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Judge Rules In-State Tuition Bill Can Go On Ballot

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A judge has ruled a measure allowing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants is subject to referendum.

Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Ronald Silkworth issued the decision late Friday.

Supporters of the bill contended the measure is not subject to referendum because it involves funding of state government programs.

However, Silkworth found that the Maryland Dream Act is not a law making any appropriation. Instead, he found it is an act of general legislation to change eligibility requirements for students to receive in-state tuition.

As a result, the judge concluded the measure is subject to referendum on the November general election ballot.

A petition drive by opponents of the measure has already been certified as successful by the state elections board to put the measure on the ballot.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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