Md. Senator: Bills signed into law to benefit Lower Eastern Shore
Local lawmakers report that four bills that will benefit residents of Maryland's Eastern Shore were signed into law, on Tuesday.
The Office of Senator James Mathias Jr. says Governor Larry Hogan signed the following bills into law: Senate Bill 386, Senate Bill 1069, Senate Bill 353, and Senate Bill 764. Lawmakers say SB 386 (Maryland Nursing Home Resident Protection Act of 2018) requires the state to initiate an investigation of nursing home complaints alleging "immediate jeopardy" to residents within 24 hours. State officials also must investigate within 10 days for any complaints alleging actual harm. Officials report that SB 1069 expands the allowable weight limit during harvest time for farm vehicles
According to Senator Mathias' (District 38-Md.) office, the Income Tax Disparity Grant (SB 764) will increase state aid for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 by $957,200 for Somerset County and by $2,133,100 for Wicomico County. The The program apparently assists less affluent jurisdictions and county governments, making them less dependent on their own tax base to fund public services.
SB 353 now allows resident of Crisfield, who are known to travel through town on golf carts, to do so on state roads where the speed limit is not above 30 MPH.
In regard to the passing and signing of the laws, the Maryland Senator says, "the 2018 Legislative Session was my busiest and best ever! It truly is working together as a team for the citizens of the Lower Eastern Shore and all of Maryland that is the success formula for getting the job done."
