A package of sex offender legislation was delayed on day in House floor at the request of Republican Leader Tony O'Donnell – but that didn't prevent delegates from starting to debate the issue which, curiously, led to a revelation about the probable fate of Attorney General Doug Gansler's bid to curtail competitive elections for circuit court judges.
In the floor exchange this morning, one delegate worried that the language in a proposed sex offender bill allowed judges too much discretion over sentencing and supervision.
House Judiciary Chairman Joseph F. Vallario shot back.
"Judges will be responsible for their decisions," Vallario hollered on the floor. "That is why we elect them. We have elected them for the last 200 years and hopefully we will continue."
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee has not yet voted on the measure, SB 833. The House version, HB 1385, also not had a committee vote.