James Senate Office Building, Room 216
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3587, (301) 858-3587
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3587 (toll free)
e-mail: norman.stone@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3218, (301) 858-3218
- by Senator Norman Stone -
Currently the law in Maryland allows a person who is being attacked to use force that is reasonably necessary for protection against the potential injury. However, a person may not use force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury unless the person reasonably believes that he or she is in danger of serious bodily injury.
The standard known as the “Castle Doctrine,” was adopted in the 1997 criminal case of Burch v. State. In evaluating claims of self-defense in criminal cases, under the doctrine, a man or woman faced with the danger of an attack need not retreat from their home to escape the danger. Instead, they may stand their ground and if necessary in the process of defending themselves, may kill their attacker.
Recent reports reveal that property crimes make up 84 percent of total crimes and there were 37,457 reports of unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft in 2006.
It is my strong opinion that someone who breaks into a person's home or business to commit a felony or a crime of violence should not have the right to sue the owner for injures or even death the perpetrator may have incurred while committing this crime.
It is a sad situation that under current law, it is possible that a person can be sued and be liable for monetary damages for merely protecting his or her person or property.
Also, in my opinion, this is a no nonsense bill which I wholeheartedly support and feel should be passed.
- by Senator Norman Stone -
This year, I have introduced Senate Bill 761 to strengthen the tax credit program by providing for a cost of living adjustment calculation to the homeowner’s property tax credit.
In 2006, the General Assembly passed legislation that made a significant improvement in this program increasing the maximum assessment eligible for a credit from $150,000 to $300,000 and revising the net worth requirements by excluding IRAs and qualified retirement savings plan from the determination of net worth.
“The Homeowners "Property Tax Credit” application forms are available on the Internet website www.dat.state.md.us or you can call my office at 410-841-3587 and I will send you one. It is important to note at this time that this application must be filed every year if you wish to be considered for a tax credit.
Senate Bill 761 received a public hearing in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on March 6. To date, there has been no further action.
I also wish to bring to your attention that the “Homestead Tax Credit Program” which is different from the “Circuit Breaker - Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit” has changed. The Homestead Tax Credit Program was established to help owners deal with “large assessments increases” on their principal residence. This program limits the increase in taxable assessment each year to a fixed percentage and is available only to homeowners who actually reside in the property.
In past years, homeowners have been receiving the Homestead Tax Credit automatically; however, many people are not aware that they need to apply this year to receive the credit even though the information and application should have been included in their property tax bills. I’ve been advised that many people just filed away their property tax assessments without thoroughly reading the application, which needs to be completed.
Homeowners, who received their home assessments this year, have until April 1 to apply for this credit which may save them several hundred dollars in taxes this year. Please note that only 1/3 of Baltimore County residents received their property tax assessments at the beginning of 2008. It is also my understanding that our district will receive their property tax assessments at the beginning of 2009 and unless Senate Bill 239 passes, which repeals this requirement, you should be sure to complete the enclosed “Homestead Tax Credit” application when the new assessment is received. This new application will need to be completed once, unless an applicant moves and buys another home.
You should also be aware that the Homestead Tax Credit application can now be either completed online at www.dat.state.md.us or by submitting the paper application that should be included with the assessment notices. The deadline for submitting the application is April 1, 2008; however, after calling the Director of Assessments & Taxation Department’s office, I was advised that a reminder will be sent out and that is recommended this form be completed online so you can automatically receive your confirmation number. If you have any questions, call the Homestead Tax Credit division at 886-650-8783 or the State Department of Assessment & Taxation at 410-767-1184.