ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Gov. Martin O’Malley signed nearly 200 measures at his last bill signing ceremony as governor. Here’s a glance at some of them.
WILDLANDS
Protects nearly 22,000 additional acres of sensitive land, roughly 12,000 acres in Garrett and Allegany counties.
TRANSGENDER DISCRIMINATION
Prohibits discrimination against people who are transgender on matters relating to housing, employment, credit and use of public accommodations.
ESTATE TAX
The exemption on Maryland’s estate tax will increase from $1 million to $1.5 million next year and $2 million in 2016. It will rise to $3 million in 2017 and $4 million in 2018 before being recoupled with the federal exemption in 2019, when it is projected to be $5.9 million.
DEER HUNTING
State game managers can allow Sunday deer hunting for the first time on designated public land in Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties.
PESTICIDE REPORTING
Establishes funding for pesticide reporting through increase on annual product registration fee paid by pesticide manufacturers.
CYBER FUND
Creates a fund to make an investment of up to $100,000 in early stage cybersecurity and privacy companies that are developing products for both government and commercial markets.
IGNITION INTERLOCK
Drivers convicted of driving drunk with a child in the car will be required to have ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles.
SPORTS INJURIES
Creates a task force to study injuries in high school female athletes.
GREEN PURCHASING
Expands the focus of state government purchases on environmental preference beyond recycled content to include other beneficial characteristics such as energy and water efficiency.
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