Speeding cameras, well water testing and mobile home parks top the list of local priorities for Howard?s state lawmakers in the session starting Wednesday.
In perhaps the most significant policy measure for the county, Sen. James Robey, D-District 13, is pushing a measure to use cameras to enforce speed limits, which would make Howard the second county in the state to use the cameras.
“I am hoping it is going to pass, and I would like to see a state law pass,” he said.
Opponents, like Robey?s colleague on the House side, Del. Warren Miller, R-District 9A, said police officers should be the ones to enforce speed limits.
“A camera can?t tell you if you are a terrorist with a bomb [or] a kidnapper or if you have been drinking,” Miller said.
Miller is introducing a local measure that would make it easier for parents to access the results from well water tests at Howard schools. The bill, which stems from Miller?s fight to get results on testing at Lisbon Elementary School?s well, would require the Howard Board of Education to post the results online.
“My bill is intended to address the lack of cooperation from the school board in providing the test results,” he said.
The delegation will also consider a bill requiring mobile home park owners to notify residents of plans to sell and allow the residents to make an offer to buy it. Six Howard delegates have signed on in support of the measure, in an effort to retain some of the county?s diminishing affordable housing.
“It?s a small step, but it?s something,” said Del. Elizabeth Bobo, D-District 12B.
Also among the dozen local bills are three state bond bills that would each provide $500,000 in state aid to fund the design and construction of the Robinson Nature Center in Columbia, Laurel Community Center and Blandair Regional Park in Columbia.
