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Noah's Law Passes General Assembly

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- The last few minutes of the 2016 session could be nail-biters with some bills left out in the cold at the midnight deadline.

Political reporter Pat Warren has more on the latest developments.

Historic drunk driving bill Noah's Law has passed. It's named for Police Officer Noah Leotta, who was killed by a drunk driver while on drunk driving patrol. Leotta's parents received a standing ovation after the bill passed.

A police reform bill was also passed.

Even with some uncertainties, there's been progress on both sides of some important issues.

The Democrat-dominated General Assembly and the Republican executive office don't see eye to eye on a lot of things---most notably spending---but rather than lock horns on tax increases, they look for tax cuts.

"We just want to see some real meaningful tax relief and there's been some good ideas on both sides," said Governor Larry Hogan.

But as the evening wore on, tax relief looked less likely. Despite House and Senate differences on Noah's Law, the ignition interlock bill named in honor of Officer Noah Leotta, gained support throughout the evening and the sick leave bill that inspired a demonstration on the final day of the session kept supporters wondering.

"We don't agree on everything but overall, I want to thank the folks on both sides of the aisle that have been working with us and we're coming out with a lot of success for the taxpayers of Maryland," said Governor Hogan.

At last word, there are negotiations continuing on tax relief.

Monday, the House also gave courts the option to impose one year of jail time for adults who allow underage drinking.

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