Stateline Headlines

Former Balto. Co. exec Smith in talks for transportation job

Harris calls for expanded audit of education spending

Carroll County's gun law nullification fantasy

Federal audit finds city schools misspent stimulus, Title I funds

Rocky Gap casino opens in Western Md.

Md. passes thoroughbred breeder incentive program amid bickering

Baltimore County says it won't raise water rates

Council to consider mayor's proposed pension changes

Policy pits candy against sugar

City envy in the county schools

Counties, city face potential loss of piggyback revenue

Baltimore City school system passes $1.2 billion budget

More poverty in Baltimore's suburbs than in Baltimore, research shows

Md. law requires smoke alarm upgrades

The cost of BGE reliability

Withholding tax refunds to clear warrants seen as success

Same speculation, different styles for O'Malley, Cuomo

Mayor to preside over mass wedding at GLBT Pride event

As contraband phones flood Baltimore jail, blocking technology comes online

Roads, bridges, transit projects announced with gas tax hike

O'Malley signs gun bill

$1 billion for new city schools: From non-starter to law

MARC to add weekend service to Washington

Baltimore City Detention Center has high rate of staff-inmate sex

The newest thing in Maryland horse racing: optimism

Private companies consider boarding Purple Line light-rail project

Signing of Md. gun control bill to launch new legal battles, fight for public support

Maryland agrees to buy Annapolis post office

Md. economy will continue to feel government spending cuts

Advertisements to tout Maryland's new gun control law

University system board approves 2.4% tuition, fee increase

Driver’s seat

Maryland's model for gun regulation

Safety Net Hospitals Won’t Be Docked in States That Don’t Expand Medicaid

Hospitals in non-expansion states feared they would be hit with bigger federal funding cuts than those in expansion states. HHS says that won’t happen – at least for the first two years.

Governor visits 'House of Cards' set to highlight incentives success

Dwyer sentenced to 30 days in jail in drunken boating incident

Panel recommends changes at Coppin State

Baltimore's noble but flawed hiring bill

Dwyer will plead guilty to operating boat under the influence

Bill would force contractors to hire Baltimore residents

Maryland delegate Dwyer will plead guilty to drunken boating charge, lawyer says

School reform 2.0

3 bids entered for Prince George's casino site

Why doesn't Baltimore's schools chief need teaching experience?

Smith Islanders debate buyout

Stopping the cellphones that foster jailhouse corruption

After Years of Defeats, Immigrants Win Big State Victories in 2013

Arizona’s immigration crackdown is a fresh memory for many, but now many states are passing immigrant-friendly laws. Find out what is driving the change.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty

Maryland has executed five people since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. But nobody else will be sentenced to death in the Old Line State.

Small Businesses Seek Relief from ACA Penalties

Big fines for small businesses are among the possible unintended consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision to make the Medicaid expansion optional for states.

Lawmakers Chew on Weighty Issues: ‘Whose shad fry is the best?’

Photo Slideshow: Lawmakers call time out to weigh delicious legislation.

States Rack Up Victories in Bids to Collect Online Sales Taxes

After more than a decade of trying, state officials think they may get to collect billions of dollars of taxes on online sales soon. Find out why.

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Maryland became the sixth state in as many years to repeal the death penalty. But the fate of the state’s five remaining death row inmates is up to Governor Martin O'Malley.

Supreme Court Considers Link between DNA and Privacy Rights

More than half the states allow police officers to collect DNA from criminal suspects before they are convicted of a crime, but a Maryland man is arguing that the practice is a violation of privacy.

Proposals Would Shift Utility Infrastructure Costs to Ratepayers

Electricity and gas bills could creep higher in several states, as lawmakers consider whether to allow utilities to charge customers upfront for upgrades to aging infrastructure.

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

Nine Northeastern states will drastically cut the region’s carbon cap under proposed changes to the region’s cap-and- trade program, they announced Thursday.

Gas Tax Loses Favor as Governors Look for New Transportation Money

In the search for more transportation money, governors and state lawmakers are largely avoiding one of the most obvious and straightforward funding sources: state gasoline taxes.

Maryland State of the State Address 2013

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland -- Jan. 30 -- Following is the prepared text of Governor Martin O'Malley's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Issue To Watch: Immigration

Long-bottled-up bills that address state policies on whether to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students could become law this year, because of changes in party control of legislative chambers and changes in federal policy.

