Maryland lawmakers override 5 vetoes by the governor

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland will abolish the state’s Handgun Permit Review Board, create a new oyster management process, and expand circumstances in which an undocumented immigrant is exempt from paying out-of-state tuition under the Maryland Dream Act, after lawmakers voted to override several vetoes from Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday.

The Maryland General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, held off on trying to override the Republican governor’s vetoes on three other measures. It takes a three-fifths vote by each chamber to override a veto.

Here is a look at the measures:

HANDGUN REVIEW BOARD ABOLISHED

Lawmakers voted to override Hogan’s veto of a measure that abolishes the state’s Handgun Permit Review Board. Supporters say the board that reviewed appeals from people denied a permit to carry a concealed handgun had become too permissive. A judge will decide those appeals.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND-JOBS

Lawmakers also voted to override a veto of a measure that prohibits employers with 15 or more full-time employees from requiring a job applicant to disclose a criminal record before the first in-person interview. The legislation, known as “ban the box,” is aimed at helping former prison inmates get jobs.

IMMIGRANT TUITION BREAKS

Maryland will expand the circumstances in which an undocumented immigrant is exempt from paying out-of-state tuition under the Maryland Dream Act. The legislation removes a requirement that a person earn an associate’s degree or 60 credits at a community college before receiving in-state tuition at a public four-year institution. It also reduces the time someone must have attended a high school in the state from three years to any amount of time.

OYSTERS

Maryland’s oyster management process will be changed. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be required to work with an advisory commission and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to develop a package of consensus recommendations for improving the state’s management plan for oysters.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

The state will expand grievance procedures to include some state employees who are subject to collective bargaining.

RAILROAD FREIGHT

The General Assembly did not override a veto of a bill that would have prohibited freight trains that use the same rail corridor as a high-speed passenger or commuter train from operating in the state unless it has a crew of at least two people.

BICYCLE FUNDING

Lawmakers also did not override Hogan’s veto of legislation that would have required at least $3.8 million annually for the Bikeways Network Program to develop bicycle lanes in the state.

GOVERNOR’S APPOINTMENTS

The legislature did not override a veto of legislation that would have required the governor’s appointment office to file annual reports on appointments.