As more and more of the state goes on-line with computers, police last week asked lawmakers to recognize computer tampering and harassment by e-mail as serious crimes.
"Computer crimes cannot be deterred by putting more cops on the street," said Detective Sandra Mapstone of the Baltimore County Police Department's computer crimes unit. "You need stiffer penalties."
On Friday, she asked the House Judiciary Committee to support House Bill 357, which would make computer tampering a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison if damages exceed $3,000, and up to 15 years if damages exceed $50,000.
Computer tampering is currently a misdemeanor.
Meanwhile, House Bill 441 would make it illegal to harass someone by electronic mail. It already is illegal to harass over the telephone.
Because of the issue's complexity, Del. Anne Marie Doory, a Baltimore Democrat and committee vice chair, said the bills probably would not pass this year. Instead, the panel is expected to study the issue over the summer.
State seeks authority to control coyotes
The coyote, an animal foreign to the Eastern United States until about 85 years ago, has invaded Maryland and is preying on livestock and wildlife.
The state Department of Natural Resources has asked the House Environmental Matters Committee on Thursday for authority to regulate the coyote population.
House Bill 797 would establish a coyote season and would allow people to hunt or trap a coyote on their land if coyotes were damaging or destroying their property.
The bill is opposed by the Humane Society of the United States, the Maryland League for Animal Welfare and the Western Maryland Sportsman's Club, all of which oppose the trapping of animals.
Natural resources officials estimate there are 280 coyotes in Maryland.
Judges' reappointment measure is defeated
A Senate committee has defeated legislation that would allow Maryland's governor to decide whether to reappoint District Court judges after their 10-year terms expire. Currently, governors must reappoint the judges.
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee killed the proposed constitutional amendment Friday in a 6-5 vote.