State Sen. Jamie Raskin and Del. Sheila E. Hixson, both Montgomery County Democrats, plan to jointly sponsor anti-spying bills, said Del. Samuel I. Rosenberg, a Baltimore Democrat. Rosenberg, who plans to co-sponsor the House measure, said the bill likely will "be more extensive" than the governor's, in that it asks for tight controls on when information gathered by police can be forwarded to federal databases.
The opening day came with its usual pomp. As expected, Busch was re-elected unanimously by the House of Delegates to his leadership post. Miller, among the longest-serving legislative presiding officers in the nation, was chosen president by a vote of 44-3, with three Republicans voting against.
Noticeably absent was recently indicted Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, who did not join the county executives in opening day festivities.
Dixon spokesman Ian Brennan said the mayor - who faces felony theft and perjury charges - had planned to travel to Annapolis but changed her schedule. At a City Hall news conference, Dixon said last week's indictment has had no impact on her plans to push city initiatives in Annapolis, listing tougher gun control legislation as a priority.
Baltimore Sun reporters Julie Bykowicz and Annie Linskey contributed to this article.
THE DAY IN ANNAPOLIS
* The 426th General Assembly session convenes; House Speaker Michael E. Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, both Democrats, are overwhelmingly re-elected as leaders of their respective chambers.
* Gov. Martin O'Malley gives more details of his budget-cutting plan, including layoffs of state workers.
* Miller argues that state workers should be spared further cuts and that local governments must shoulder more of the burden of correcting a $1.9 billion budget gap.
