General Assembly prepares for spring session

An increase in gas taxes, a repeal of the death penalty and a renewed discussion of liability for pit bull owners are some issues on the table for Maryland's 2013 legislative session.

In addition, the recent shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., have prompted Gov. Martin O'Malley and others to promise gun control legislation in the upcoming session.

However, with the ongoing fiscal cliff discussions in Washington threatening to dramatically affect taxes and the economy, plans for the 2013 session in Maryland may be severely altered depending on the outcome. ...