Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermottWeek 2 Jan. 21-25, 2013

Monday Regular Session:

As tradition dictates, a member of the Black Caucus deliver a speech relatvie to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on his recongized Holiday. This evening’s address was delivered by Delegate C.T. Wilson (D-Charles). He focussed on his own upbringing and how his life and opportunities had been make better by the civil rights path created by Dr. King and others.The speech was very personal and I believe everyone was touched by his words.

Tuesday Judiciary Committee Hearings:
HB-14 addresses a gap in the law which did not cover part-time school employees and coaches who may attempt to engage in sexual contact with a student. The current law only deals with “permanent, full time” personnel. The bill seeks to insure this custodial relationship is covered whether someone is full time or part time. We heard testimony about several cases in Maryland where sexual relations had occurred that, once found out, could not be prosecuted since they were only part time employees of the school.

HB-31 attempts to cover the same gap in the law as the above stated HB-14. I will be offering an amendment to this bill which would also cover non-salaried personnel who are engaged in coaching and other activity within the school system.

HB-1 seeks to make Cannabimimetic Agents illegal. These are the “bath salts” which are being abused by some people and used as synthetic marijuana. We heard testimony regarding the elimination of these drugs locally by ordinance in Worcester County. This bill seeks to do so statewide. We heard testimony about multiple adverse affects these new synthetic drugs are having on young people who are the targeted audience.

HB-12 addresses the pointing or aiming of laser pointers at aircraft. We passed this bill last year but it was stalled in the Senate. We heard testimony from State Police Pilots who testified that this is a significant safety issue for them while operating their aircraft as the laser reflects upon striking their cockpit area and impacts their ability to safely operate. Some who have been caught doing this have been charged with Reckless Endangerment successfully. There was discussion about the need to create a new law if we are already seeing successful prosecution under existing statutes.

HB-27 seeks to eliminate Diminution Credits for offenders convicted of Child Pornography. These are the credits provided for inmates who participating in various approved programs within the correctional facilities which allow them to reduce their prison sentences.

“A Minute with Mike”: Keeping Government Local

Wednesday Judiciary Hearing:

HB-32 would require someone convicted of Transporting a Minor While Intoxicated to submit to having an Ignition Interlock System installed on their vehicle and would mandate their participation in the program. There were some questions regarding the cost (which is born by the participant) and the impact on families economically. This has been before the committee in the past and I am unsure if it is going to get out to the floor this year.

HB-8 seeks to address the specific amount of money which may be deposited into a single account belonging to a minor in cases before an Orphan’s Court. Currently there is a restriction placed upon the rules governing fiduciary estates which is $75,000. This bill seeks to lift the amount to $200,000. It seems the bill seeks to update the amounts to keep up with the times rather than alter any legislative language.

This afternoon I released this Press Release on my School Safety proposals.

Thursday Judiciary Hearing:

HB-54 seeks to create a State Registry of Adult Abusers. The list would be maintained by the state in similar fashion as a Sex Offender Registry. We received statistics on the number of elder abuse occurring and the repetitive nature of these acts when employees that are abusive move from one job to another. This bill was opposed by Occupational Health Care Practitioners as they feel the reviews are already being conducted by employers through background checks. We heard from the Sex Offender defenders who do not believe the public should be entitled to this type of information.

Gun Bill-Speaker’s Special Committee: I attended the initial meeting of a newly formed Special Committee which will review the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill and hear from various professionals who can speak to the many layers covered by this coprehensive legislation. There are three committees represented: Judiciary, Health & Government Operations, and Economic Matters. We will be meeting many times in the coming weeks as we break the bill down. I have reviewed the O’Malley-Brown Bill, SB-281, and it would create a ban on assault weapons and magazines over 10-rounds. It also includes extensive registration and training requirements along with many fees. There are no provisions which address school safety or security in the bill, and the changes will not make us any safer. I will provide a complete breakdown on the bill next week for your review.

This afternoon I released this Press Release on the upcoming HB-106 Hearing, the Repeal of last years SB-236. It is a call for action for those concerned about their property rights.

This afternoon I released this Press Release on the upcoming HB-106 Hearing. It is a call for action for those concerned about their property rights.

Friday Morning-Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:

The delegation heard from Secretary Dominick Murray from the Department of Business and Economic Development. We also heard from the Commercial Watermen’s Association President Gibby Dean and several representatives from the regional Tri-County Councils. I will post up the minutes from the meeting in a later update.