Speed cameras aren't coming to Maryland highways.
State lawmakers appeared poised to allow speeding cameras, but the final moments of the year's session ticked away without lawmakers agreeing on the bill. That means the measure dies until next year. It passed both the House and Senate, but lawmakers must agree to identical bills before they can head to the governor's desk for his signature.
The state Department of Transportation pushed for the speed cameras, saying they would improve safety in work zones where traditional radar enforcement is impossible. The bill also would've allowed speed cameras on local roads near schools in municipalities that allowed them.
Lack of agreement on who would get the money from tickets led to its demise.
The measure could return next year.
Lawmakers also failed to agree to a sweeping global warming bill to slash carbon dioxide emissions. That bill failed amid concerns it could cause factories to close and jobs to be lost.
Also failing was bill to require counseling for borrowers seeking certain risky home loans, and a bill making it a hate crime to place a noose on someone's property. Thousands of bills are proposed each year, and most of them fail.
As for successful legislation, the General Assembly signed off on a $2 billion settlement with Constellation Energy Group and approved an expansion of DNA sample collections in Maryland's legal system.
The DNA measure allows the collection of genetic material from people who have been charged with violent crimes and burglary. Current law allows samples to be taken only from convicted felons. The expansion to other subjects will expire after five years.
CLICK HERE FOR A MORE BILLS PASSED BY THE 2008 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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