Issues Before The General Assembly: Early Voting, Gun Control, and Pit Bulls... And Sunday's Ravens Game

Governor Martin O'Malley is set to ask the General Assembly to expand Maryland's early voting program. He'll ask lawmakers to allow eight days of early voting before each statewide election, up from the current six. The governor also wants to allow Maryland residents to register to vote on the same day they cast ballots -- provided that they vote early. Pre-registration would still be necessary for those who head to the polls on election day (via the Washington Post). 

Lobbyists from both sides of the gun control debate are mobilizing in Annapolis, as the General Assembly prepares to deal with the issue. Earlier this week, Governor O'Malley called for gun law reforms that include bans on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, as well as the licensing of handguns. He's set to formally introduce the legislation today (via our wire service and the Baltimore Sun).

Lawmakers are also taking up legislation that would essentially overturn a ruling by Maryland's highest court that labeled pit bulls "inherently dangerous" dogs (via the Baltimore Sun).

Lawmakers yesterday also heard testimony on Baltimore's 10-year school facilities plan; while lawmakers appeared to warm to the idea, the proposal didn't win the endorsement of the state's public school construction agency (via the Baltimore Sun).

The General Assembly is also considering extending the Homestead Tax Credit application deadline until the first of June (via our wire service and the Baltimore Sun). 

On today's edition of Inside Maryland Politics, WYPR Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith and The Daily Record's Alexander Pyles talk about Governor O'Malley's budget proposal.

Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold is getting his day in court -- but not before a jury of his peers. Leopold yesterday decided to waive his right to a jury trial in the misconduct case against him. Opening statements are scheduled for today (via our wire service and the Baltimore Sun). 

The commission that awards casino licenses in Maryland will soon accept proposals for a venue in Prince George's County, as approved by voters back in November (via our wire service and the Baltimore Sun).

A judge has ruled that the contracts to redevelop State Center in midtown Baltimore are void. The judge's ruling essentially kills the proposed $1.5-billion project, requiring the state to return to the drawing board and start from scratch (via our wire service and the Baltimore Business Journal).

And in sports: The Ravens are gearing up to take on the New England Patriots in this weekend's AFC Championship game. It was the same matchup last year -- when the Ravens lost 23 to 20. Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis -- who's retiring at the end of the season -- says he's ready for the rematch. Sunday's game starts at 6:30pm; a win will send the Ravens to the superbowl.