Governor Martin O'Malley will sign scores of bills into law today, including one repealing Maryland's death penalty, one creating a medical marijuana program, and one making it easier for immigrants who are in the state illegally to get limited-use drivers' licenses. Plus: the Anne Arundel County Council overrides a veto of stormwater fee legislation, a look at the effects of the sequestration spending cuts on MD hospitals and air traffic towers, and more.
200+ Bills To Be Signed Into Law: Governor Martin O'Malley will sign into law today more than 200 pieces of legislation. One of the most high-profile is a measure that would make Maryland the 18th state in the nation to repeal the death penalty; the Baltimore Sun reports that that signing is expected to draw crowds; the Washington Post notes that a referendum on the repeal legislation could be in the works. Another bill being signed into law would make Maryland the 19th state to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes; the Capital Gazette reports that the measure will have a commission will oversee a program in which university-based medical centers can apply to distribute marijuana to eligible patients; the program could be operational by 2016.
Prison Corruption Scandal: Earlier this week, Governor Martin O'Malley spoke with reporters about the corruption scandal at the Baltimore City Detention Center. WYPR Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith looks at the spin O'Malley put on the story... and wonders whether it will damage the Governor's supposed presidential aspirations, or serve as just another round of on-the-job training.
Sequestration And Air Traffic Towers: It appears that control towers at several small airports in Maryland are safe from being shut down -- at least for now. Lawmakers tell the Baltimore Sun that a recently-passed bill to end furloughs of air traffic controllers (under the sequestration spending cuts) also contains a clause that provides 30-million-dollars to keep the smaller air towers open. But the Daily Times reports that the funding is only likely to last for the next five months.
Sequestration And MD Hospitals: Maryland hospital officials tell the Baltimore Sun that the sequestration spending cuts could lead to a cutback in jobs and patient services. Sequestration has led to a 2 percent reduction in Medicare payments, and the Baltimore Business Journal reports that the Commission that sets the state's hospital rates has denied requests for a rate increase for the remainder of the current fiscal year.
Stormwater Fees: The Anne Arundel County Council yesterday voted to override County Executive Laura Neuman's veto of a stormwater fee plan. The Capital Gazette reports that the Council is now expected to make minor revisions to the fee structure to meet a state mandate; nine other jurisdictions, including Baltimore City, are required to impose similar fees, but have not yet created structures for them.
Anne Arundel County's Budget: Anne Arundel County government workers stand to get raises in County Executive Laura Neuman's budget proposal. The Baltimore Sun reports that the $1.3-billion spending plan calls for three-percent raises for all employees, the first pay hike in several years. Neuman is also asking for more than $5-million for technology upgrades and money for 79 new police cars.
Cox Named Acting AA Fire Chief: Longtime Anne Arundel County firefighter Michael Cox is the county's new acting fire chief. The Baltimore Sun reports that County Executive Laura Neuman made the appointment yesterday, the same day former Chief John Robert Ray's retirement became official.
And in sports: The Orioles lost to the Seattle Mariners in last night's game; the score was 8 to 3. Tonight, the O's will be in Los Angeles to play against the Angels.