As Sandy Hook Students Return to School, Connecticut Governor to Launch Gun Violence Task Force

Still reeling from the elementary school massacre that shocked the nation, Connecticut has launched an expert panel that will study current policy and make recommendations on school safety, mental health and gun violence prevention, Governor Dan Malloy said Thursday.

After Sandy, Some Homeowners Spared from Costly Hurricane Deductibles

Governor Tom Corbett added Pennsylvania to the growing list of states — including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — where governors and insurance regulators have told insurers to spare homeowners from the costly deductibles after the superstorm whirled across the East Coast, causing heavy wind and flood damage to property and leaving millions without power.

Could a Recount of Prisoners Affect Elections?

Four states now count prisoners at their last known home address rather than where they’re incarcerated. Could this affect election outcomes?

Changing Black Attitudes Could Boost Same-Sex Marriage in Maryland

In just the last year, attitudes of black voters toward same-sex marriage have shifted. The size of that shift could decide whether same-sex couples can marry in Maryland next year.

Historically Black Colleges Contemplate a More Diverse Future

This summer, two private HBCUs faced extinction. Public HBCUs are exploring new ways of operating to avoid the same fate.

Courts Differ on Police Use of DNA

Taking DNA samples from suspects immediately upon arrest is an increasingly common law enforcement practice. But some courts have ruled it unconstitutional.

Maryland Defends Strict Gun Permit Process

Maryland officials defended their strict gun permit regulations Friday by asking a federal appeals court judge to block the effects of a lower court ruling that would have loosened the state’s restrictions on obtaining concealed-carry permits.

Teach for America Alums Take Aim at State Office

Some alumni from the teaching program are making runs for state office. Many are facing opposition from teachers’ unions.

Maryland Casino Opens to Long Lines, Glitter and Controversy

Maryland’s third and largest casino, Maryland Live , opened this week amid glittery showgirls, a woman dressed as a giant dessert table, a gaggle of politicians, lines of eager gamblers stretched outside the building and the cacophony of 3,200 fully

Infographic: A Turning Point for Gay Marriage?

Gay marriage supporters have won big victories in state courts and state capitals in recent years. Now, they’re hoping to extend that success to the ballot box.

States Struggling to Slow Tuition Growth

Arizona has led the nation in tuition increases over the past 5 years. Next year, the cost will be frozen. Is tuition growth slowing?

AAA Criticizes Higher Fees for Out-of-State E-ZPass Drivers

The national drivers’ group wants tolling agencies to treat E-ZPass users the same, regardless of where they bought their transponders.

States Scrutinize For-Profit Colleges

Rhode Island is considering whether to approve a for-profit osteopathic medical school, as Kentucky leads 22 other states in investigating the for-profit education industry.

Surging Gasoline Prices Hurt Push for Higher Tax in Maryland

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley testified before state lawmakers in favor of a higher tax on gasoline Wednesday (March 14), but rapidly rising prices have made the proposal unpopular.

Graduate Students Campaign to Unionize

Can a graduate research assistant be a public employee? States and universities are struggling to sort that question out.

Secure Communities Program Draws Criticism in Two States

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: An immigration control effort stirs complaints of federal intrusion into local and state law enforcement.

More States Consider Diverting Foreclosure Money

TODAY'S TAKE: Officials in a growing number of states are considering diverting money from a $25 billion foreclosure settlement between big banks and attorneys general to help pay for programs that have nothing to do with housing.

Public Still Wary of Gas Tax Hikes

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: With federal funding for transportation up in the air, many states are looking for new ways to finance repair work on roads and bridges, as well as the building of new ones. But recent polls from Iowa, Maryland and Michigan show residents are in no mood to pay higher state gas taxes.

Maryland Governor O'Malley Takes a Risk on Gas Tax

The governor's proposal would tie the state's gasoline tax rate to the price of the product, rather than the amount a consumer buys. Motorists would likely pay more over time.

Eastern Ports Scramble to Get Ready for New Panama Canal Era

As the Panama Canal expands to allow larger cargo ships to pass through, states along the Eastern Seaboard are maneuvering to make their ports compatible with the bigger and more lucrative vessels. But there is no guarantee the expensive bets will pay off.

