The Historical Society of Harford County could be seeing an uptick in donations, if a bill sponsored by Del. Wayne Norman is passed.
During last Friday's Harford Delegation meeting, Norman introduced HB 1326, which would have $20 of the $25 fee for performing courthouse marriage ceremonies go to the Historical Society, up from the $10 from every ceremony that goes now to the non-profit organization.
According to Del. Rick Impallaria, the increase in donations would amount to roughly $5,000 per year.
Norman asked the Harford County Council and County Executive David Craig for a letter of support for the bill, Impallaria said.
Historical Society President Henry Peden said he's been looking to cut costs while increasing the amount of money coming into the organization.
Curious about how the donation from civil marriage ceremonies could be increased, Peden spoke with Judge William Carr, who in turn spoke to Del. Norman. Norman said he would introduce the topic to his fellow delegates.
The historical society president said he didn't know the issue would be brought up so quickly, and was surprised to see that the donation would double, as he only asked for an increase in funds, not a specific amount.
"We're just waiting to see where it leads," Peden said. "I'm glad they [the delegation] were very positive about it [the idea]."
Part of the fees collected for performing civil ceremonies also goes to the Harford County Sexual Assault/Spousal Abuse Resource Center.
Slot machines
Impallaria introduced a bill that would allow VFWs, American Legions and similar organizations in Harford County to operate slot machines.
Dels. Susan McComas, Pat McDonough and Norman also sponsored HB 1398.
"This would put us on the same standing as Eastern Shore VFWs and legions," Impallaria said.
Harford County legislators have pushed the issue of slots at posts unsuccessfully for decades, most recently by Sen. Barry Glassman during the 2011 session as a statewide bill and by former delegate Dan Riley in several previous legislative sessions.
Maryland law allows organizations on the Eastern Shore to raise money through operating slot machines, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to that post's home and the remainder to charities. Frederick County has proposed a similar bill this year that would also let its veterans organizations have slots.
Impallaria said the money the organizations raise go toward supporting the veterans and the upkeep on their facilities. While Harford's VFWs and legions are struggling to do the minimum, he continued, Eastern Shore organizations have another source of revenue to rely on.
"Their buildings [on the Eastern Shore] are up kept and have money to donate to veterans because they have slot machines," Impallaria said.