Legalized gambling in Maryland is raising it's ugly head again. The ink is barely dry on the final bill signing by Governor Parris Glendening on legislation passed by the 1986 Maryland General Assembly. The symbolic ending of one session means the beginning of work on the next session, even though that session is nine months away.
Much work occurs between session.
My committee is holding its first interim meeting this week. Legislators are working on drafting bills which are pre-filed even before the session begins. That means the bills are officially introduced on the first day of session and it gives the bills the greatest chance of a fair hearing and possible passage. Sometimes it takes a couple of sessions for an issue to catch on. Gambling is sure to be raising its ugly head again.