Matching fund grant proposed for WMC
Del. Richard N. Dixon, a Westminster Democrat, has submitted a bill that would create a matching fund grant for Western Maryland College to renovate and make additions to the Lewis Hall of Science.
If the bill passes, the state Board of Public Works would sell up to $3.5 million in bonds to pay for the college grant. To receive the money, Western Maryland College would be required to raise an equal amount.
The bill has been assigned to the House of Delegates Appropriations committee, of which Mr. Dixon is a member.
Bill would delay program's starting date
The state's Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention Program would not be implemented until Dec. 31 under a proposal submitted by Del. Donald B. Elliott, a New Windsor Republican.
The program, created by the General Assembly last year to reduce the risk of lead paint in rental housing, took effect last December. It requires owners of rental properties with lead paint register them every year at a cost of $10 each, notify tenants about the paint and take steps to reduce the risk of lead paint contamination.
But specific regulations for the program are not expected to be completed until March. Also, letters notifying property owners about the program went out several weeks after the registration deadline for rental units with lead paint.
Mr. Elliott has said he is introducing the bill to give the Maryland Department of the Environment time to draft satisfactory
regulations.
Penalties considered for keeping rental items
Failure to return rental merchandise would make people liable for civil penalties similar to those for shoplifting if a bill submitted by Del. Donald B. Elliott, a New Windsor Republican, is approved the General Assembly.
Under the proposal, shop owners would be required to send a letter asking for return of the property and payment of any outstanding rent.
If the renter does not comply, the owner would be able to sue for return of the item or an amount equal to its fair market value.
Also, the shop owner would be able to sue for damages, any rent owed and a civil penalty of twice the fair market value of the item.
Private bus service could be studied
Del. Joseph M. Getty, a Manchester Republican, has submitted a resolution that would require the state Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of allowing private companies to run public bus service.
The study would cover whether changing to private transportation providers would affect federal funding, quality of passenger service and public safety.
Bus service in Carroll County is provided by Carroll Transit, a not-for-profit organization.
A hearing on the resolution will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 23 before the House Appropriations Committee.