THE WINNERS: Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems,
which resisted efforts to privatize.
THE LOSERS: Senators E.J. Pipkin and John C. Astle gained little traction in their push to revamp the fleet and turn it over to a private helicopter company.
PREAKNESS
WHAT HAPPENED : After Magna Entertainment Corp. declared bankruptcy in March and said its assets were for sale, concern grew that a buyer of the Preakness Stakes could move the race out of Maryland. The Assembly adopted emergency legislation authorizing state authorities to purchase the race through eminent domain, although most acknowledge that the tactic is probably most valuable as a bargaining tool.
THE WINNERS: Too soon to tell. Maryland's racing industry would certainly cheer if the bill helped save the Preakness, but there were lots of suitors for Magna's Maryland assets before the state took action.
THE LOSERS: Civil libertarians dismayed at the Supreme Court's 2005 Kelo decision allowing eminent domain for economic development purposes now see where that road leads. Magna fought the legislation, saying it would depress the value of its assets, but failed to stop it.
SPEED CAMERAS
WHAT HAPPENED: Lawmakers authorized a statewide expansion of speed cameras that are in use only in Montgomery County. They can now be installed in highway work zones and within a half-mile of any school. Owners of cars captured traveling at least 12 mph above the posted speed limit will receive $40 fines in the mail.
THE WINNERS: O'Malley wanted a statewide bill and got it; Sen. James N. Robey, a Howard County Democrat, resurrected the plan on the Senate floor.
THE LOSERS: Opponents of Big Brother monitoring the daily activities of state residents are enraged.
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
WHAT HAPPENED : Lawmakers banned the growing practice of sending text messages while driving, punishing it with a $500 fine.
THE WINNERS : Motorists should be driving on slightly safer roads, proponents say.
THE LOSERS: Those who wanted a broader ban on hand-held cell phones and other devices; some say the new law will be difficult to enforce.
