General Assembly 2009

Senate supports strip-search bill

The Senate gave preliminary approval Thursday to a measure that would prohibit police and correctional officers at jails from conducting strip searches or body-cavity checks of people newly arrested for misdemeanors or traffic offenses. The bill would allow that such searches can be conducted only if the officer has a specified reasonable suspicion and receives authorization from the highest-ranking officer on duty.

Julie Bykowicz

Workplace fraud bill gains

The Maryland Senate approved a bill Thursday that would penalize companies that improperly classify employees as independent contractors but also would limit workers' ability to sue for damages. The so-called Workplace Fraud Act of 2009, backed by Gov. Martin O'Malley, is designed to ensure that companies provide required benefits.

Gadi Dechter