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Dyson would alert homebuyers to noise levels

Friday, Feb. 24, 2006

Sen. Roy P. Dyson has introduced for the second consecutive year a bill designed to inform prospective homeowners of increased noise levels at military installations.

The legislation would insert a short passage into the Maryland real estate contract requiring a real estate agent to notify potential homebuyers that their property is close to a military base that conducts flight operations, munitions testing or other exercises that could produce high noise levels.

Dyson (D-Dist. 29) of Great Mills introduced the measure in response to complaints received by Patuxent River Naval Air Station from Eastern Shore homeowners who were unaware that they are in the base’s flight zone.

The bill received strong support in the Senate last year, but died in a House committee. Del. John L. Bohanan Jr. (D-Dist. 29B) of California has filed a companion bill in the House this year.

The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and the House Environmental Matters Committee heard testimony on the bill Feb. 9. No further action has been scheduled.

Animal cruelty loophole

A bill that garnered statewide attention following an alleged animal cruelty incident in Anne Arundel County received almost unanimous support on Monday in the House Judiciary Committee.

The measure, sponsored by Del. Murray D. Levy (D-Dist. 28) of La Plata, would close a loophole in criminal law against animal abusers. Under current law, only custodians and caretakers of animals can be charged with a misdemeanor for animal cruelty. Anyone can be charged with a felony.

An identical bill received unanimous support in the House last year, but died in the Senate committee. A misdemeanor would be punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Repeat drunk drivers

Del. Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) of Lusby wants to impose mandatory minimum prison sentences on repeat DWI and DUI offenders.

‘‘Anyone can make a mistake one time,” he said. ‘‘This would stiffen the penalties available.”

The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on the measure on Tuesday. If passed, individuals found guilty of driving while intoxicated twice within five years would serve a minimum five-day jail sentence. A third-time offender would face a minimum 10-day sentence.

The bill, which has died in committee each of the last two years, also provides that home detention could be considered part of a mandatory sentence under certain circumstances. Repeat offenders also could be required to undergo drug or alcohol treatment.

Several driver safety organizations, including AAA Mid-Atlantic and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, support O’Donnell’s proposal.

Natural gas storage

A proposal that would limit where Washington Gas could build a liquefied natural gas storage tank remains in legislative limbo after action last week by Montgomery County lawmakers.

Under the bill, seven members of the nine-member County Council would be needed to approve a site for a 5,000-gallon tank; a simple five-member majority is needed now.

Washington Gas wants to build a 12-million-gallon tank in Chillum, near the West Hyattsville Metro stop in Prince George’s County.

Because the bill involves the bi-county Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the measure must win the approval of Montgomery’s lawmakers.

On Friday, the House delegation voted 12-8 in favor of the bill. Thirteen votes are needed for the 24-member delegation to dispense with legislation, and a second vote is scheduled for Friday. Three delegates abstained.

Washington’s speech returns

George Washington’s handwritten resignation speech to the Continental Congress on Dec. 23, 1783, will be housed permanently at the State House in Annapolis.

State Archivist Edward C. Papenfuse announced Monday night in a ceremony honoring Washington’s birthday that the state will pay $600,000 for the speech. The two-page speech in which Washington resigned his military commission was given in the Old Senate Chamber.

The Senate convened in the Old Senate Chamber Monday night. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Thomas McLain Middleton (D-Dist. 28) of Waldorf gave the annual Washington address.

Papenfuse said the anonymous owners of the speech will receive $1 million, the state will provide $600,000 and the rest will be made up with private donations. Two prominent Baltimore businessmen, Willard J. Hackerman and Henry A. Rosenberg Jr., are donating $200,000 each.