A bit of history might be displayed across the bottom of some Maryland license plates beginning this fall, if Sen. Larry Haines (R-5th District) of Westminster has his way.

Haines has proposed legislation so that "Home of Our National Anthem" would grace all state license plates as a way to honor Maryland native Francis Scott Key's famous poem, written after watching the British bombard Fort McHenry in September 1814.

Haines, who represents Carroll County and part of Baltimore County, presented the bill to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee this month.

He said 33 states have some type of motto or slogan on their standard plates.

He said he hopes the motto on Maryland's plates would help preserve the state's place in the nation's history.

"I think that most everyone is familiar with our anthem," Haines said. "Maryland is the birthplace of our national anthem."

Haines said he believes now is the time to make the addition to state license plates, with the bicentennial of the War of 1812 just two years away.

If the bill is enacted, all plates made starting Oct. 1 would bear the motto.

"I just believe it will keep history before the next generation," Haines said. "It's very, very important to keep history alive."

He said he had no problem with leaving the new motto off specialized plates, such as the popular agricultural and Chesapeake Bay plates.

"I'll be satisfied if it just went on the standard plate," he said.

A hearing on the bill will be held Jan. 21 in the Judicial Proceedings Committee in Annapolis.

State House measures

The following are some other bills sponsored by members of the Carroll County Delegation to the General Assembly:

* House Bill 140 -- State Del. Donald Elliot of New Windsor (R- Dist. 4B) is sponsoring a bill that would require people under 18 to wear a helmet while operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, moped or motor scooter. The bill also clarifies that the definition of bicycle includes moped.

A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2 in the house Environmental Matters Committee.

* House Bill 259 -- Del. Tanya Shewell (D-District 5A) is proposing a measure that would require the Motor Vehicle Administration to cancel the driver's license of a person convicted of drunk or drugged driving -- if it's their second or more offense.

If the person wanted to get a new license, they would have to get one that included a "prominent notation that the licensee has been convicted of multiple violations of drunk or drugged driving."

Shewell's bill is set for a Feb. 10 hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

* Senate Bill 33 -- Haines is also sponsoring a bill, "Right to Hunt, Fish and Harvest Wild Game," that would establish the right of every person in Maryland to hunt, fish or harvest wild game, subject to state law.

The amendment to the Maryland Constitution would require voter approval. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2 in the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee.

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user comments (1)

user brooksemmory says...

Once again Larry Haines has proven his worth to his constituents in Carroll County! We send him to Annapolis to do what : tick off the Governor with partisan comments and sponsor a frivilous bill on license plate engraving. That ought to really bring home some bacon. He knows just how to hit all the RIGHT language for those who have come to expect so little from him, such as his unnecessary but RIGHT - sounding Right to hunt, fish & harvest bill. We'd all do well if the entire Carroll Delegation just stayed home and did their politicing from here because they certainly aren't worth a nickle in Annapolis.

Posted 9:18 AM, 02.06.10

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