Legislative Update 19 April 2010

Md. Senate OKs higher insurance minimums
After a political duel that pitted trial lawyers against insurance companies,
the legislature moved Wednesday to increase the minimum amount of insurance
vehicle owners must carry, changing the requirements for the first time in 38
years and making higher premiums likely for as many as 200,000 Marylanders.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-md.insurance08...

Md. panel OKs bill on cell phone ban
The Maryland legislature seems on the verge of passing a long-sought but often-
defeated ban on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving after a key House
committee unanimously approved the measure.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.cell08apr08,0,3668931.s...

House passes cell phone ban
The House of Delegates voted Friday 125-14 to approve an historic ban using a
hand-held cell phone while driving after rejecting a series of
Republican-sponsored amendments.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-cellphone0409,...

Md. House, Senate reach budget deal
The House and Senate members of a conference committee reached a tentative deal
on the state's $13.2 billion spending plan Thursday morning, signing an
agreement that restores funds to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and keeps the costs
of teacher pensions on the state's ledgers.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-md.budget09apr...

10 issues to watch on Assembly's last day
Legislators have passed more than 550 bills so far this year, but they have
saved many issues for today's final push. Here are 10 we'll be watching until
the midnight legislative deadline:
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-top10-assembly...

Builders could get fee break
Developers in Anne Arundel County might soon catch a break as the County Council
considers legislation that would delay a scheduled increase on impact fees in
order to encourage development during the current economic downturn.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bal-ar.fees11apr1...

Malley signs 170 bills into law
Gov. Martin O'Malley gave the state more power to prosecute Medicaid fraud and
established a patient-centered medical care program, some of 170 bills he signed
into law Tuesday morning.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bs-md-billsigning-...