Annapolis—The
Maryland legislative session closes today having passed a number of
important pro-consumer bills that empower consumers, strengthen
democracy, and improve the quality of life in Maryland.
Key public interest victories include:
- Clean Indoor Air
- Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances
- Security Freeze to Stop Identity Theft
- Voter-Verified Paper Records
The
Clean Indoor Air Act bans smoking in all workplaces including
restaurants, bars and private clubs. This legislation will help save
the lives of over 1,000 Marylanders who die each year from exposure to
second-hand smoke.
“After
a multi-year effort, the dam finally broke when Baltimore City passed
its ban in February. Now Maryland has one of the strongest smoke-free
workplace laws in the country,” said Maryland PIRG policy advocate,
Johanna Neumann.
The
Energy Efficiency Standards Act establishes minimum energy efficiency
standards for 7 residential and commercial appliances, as well as
transformers used by utility companies. This bill will help lower
utility bills and reduce summer peak demand for electricity which is a
key factor in driving higher rates.
“
Maryland is a national leader on energy efficiency standards, enacting
the first wave of efficiency standards in 2004 over the veto of
Governor Ehrlich, and passing a second wave this year. This legislation
will save consumers millions of dollars in energy savings,” said
Neumann.
Security
Freeze legislation will give consumers an important tool to protect
themselves from identity theft. For $5, any consumer can ‘freeze’ her
credit report, preventing entities who aren’t authorized by the
consumer from accessing her credit file. A security freeze is the best
way to stop identity theft before it starts.
“
Maryland lawmakers have joined the majority of states in the country,
and given their citizens important tool to protect themselves from
identity theft,” said Neumann.
Voter-Verified
Paper Records requires our voting system to produce a paper record that
can be used in case of a recount. The legislation is contingent upon
funding before 2009 and would be implemented for the 2010 election.
“We
thank Senate President Miller and Speaker Busch for their leadership
and we applaud the General Assembly for putting the public interest
ahead of powerful special interests this session,” said Neumann.
