Maryland Legislative Watch2016 HB 436 proposes to put an end to speed cameras in Maryland. Speed cameras in the State are a failed experiment and more importantly, they violate the Maryland Declaration of Rights: Art. 21. That in all criminal prosecutions, every man hath a right to be informed of the accusation against him; to have a
2016 HB 168 proposes to add requirements for fiscal and policy analysis. What is a fiscal and policy note? The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) is required by law to provide a written estimate of the fiscal impact on State and local government finances for all proposed legislation. A small business impact assessment is also
2016 HB 212 proposes to double the fine for using a hand-held telephone while driving. Items in brackets are current Maryland code, items in bold are proposed changes. (e) (1) A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to the following penalties: (i) For a first offense, a fine of not more
2016 SB 161, sponsored by Senator Hough, proposes positive reform to the harsh practice of civil asset forfeiture. Simply put, asset forfeiture is a practice whereby law enforcement can take a person’s property, even if the person isn’t charged with a crime. Current federal Maryland code allows police to take assets and keep them even
2016 HB 104 proposes to align Maryland code for medical cannabis prescriptions with Maryland regulations for other Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS). In part, the legislation’s purpose is, …authorizing certain dentists, podiatrists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, in addition to physicians, to issue written certifications to qualifying patients by substituting the defined term “certifying provider” for “certifying physician” as it
2016 HB 84 and SB 116, sponsored by President Miller and Speaker Busch, propose, in part, to reduce the frequency of some government fund audits. This legislation at the request of the Department of Legislative Services‘ (DLS) Office of Legislative Audits (OLA).. Changes include (brackets [ ] surround Maryland code that is proposed deleted, caps are proposed
2016 HB 74 and SB 117, sponsored by Delegate Busch and Senator Miller, propose to increase the number of judges in certain Maryland counties and Baltimore City. These bills are at the request of the Maryland Judiciary. Judgeships would increase by: Circuit Court: Anne Arundel, Charles, Frederick, Harford, and Prince Georges Counties - 1 each Baltimore