
General Assembly
Nothing new is in bill from past 2, senator says; Governor, Miller urge passage
Senate OK likely again; Busch, House the true test; Foes 'drawing lines in the sand'
General Assembly
Proposal brings together long-warring factions; 'Historic' show of unity; Document may influence debate on gambling bill
General Assembly
Insurance chief reacts to call for resignation; Tax 'not something I asked for'; Pass-through to clients decried by Miller, Busch
Governor would budget extra funds for buildings if gambling measure passes
General Assembly
Lawmakers take up bills from both sides of issue
General Assembly
Medical malpractice bill now becomes state law; Ehrlich lobbying effort rebuffed; 5 other vetoes also fall on eve of regular session
Legislators say override likely when Assembly reconvenes today; He calls rejection 'good policy'; HMO tax, legal reforms are key sticking points
Doctors, hospitals call measure a start on urgently needed relief
Malpractice reform bill is a 'start,' physicians say; 'More things ... can be done'; Measure would slash rise in premiums, tax HMOs
Politics: Relations are at an all-time low among the governor, Senate president and House speaker.
Malpractice insurance steps inadequate, he says; 'Almost nothing in tort reform'
General Assembly: Special Session
Bills from both chambers would tax HMO premiums; Governor promises a veto; Administration prefers using taxpayer funds
By David Nitkin and Andrew A. Green
Impasse: Legalization of slot machines and soaring medical malpractice rates remain sticking points as the new General Assembly session approaches.
Gambling interests offer plan to put legalization before voters in Nov.; Md. officials show little interest
Deal: A failed last-minute attempt to put a gambling referendum on the ballot ended in frustration and finger-pointing.
Ehrlich agrees to consider referendum in November
Republicans reject call by Busch for referendum
He blocks referendum, faulting 'untested' bid for parlors on interstates; 'Missed a great opportunity'
Unusual circumstances justify vote, Kopp says
Speaker's plan will likely alter Ehrlich's proposal
Questions in inmate death remain, legislator says; Prison staff was exonerated; Lawmakers say they want 'to dig a little deeper'
House leaders meet with Ehrlich officials
City-state partnership meant to rescue system; 'Lines of authority blurred'
Deficit-ridden system lacked oversight by educators, lawmakers, panel concludes
Legislators criticize Ehrlich's work habits; He renews call for action
Senate president calls House memo 'significant'
Slots, racing interests exceeded $2.3 million
Ehrlich says authorizing a referendum is 'a big if'
Measure will take effect without Ehrlich signature
Group sends out post cards criticizing state senators
Busch says he won't block referendum if Miller and Ehrlich back ballot plan
Discussion of referendum appeals to House leaders; 'Almost everyone ... was on board'; Ehrlich first wants plan on location, management
Ehrlich signs bill making it state's team sport; 190 measures authorized
Key part of justice package is 1 of about 190 measures due governor's OK today
By David Nitkin and Larry Carson
Preakness: A Maryland Jockey Club official says there will be no jockeying for position on gambling with lawmakers at its annual reception.
Governor wants Assembly to OK bill, not referendum; He won't be 'jacked around'; Lawmakers consider session on gambling
State voters could decide on gambling in November
Minority business groups press for 'living wage'; Ehrlich had vowed to veto it
Prohibition would affect northern snakeheads; delay angers legislators
Anti-slots leaders aim to form coalition to keep devices out of Md., Pa., Va.
3,000 signatures gathered in College Park, Towson backing Democratic bill; Action unlikely to sway governor
He extends tax credit for historic preservation; Industrial sites cleanup OK'd; Small business, minorities to get more state pacts
Cleanup: The 'flush tax' passed by the legislature this year will help reduce pollution, but Maryland and its neighbors still have a long way to go.
General Assembly
Passage would give Md. one of the most powerful measures in the U.S.
Educators ponder options with program set to expire
O'Malley critical; Ehrlich blames House Democrats
'Living wage' guarantee, tuition increase limit and tax loophole are targeted
Bill clears up confusion over use of police stings
Activist Ficker runs ad seeking running mate
Assembly OKs creating collection system to allay environmental hazards
General Assembly
Governor promises veto of pay-standard bill; $23.6 billion budget approved; Homeowner 'flush tax' will help protect bay
Of the 2004 General Assembly session
The issues addressed by the 2004 General Assembly
Flood policy coverage, assessments addressed
Plan for smaller, state-run facilities modeled after Mo. program; cost a worry
General Assembly
Tab in higher taxes, fees could be more than a half-billion dollars
Hate-crime law, tax shelter are also among the items on session's agenda today
Referendum would make gambling issue a matter of changing constitution
House, Senate negotiators agree to direct fee for septic system owners; Tough choices loom for Ehrlich; University tuition limits among thorny decisions
Bill one of 55 contending for late, fast consideration
Future: Industry experts, slots advocates and foes agree that Maryland has not seen the last of gambling proposals.
