As a five-hour Senate session concluded this afternoon, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller characterized his chamber as "workman-like." In a quick interview, he also named a few pieces of legislation he'd like to see cross his desk by the midnight deadline.
"Almost all of the big bills are out of the way," the Democratic senator from Calvert and Prince George's counties said, noting the operating and capital budgets are ready for the governor's signature.
What's on Miler's to-do list?
Rocky Gap and BOAST. He said it's important for the General Assembly to pass legislation that could help entice bidders for a slots parlor at Rocky Gap in Western Maryland. And he also indicated he wants to see the chambers pass a controversial measure that would give tax credits for private schools.
Miller said he believes the Senate will pass a House plan for a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence for those convicted of the second-degree rape or second-degree sex offense of a child under 13 -- less than the 20 years the Senate was seeking.
He called the Assembly's passage of a bill to ban drivers from using hand-held cell phones "a safety issue" and predicted "even tougher bills in future years."
The "workman-like" Senate convenes again in moments.