Maryland committee hears slots talk

Members of the Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee listened Wednesday to nearly three hours of testimony on a slot-machine bill supported by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. that would legalize 15,500 machines at six locations, including four racetracks.

The bill has been introduced on behalf of Ehrlich's administration by the Senate's president, Thomas V. Mike Miller, who has vowed to shepherd the legislation through his chamber for the third time in three years. The bill faces an uncertain future in the House of Delegates, which has killed slots bills the past two years.

It is expected to be passed by the committee and full Senate.