Maryland State of the State Address 2012

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Feb. 1 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Thank you all very much. Let me begin by thanking God for the goodness of Maryland - for her natural beauty, for the goodness of her people, for the hope we see in the

State Commissioners Ask EPA for Stricter Vehicle and Fuel Standards

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Several state environmental commissioners say that new federal vehicle and fuel standards would be a boon to public health.

Building a Health Insurance Marketplace One Step at a Time

Creation of a health exchange under the new federal law is a challenge for many states. But some are learning how to do it.

Motorists Face an 'Avalanche' of Higher Tolls

Toll rates are climbing on highways, bridges and tunnels across the country, but it is not just because of the economy. Many big toll hikes are helping to pay for new construction.

Penn State Case Spurs Movement for New Child Abuse Reporting Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: The Penn State sex abuse scandal has lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and elsewhere considering new reporting requirements for those who learn of crimes against children.

Energy Efficiency Push Survives State Budget Crunch

TODAY'S TAKE: As Congress scales back its Home Star program and state budgets shrink, states are looking for long-term savings by investing in their own energy efficiency programs. A new report finds that all states improved energy performance in the past year.

Report: Six States Changing the Way Health Care is Governed

HEALTH BEAT: Fiscally strapped states are using more managed care, cutting doctors' fees and limiting drugs and medical services to contain rising Medicaid costs. A few are taking a broader approach to health care spending.

O'Malley Mulls Tax Hikes to Offset Federal Cuts

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Maryland's governor says tax increases could happen next year ... Virginia's governor wants a new rainy day fund ... Tennessee fights to preserve its credit rating and more tax and budget news.

Pentagon Cuts Have Military States Worried

The federal debt-reduction deal contains at least $350 billion - but perhaps as much as $950 billion - in defense spending cuts over 10 years. Some states see serious problems for their military-dependent economies.

Reducing California's Car Fleet a Tough Sell

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: California is well short of Governor Jerry Brown's goal of selling half the state's fleet of cars… A national safety group tells states not to outlaw driving while talking on the phone… Utah adds a designation for veterans on its driver's licenses, and other transportation news.

As Shuttle Program Ends, States Step Up Roles in Space

With NASA focused on deep-space missions, the federal government is increasingly turning to private companies to handle more routine flights. Now, states are competing to lure the space entrepreneurs-and the high-tech jobs they promise-to their new or refashioned launch facilities.

Maryland Bridge Tolls Could Double

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Maryland officials are considering higher bridge tolls for the first time since 1975 ... Michigan revisits its motorcycle helmet law … Connecticut's governor finds out that the public loves highway rest stops, and other transportation news.

New Jersey Wants Shorter DMV Lines

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A proposal to reduce wait times to get driver's licenses gets the backing of the agency's chief … Maryland demands more disclosure from a French train operator about its role in the Holocaust … Louisiana's Bobby Jindal kills a highway bill the day it is announced, and other transportation news.

Maryland Hikes Sales Tax on Alcohol

TODAY'S TAKE: Starting July 1, Maryland residents will pay 9 percent in sales tax on alcohol, an increase of 3 percentage points. The change will help fund schools and services for the disabled.

Immigrant Students Win DREAM Act in Maryland but Face Opposition Elsewhere

The issue of unauthorized immigrants in college classrooms is heating up in state legislatures, with widely disparate results. Maryland voted to let such immigrants get in-state tuition rates, while Georgia soon will bar illegal immigrants from attending the state's top schools at all.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

One State's Hospital Cost Solution: Regulated Prices

While every other state lets the market determine hospital costs, Maryland treats them as a government responsibility. Up to now, it has worked pretty well, but reforms may be needed.

O'Malley Seeks Mandate for Offshore Wind

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Maryland's governor wants wind farms off the coast ... Three attorneys general sue the feds over nuclear waste ... cellulosic ethanol flops in Georgia, and other energy and environment news.

New Jersey Democrats Want to Roll Back Tunnel Tolls

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Some New Jersey legislators look to reduce driving costs… A major public works law in Illinois catches a break… Maryland's governor looks to deny driver's licenses to tax delinquents, and other transportation news.

Maryland State of the State Address 2011

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Feb. 3 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access a video of the speech. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lieutenant Governor Brown; Treasurer Kopp, Comptroller Franchot; Attorney General Gansler; Attorney General Curr

New Year Brings Slew of New State Laws

New laws for 2011 include further state bans on the practice of texting while driving.