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Fed up with delays, Governor introducing Emergency Crime legislation

February 20th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Amid a verbal tit-for-tat between Gov. Larry Hogan and leaders in the General Assembly and Baltimore City Hall, Hogan announced he is designating as emergency legislation the violent crime bills he introduced at the start of the legislative session.

"I don't want to hear any more excuses. There can not be any more delays. We need to stop playing politics. Pass these bills," Hogan said. "It's not like we're just trying to be disagreeable. It's not that we're just trying to start a confrontation with the legislature. We're just trying to save lives and take action."

The designation means that, if passed, the bills would take effect immediately rather than months later. It's unclear if Hogan's announcement, made during a Thursday news conference, will bring about a change in the bills' fortunes.

Sen. Will Smith, the chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, told The Baltimore Sun the bill won't pass a committee vote unless provisions on mandatory minimum sentences are stripped from the bill. Del. Luke Clippinger, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told The Sun he believes tougher enforcement would be more effective than new laws.

Hogan subsequently told the Sun that Smith ought to be removed as chairman, a remark Senate President Bill Ferguson called "totally unacceptable" in a speech in the Senate chamber

4 Responses to “Fed up with delays, Governor introducing Emergency Crime legislation”

  1. February 20, 2020 at 4:09 pm, David said:

    There is no solution. The ruling Democrats will refuse to do anything that is legitimately good for any part of the state.

    Reply

  2. February 20, 2020 at 6:53 pm, Brian said:

    The Democrats are much more interested In protecting criminals and illegal aliens that they are protecting their own citizens.

    Reply

  3. February 20, 2020 at 10:12 pm, jim said:

    allow the animals to wipe themselves out. Time consuming legislation is not necessary to address this issue.

    Reply

  4. February 21, 2020 at 7:33 am, mac said:

    For those that prey on each other tougher enforcement helps but the root cause of crime is poverty, lack of education and no hope for a better future.
    They live in a seething cauldron of crumbling buildings and rampant drugs and alcohol.
    I truly pity those people trapped with no where to go.

    Reply

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