ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Attorneys have given arguments about whether a Maryland bill to allow in-state tuition for illegal immigrants under certain circumstances should be put to voters in November.

Joseph Sandler, who argued on behalf of the measure’s supporters, said Friday the bill is not subject to a referendum because it involves funding of state government programs.

But lawyers defending the petition drive say the bill has nothing to do with raising money.

Delegate Neil Parrott, a Washington County Republican who led the petition drive, says bill supporters chose not to make the measure an appropriations bill because it would have made it harder to pass.

Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Ronald Silkworth told attorneys he would issue a decision as soon as possible.

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