Annapolis notes: So many bills, so little time

So many bills, so little time

How many bills are considered during the Maryland General Assembly’s 90-day legislative session?

Lots.

Last year, the Maryland Senate alone produced 1,281 — the highest number in recent history.

And since the Senate tries to give every bill a hearing, that means long hours in committee meetings listening to testimony and reviewing the bills’ fine points.

Sen. Mike Hough, R-Frederick, said this week he believes “legislation that (is) very technical and complex was getting lost in the weeds, in that we’re not having enough time to deal with all of the legislation coming in front of us.

“And quite frankly, a number of times … because we have to hear every bill, our time is taken up by legislation that has been defeated time and time again, legislation that has little chance, or legislation … that has not been worked out all the way.

“It’s out of control.”

So he proposed a rule change that would limit senators to 20 bills per session.

While the Senate Rules Committee issued no ruling on the matter this week, committee members will study the issue over the interim.

Last year, Sen. George Edwards, R-Washington/Allegany/Frederick, sponsored 16. Sen. Andrew Serafini, R-Washington, sponsored 27.

Every picture tells a story

The Maryland State House is more than a meeting place — it’s a shrine of state history, where images of past heroes watch quietly as new generations conduct state business.

Last week, the state Senate celebrated the addition of two new portraits in its chamber — of former Sen. Verda Welcome, the first African American woman in the United States to be elected to a state senate, and Senate President Emeritus Mike Miller, who stepped down as president earlier this month.

Welcome served in the Maryland Senate from 1963 to 1982, and passed away in 1990, having survived a 1964 assassination attempt.

Seeing her mother’s portrait in the Senate chamber was “amazing,” her daughter Mary Sue Welcome said.

Miller served as Senate president for 33 years, beginning in 1987. That’s longer than any other presiding officer in any state legislature in the country.

He’s still in the Senate, and now will be staring down at himself in the Senate chamber.

“It’s unbelievable,” Miller said through tears. “I’ve been surprised three times in my life — once when they named the (Miller Senate Office) building after me; nobody told me about that. Second when … others brought Bill Clinton down here (last year to honor Miller) and then tonight.

“This is a home away from home, and I’m indeed very grateful.

“It’s amazing you have politicians and elected officials that can keep a secret,” he mused, “but honestly and truly, I had no idea about this whatsoever.”

— Compiled by Tamela Baker