Laws governing stem cell research, property taxes and reimbursement for trauma physicians are among those going into effect today in Maryland. A few apply specifically to Washington County.
A sample of the new laws:
State-funded stem-cell research must consider ethical and medical implications; research leading to human cloning is limited; a stem-cell research fund has been created.
Certain facilities cannot emit more than specified amounts per year of oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide and mercury.
The State Prescription Drug Benefit Plan's co-payment is limited to a $20 charge for enrollees for a 90-day prescription filled through the voluntary mail-order option.
The gross-income requirement for property tax agricultural-use assessments has been altered for land less than 20 acres; the director of assessments and taxation may waive valuation and assessment requirements for property owners who are at least 70 years old or disabled.