General Assembly
If deal not reached today, gambling issue is dead until next year, they say; Assembly freed to finish budget
Approved by House, bill awaits Ehrlich signature; Measure expected to raise $165.5 million a year for transportation fund
Steele lobbied heavily in effort to revamp minority program
General Assembly
House speaker voices hope for budget solution; To focus on taxes, slots; Miller open to extension if gambling bill is passed
Final vote on bill that includes septic systems is set for today
Fulton, Oaks break ranks on tax, housing, election
Measure would speed contamination cleanup
General Assembly
Busch, Ehrlich dig in as session heads to close; Some seek compromise; Aim to find taxes governor will allow for budget
Decision reverses stand panel took last month
House likely to follow, but Ehrlich veto looms
Governor firmly opposes its direct septic surcharge
Senate likely to approve transportation measure; Bill to raise $165.5 million a year; It falls short of Ehrlich goal to raise $300 million
Bill targets those working for contractors with Md.
Leaders reach agreement on charging septic users
Democrats urge year delay, bill with specifics to create faith-based initiative office; Plan was presented in budget; Legislators question scope, autonomy to allocate funds
Law: Neither the mayor nor the governor had sole responsibility, allowing the system's poor finances to go unchecked.
General Assembly
Senate won't appoint negotiating team; Slots, taxes are at issue; Senate president waiting for Ehrlich-Busch deal
Measure offers incentives for historic preservation
General Assembly
But governor rejects compromise, declares Md. voters have spoken
Opinions: Some Marylanders are willing to bear the burden of higher taxes; others favor slots or cutting programs.
Measure would recognize fetus as second casualty
The centerpiece of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s environmental program appears to be in danger of collapse over the inclusion of a $2.50 fee that would be levied on about 420,000 septic tank users.
Ehrlich says slots plan flexible, but not tax rise
Bill would require state to seek import system; Prices are cheaper in Canada; Tentative OK is given, but U.S. approval doubted
Plan would boost coverage, community center funds
The state Senate gave preliminary passage to a bill yesterday that would make it a felony to counterfeit checks, letters of credit or other negotiable notes.
General Assembly
Education, development to be stressed in hearing today before House panel; Ways and Means killed 2003 bill
Busch: In acting for what he sees as the good of the state, he may be undermining his Arundel base, pollsters say.
Low-interest loans now available to victims; 'People are looking for help'; Flood insurance chief tours damaged areas
Unmarried couples could register their preferences on database
Corporate income tax would go to 7.9% from 7%
Problem-gambler services stay mostly neutral on bill as they jockey for funding
Some say paper trail adds flaws to electronic system; Others seek permanent records; Advocates for the blind fear loss of secret ballots
GOP, unions, horsemen to stage events in capital as House considers issue
General Assembly
$670 million package likely to lose in Senate; panel to negotiate change; 'An exercise in futility'; 75-65 vote falls short of enough to counter veto threat from Ehrlich
House Speaker Busch supports tax increases, not slots, to raise revenue
Michael Olesker
That's his estimated cost of amnesty period for Delaware tax loophole
Robey aims to generate school construction funds from new-home charge
General Assembly
Democrats turn back Republican efforts on $670 million proposal; Final roll-call vote is tomorrow; Passage would do harm to economy, GOP says
Rocky Gap Lodge, Fort Carroll island among locations being considered
Residents could use aid in out-of-state programs
Senate decision expected on allowing straw ballot
Foes say proposal invites, rewards their move to Md.
General Assembly
At packed House hearing, backers also weigh in and stress need for revenue
Veto-proof House OK needed, says Senate chief; Otherwise, 'exercise in futility'; Conservative Democrats are seen as vulnerable
General Assembly
Proposal aims to protect work of board inspectors; Conway denies conflict
Busch plan would drive consumers elsewhere, business groups argue
Harford officials worried it was threat to Frito-Lay
Assembly approval needed for supplement to the 2005 budget
Measure, Senate version go to conference panel
Ehrlich threatens veto over House speaker's plan; Stage set for a confrontation; $670 million plan targets sales and income taxes
House lawmakers hope to win support because it would fund education
Bill would replace federal law due to expire; Last-ditch maneuver possible
He urges congregations to oppose amendment
Maryland is a step closer to enacting a state version of the proposed Laci and Conner federal law, after a Senate committee approved a bill yesterday to outlaw bringing intentional harm to an unborn child.
