Md. Immigrant Tuition Bill Delayed By Petition Drive

One of the most high-profile measures approved by the Maryland General Assembly this year isn't among the many bills taking effect this week as scheduled.

A petition drive to overturn legislation to allow in-state tuition for certain illegal immigrants has at least delayed the bill from taking effect.

Opponents of the measure will be turning in additional signatures on Thursday in an effort to meet the 55,736 they need to put the legislation on next year's ballot. Because local elections boards have until July 20 to verify the signatures, the measure won't take effect on Friday as scheduled.

If opponents succeed, it will be the first time Maryland will have a referendum from a successful petition drive since 1992, when voters approved a bill guaranteeing abortion rights in Maryland.