You can’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get more than what you need.

It’s the exception when your bill passes without amendments the first time it’s introduced, but sometimes developments exceed your expectations.

Since my bill allowing used car dealers to remain open on Sunday and close on Saturday affects only Baltimore City, it must be approved by both the City delegation and the Economic Matters Committee.

Before the hearing began today, one City delegate asked me whether this legislation would give an advantage to dealers open on Sunday when their competition was closed. We’ll have to talk to him again after the hearing, I said to myself.

After Delegate Oaks and I testified for House Bill 520, several delegates asked questions, and I again made mental notes as to which ones would need further discussion before the delegation voted on the bill next week.

Then Delegate Haynes asked a question that favorably summarized the bill. A motion immediately followed for a favorable report.

The vote was unanimous. And one week before I expected it.

“Do we still need to testify next Tuesday before the other committee?” asked Mr. Sher, who had asked me to introduce the bill because he observes the Sabbath on Saturday and cannot open his dealership on that day, in addition to the Sunday closure required by state law.

“That we still need to do,” I replied.

February 18