ASSEMBLY DIGEST

House Approves Bill That Would Double Limit On Small Claims

The House of Delegates unanimously approved a bill yesterday that would
make it easier for people to go to small claims court.

The measure would increase the monetary amount for which a person could sue
in small claims court from $2,500 to $5,000. Disputes involving more than
that amount often are heard in Circuit Court, where many defendants and
plaintiffs feel that they need a lawyer to navigate the complicated and
often clogged system.

Identical legislation was vetoed by the governor last year at the urging of
trial lawyers. The bill moves to the Senate.

52 Lawmakers Sponsor Medical Use Of Marijuana

Fifty-two lawmakers, including some of the General Assembly's most
conservative Republicans, are sponsoring legislation to legalize marijuana
for medical use.

The bill would allow patients suffering from diseases such as cancer and
AIDS to smoke marijuana, which stimulates the appetite and suppresses
nausea, allowing patients to gain weight.

"I would suggest that pretzels are more dangerous than marijuana," said
Del. Donald E. Murphy, a Baltimore County Republican and the bill's main
sponsor.

Critics say such legislation would promote illegal drug use under the guise
of medicine.

House OKs Plan To Allow Judges To Conduct Weddings

The House of Delegates gave overwhelming approval yesterday to a bill that
would allow judges to officiate at weddings.

Maryland is one of four states that don't permit judges to perform marriage
ceremonies. Under current state law, only officials of religious orders and
Circuit Court clerks may marry people.

The House and Senate approved similar legislation last year, but the two
chambers failed to resolve differences in the bills. The Senate is
scheduled to hold a hearing on the issue next week.

From staff reports