Thread: Judge dismisses challenge to Md. Dream Act referendum

Judge dismisses challenge to Md. Dream Act referendum



By David Hill

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The Washington Times
Saturday, February 18, 2012


Maryland Delegate Neil C. Parrott, Washington County Republican, watches last May in Smithsburg, Md., as Paul Spangler of Emmitsburg, Md., signs a petition against the recently passed Dream Act. (David Hill/The Washington Times)



A Maryland judge on Friday dismissed a lawsuit challenging the petition effort against a law allowing many illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition.


Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Ronald Silkworth ruled that the state’s so-called Dream Act — passed last year by the General Assembly — is subject to petition, clearing the way for a November referendum on the issue.


The law’s opponents gathered enough signatures last year to block the legislation and force a statewide vote, but plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued the Dream Act was an appropriations bill and thus not subject to referendum.

Judge Silkworth rejected the argument in his opinion, likely sending the issue to this November’s ballot.