Senate committees moved quickly in the first day of the special session to approve bills that would expand forms and locations of gaming in the state and alter the liability standards for injury caused by dogs. Although 21 bills were introduced into the Senate, only the gaming and dog liability bills, and 2 local gaming bills, are advancing to the Senate floor for further action.
The Senate Budget & Taxation Committee approved Governor O’Malley’s gaming expansion bill, SB 1, favorable with amendments on a vote of 11 to 1. That bill will be considered this morning by the full Senate and could receive a final Senate vote later today or tomorrow. See the bill and a fiscal analysis of the legislation.
The Senate Judicial Proceedings also gave a favorable report to SB 2, an emergency bill that will establish strict liability for owners of all dogs, thereby relieving landlords from liability for damage caused by the dog of a tenant. That bill will also be considered by the full Senate today. See the bill and a fiscal analysis of the legislation
While approval of these bills by the Senate is expected, both bills will face a more difficult challenge in the House, which will begin hearings on the House bills (HB 1 and HB 2) today at 1:30. For further information contact Ron Wineholt at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
About Ronald W. Wineholt