New Laws For Drivers, Police

O'malley Also Signs Bills That Deal With Child Pornography, 'Silver Alert' And Domestic Abuse

While the bill passed unanimously in both chambers, some lawmakers raised concerns that teenagers engaged in sexting could be targeted for prosecution. Others, including Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, dismissed those worries and said the new provisions would be used in cases against criminals, not teenagers.

"Nobody is for child pornography, but there is a wave of behavior among teenagers that violates this law," said Sen. Brian E. Frosh, a Montgomery County Democrat and chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee. "I'm concerned about criminalizing juvenile behavior that is bad but doesn't warrant stigmatizing someone for the rest of his or her life."

O'Malley also signed measures requiring pawn brokers to electronically submit transactions to aid in investigations of property crimes, and enabling better information sharing among law enforcement agencies in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

In addition, bills to require licensure of locksmiths and athletic trainers became law, as did legislation aimed at helping military families. One measure authorizes tuition assistance for Maryland National Guard members; another facilitates the transfer of children who need to change schools because parents are deployed or moved.

Newly signed legislation

* Authorization of speed cameras within a half-mile of schools.

* Requirement that judges seize firearms from the subjects of permanent restraining orders, and authority to seize them from subjects of temporary orders.

* New reporting requirements for police SWAT team use.

* Creation of electronic records by pawnbrokers to aid investigations of property crimes.