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New laws taking effect in Maryland

By WTOP Staff

BRIAN WITTE
Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A ban on grain alcohol sales and new laws aimed at helping victims of crime and their family members are taking effect in Maryland.

The new laws go on the books Tuesday.

Maryland is banning the sale of alcohol that is 190-proof and stronger. The law had strong backing from leaders of colleges, who said grain alcohol provides a cheap way for students to get drunk quickly.

Another new law requires the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention to establish and expand programs for family members of homicide victims. The state budget includes $500,000 for a grant program to help them.

A new law will enable victims of crime to receive faster information about court cases through email. Previously, those notices came by mail through the U.S. Postal Service.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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