Sara Michael and Josh Kowalkowski, The Examiner
2008-04-11 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

BALTIMORE -

Howard’s state lawmakers introduced or co-sponsored more than 750 bills this session, varying from foreclosure relief to tech tax repeal to banning texting while driving.

Some sailed through to passage, got caught up in committees and stalled as the clock ran out on the 90-day General Assembly session that ended Monday.

The Examiner caught up with several of the 11 delegates and senators to find out the winners and losers for the session.

Del. Gail Bates,

R-District 9A

For Bates, repealing the tax on computer services took front and center for much of the session.

Although she’s pleased it was repealed, substituting the so-called “tech tax” with one on millionaires didn’t sit well.

“We proved multiple times over that tax could have been repealed without any further tax,” she said.

Bates also pushed unsuccessfully to give counties the chance to negotiate a better deal with the state over collection of the recordation tax, a key real estate tax and revenue generator.

The measure, which passed the House but was held up in the Senate, could have helped reduce the fee for counties down to 2 percent. Howard was paying the state clerk of the court 5 percent before deciding this month to take over the duties itself.

The overall tone of the session wasn’t positive, Bates said, perhaps because of how soon it followed last fall’s special session.

The state’s spending still is generating concern, she said.

“We are still spending a lot more than I believe we should,” she said.

Del. Elizabeth Bobo, D-District 12B

Her bill aimed at allowing anyone to appeal a land use decision was held up with procedural problems in the Senate after sailing through the House.

“I am troubled the bill that would have allowed Howard County to have the same rights for its citizens and standing didn’t pass,” she said.

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce argued that those without a justified grievance could appeal a land use decision.

Bobo also pushed legislation to protect homeowners at risk of foreclosure.

The legislature passed a measure that established mortgage fraud as a crime and extended the time between default and the foreclosure sale.

Del. Warren Miller, R-District 9A

Miller’s triumph was the passage of his bill creating a Web site for government spending.

The bill requires the Department of Management and Budget to develop a site including information on state spending of more than $25,000.

Miller tried unsuccessfully last year for this Web site, but it was filed late and didn’t get far. This year, the effort gained momentum in the Senate.

“That helped make it through, so now I am waiting for the governor to sign it,” he said.

Miller said he was still disappointed with the outcome of the special session in November, particularly the sales tax increase.

Del. Guy Guzzone, D-District 13

Guzzone’s session was marked by the passage of the first bill he introduced as a state lawmaker.

He pushed a measure that allows counties to grant a tax credit to senior citizens and residents with disabilities who modify their houses with accessibility features.

“What we have to do now is get the counties to initiate that. I have already started working with the folks in Howard,” Guzzone said.

The credit would allow seniors and those with disabilities to avoid moving to nursing homes or managed care, he said.

Guzzone also worked to give community service providers a 3 percent cost-of-living increase.

Sen. Allan Kittleman,

R-District 9

Kittleman said he “saw a session where promises were unfulfilled.”

“Many legislators, both Democrats and Republicans, came into the general session hoping to correct the errors in the special session.”

A Howard bill that didn’t pass would have provided a credit to individuals who lived in water-only districts, he said. Residents who live in such districts have to pay water and sewer costs, even though they don’t use public sewer.

One measure he claimed victory on was a bill requiring employers to notify employees of accrued leave and paying them that leave if they are terminated and the business has a policy limiting compensation.Del. Frank Turner, D-District 13

Turner’s measure aimed at saving military veterans some money easily passed — and didn’t even need a hearing in the Senate.

His measure exempts members of the military from paying the sales tax on cars they bought out of state.

“I thought it was unfair, especially after they served the country,” he said.

Turner also focused on electronic gaming devices, working to ensure a measure passed outlawing the video machines.

Less successful was Turner’s bill outlawing text messaging while driving. The measure passed in the Senate but failed in House committee. Turner vowed to file the legislation again next session.

Del. Shane

Pendergrass,

D-District 13

The passage of Pendergrass’ bill cleared the way for Howard’s health access plan. The measure establishes a regulatory framework for a public-private health care program, paving the way for Howard to begin enrolling participants.

“It sailed through,” she said.

Pendergrass also continued to push her health care legislation. For example, she pushed a plan to notify residents whose children may qualify for the state Children’s Health Insurance Program. The state comptroller plans to send letters notifying parents their children may be eligible.