New Laws About To Take Hold In Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Domestic partners who co-own homes will be exempted from the Maryland state inheritance tax, under a new law taking effect this week.

Other laws taking effect in Maryland on Wednesday will require state employees who benefit from a union contract to pay costs associated with collective bargaining efforts.

Another new law aims to make college text books more affordable. The law requires public colleges and universities to release the names of books that will be used for courses three weeks after a faculty member makes a selection. That way, students will have more time to find books at better prices.

Maryland will join an interstate compact to help children in military families transfer between school districts more easily.