The last day was a cliffhanger that went down to the wire. In the end, MRA did well this last day of the 2010 session. Not everything was achieved, but there were no surprises.
The Healthy Retail Employee Act…a.k.a. shift break (HB1299/SB789) received final enactment by mid-day. Final enactment embodied the compromise reached two weeks ago. Also passing was the bill (SB221) extending tax credits for employers hiring people with disabilities.
The compromise bankruptcy-homestead bill (Hb456/SB782) received final passage around 9:30 last night. Failing in the House Economic Matters Committee was the MRA opposed biomass bill (HB827).
MRA’s precious metals bill (HB318) passed earlier in the day, but time ran out on the other precious metals bill (HB752).Also, failing was HB 1217 extending the holding period to 30 days for dealers in Prince George’s County.
The rebate bill (SB1081) got a favorable vote in the Ways and Means Committee around 9:15 p.m. and final House approval 30 minutes before adjournment. Close call!
Finally, the undergarment bills (HB1560/SB1127) slept with the fishes in the Senate Rules Committee. There is always next year!
