Local bills signed

April 25, 2007|by ANDREW SCHOTZ

Four local bills were among those Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law Tuesday:

EXCISE TAX - Washington County may lift the cap on its excise tax on new residential construction for one year. A task force will recommend a fee based on square footage instead of a flat fee. Sponsored by the Washington County delegation (HB1355)

CODE BOOK - Washington County may publish, sell and distribute a current edition of local laws. Sponsored by the Washington County delegation (HB722)

CIVIL OFFENSES - Washington County may issue civil citations for infractions of trade and building codes instead of filing criminal charges. Sponsored by the Washington County delegation (HB753)

SOCIAL WORKERS - Social workers may evaluate, diagnose and treat "mental and emotional conditions and impairments." Del. John P. Donoghue, D-Washington, who sponsored the bill, said social workers previously had to wait for a psychiatrist to diagnose conditions such as mental retardation. (HB358)

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