Brian Frosh

Dear Friend,

As the 2008 legislative session heads into the final month, I’d like to update you on a few issues that we are currently considering in the General Assembly.

Teen Driving
In response to a rash of teen driving deaths last fall, several of my colleagues and I have introduced bills to increase penalties for young drivers who violate the law. In Senate Bill 610, which I sponsored, a driver under 18 with a provisional license would have his or her license automatically suspended for serious infractions such as racing, drunk driving, reckless driving, a hit and run offense, or fleeing or eluding police officers. The state of Georgia passed similar legislation, resulting in a 40 percent decrease in automobile accidents for 16 year-olds. SB610 received a favorable committee report last week.

Removal of Firearms during Temporary Protective Orders
Today, our judges lack a key tool for protecting women who are victims of domestic abuse. Now, a woman seeking protection from an abuser can have a judge issue a temporary protective order until a permanent protective order can be obtained. The judge has the authority to direct an individual who is subject to a permanent protective order to surrender firearms he may own. However, current law does not allow the judge to confiscate firearms from someone subject only to a temporary order. Sadly, we know from past cases that the time of separation can be extremely dangerous for a woman who is being abused. Our legislation would expand judges’ authority and allow them to require an individual to surrender his firearms once he is subject to a temporary protective order. Eleven other states have taken this step and Maryland should follow their lead.

State Budget
With new estimates showing that state revenues will be significantly lower than projected in January, the General Assembly must make about $300 million in cuts to state spending. This will require us to make tough decisions in coming weeks as we seek to prudently balance the state budget and prepare for an economic downturn.

At the conclusion of the 2008 legislative session, I will send a summary of the General Assembly’s work. Until then, please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns about our work.

Sincerely,

Brian E. Frosh