SCS/SB 860 - The act creates provisions relating to weather modification. Under the act, it shall be unlawful to use any form of weather modification, as defined in the act, in the state. Any individual or entity knowingly deploying chemicals into the atmosphere shall disclose the contents of the chemicals to the Department of Natural Resources in a format determined by the Department. Any individual or entity deploying chemicals into the atmosphere shall post a bond in the amount of $25,000,000 to cover damages, if any, to the environment caused by the deployment of such chemicals. Any individual may report instances of weather modification to the Department. The Department shall create procedures to investigate reports to determine whether weather modification occurred. If the Department finds that weather modification occurred, the Department shall commence a civil action. If the court finds that a violation occurred, the court may grant relief as described in the act. The Department shall report any known weather modification instances to the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration pursuant to federal regulations. The act shall not preclude the use of pesticides for farming or ranching purposes. JULIA SHEVELEVA

Maryland bans online sweepstakes games that mimic gambling and blocks licenses for firms earning revenue from illegal or high-risk interactive gaming markets.