By David Nitkin and Ivan Penn
Ethics: The GOP state senator refutes the notion that his holding in Delaware is a company formed to dodge taxes.
General Assembly
House speaker wants to raise sales tax, sets sights on high earners; 'We're going to shake things up'; Plan sets up showdown for Democrats, Ehrlich
General Assembly
Amendment would block increase in number of slotlike devices
McDonough pushed man he says 'invaded' his space
Members say gambling only responsible solution for closing revenue gap
County could fund cost-of-living raises with $6 million savings; 'Only viable alternative'
A bill in the General Assembly that would allow the Harford County Council to impose an impact fee of up to $10,000 on new homes to pay for school construction faced no opposition yesterday during a hearing in the House Economic Matters Committee.
General Assembly
Track owner's effort runs into opposition from Ehrlich, legislators; Hearings on bills start Tuesday
Effort to install timers on vending machines defeated in Senate vote
Republicans criticize $159 million in levies
But he warns lawmakers not to try to grab power
Arundel OK for devices could open Md. floodgates
Legislators say proposal from Ehrlich to assist drug addicts not ready
Pinsky would curb access to unhealthy snacks, soda
Revised version may fuel push for gas tax increase
Measure addresses action outside Assembly session
Members of the General Assembly's ethics committee admonished Sen. John A. Giannetti Jr. yesterday not to sponsor legislation involving his employer's clients after disclosures revealed that he introduced half a dozen bills related to businesses his law firm represents.
A proposal to license and regulate clinics that perform abortions in Maryland appears all but dead in the legislature this year, according to a sponsor of the bill now before the state Senate.
State senator gathers input from constituents during public hearing
By Howard Libit and Greg Garland
Amendments: A Republican effort to force voting on hot-button issues angers opponents.
General Assembly
Legislators wonder if Stadium Authority should run emporiums
A House committee approved sweeping legislation yesterday to clean up the Chesapeake Bay after Republican and Democratic legislators compromised on a controversial charge on septic systems.
General Assembly
Bill would widen the pool of bone marrow donors by lowering the eligible age to 16
Proponents, foes of bill to shutter site for disabled appeal to lawmakers
Legislation seeks to set standards in state
General Assembly
Governor's family gets test kit for their home
Proposals to license and regulate clinics that perform abortions are facing tight committee votes in the Maryland Senate, with the decisions hanging on Howard County Republican Sandra B. Schrader, who has been viewed as a moderate on the issue.
Some would raise Md.'s control of flood insurance
Some ask state to modify kindergarten requirement with pilot program option
Governor wants penalties increased for intimidation
Letter from Annapolis
For days now, one man in this town has been sweating over how much money our budget-conscious state has to spend.
DBED's Preakness budget focus of Busch's concerns
Legislation targets guardianship loophole; Prompted by Ciara Jobes case; No Maryland statutes regulate the system
Leaders see few ill effects in a site close to Delaware but far from communities
General Assembly
Urban lawmakers want more for mass transit
Senate head says terms include no layoffs or pay cuts this school year; Lawmakers urge compromise; O'Malley sees agreement on oversight authority
Bill aims to circumvent rejections by 2 governors
Smaller detention sites focus of reform package
Ehrlich against addition; measure calls for fee
Debris can imperil wildlife that mistake it for food
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. ruled out yesterday linking a major tax increase to House of Delegates passage of slot machine legislation, even if it means the failure for a second straight year of his effort to expand gambling in Maryland.
General Assembly
Another revenue source needed, House panel says; Options sent to Ehrlich last month; The governor has called new levies 'deal-breakers'
Agency seeks removal of manufacturers from Busch-sponsored measure
Assembly proposal opposed by White House, state pharmacist group
O'Malley, state haggle over makeup of panel
General Assembly
Acting official recommended as secretary of environment; Contrasts with Ehrlich's first choice; Candidate gave assurances to legislators, conservationists
House asked to keep machines out of county
Revitalization: Supporters of a 19th-century Montgomery County seminary say lawmakers can help them transform the campus into a vibrant neighborhood.
Miller's plan would drop state's requirement for internal mechanisms
General Assembly
Miller is confident bill will pass; Measure's fate in House is less certain