A Call for Action on Foreclosure Relief

Special Elections Proposed

Two Montgomery County Democrats introduced a bill yesterday to require that some General Assembly vacancies be filled by special election.

Sens. Richard S. Madaleno and Jamie B. Raskin said they want to establish a more democratic process to fill vacancies that occur when lawmakers leave office in midterm or when they die in office, as in the recent cases of Sen. Gwendolyn T. Britt (D-Prince George's) and Del. Jane Lawton (D-Montgomery).

Under current law, the Democratic or Republican committee from the lawmaker's home jurisdiction recommends a replacement for appointment by the governor. The replacement holds the seat until the vacating lawmaker's term expires.

The proposed change would cut short some appointments by requiring that a special election be held to coincide with the next presidential election. The change would not apply if the next regular General Assembly election fell before the presidential election.

"As things stand now, it's a very long time to have someone appointed to a seat" without being up for election, Madaleno said. The change would require an amendment to the state constitution.

-- Lisa Rein

Drug Dealers' Loophole Targeted

Members of the House Judiciary Committee will hear testimony today on a bill to eliminate a provision in state law that one Montgomery County delegate says has benefited drug traffickers and money launderers.

Under current law, police can prosecute drug traffickers for financial transactions, such as buying a car or jewelry, only if the purchases involve money derived from a drug crime totaling $10,000 or more.

The legislation, introduced by Del. Luiz R.S. Simmons (D-Montgomery), would change the rules so that any financial transaction in Maryland involving drug money of any amount would be subject to criminal prosecution.

-- Philip Rucker