Linda, Yes, Michelle (our treasurer for those who don't know her) was very influential in working out the current content - as were every other member of our Board. And while we all work to provide information to the delegates who are introducing the bill, none but the legislators can stake claim for writing any bill. I'm not sure where your information is coming from, but we did, in fact, testify and answer questions from the Judicial Committee when the bill was heard (not voted on - the bill was never voted on last year ). We were not asked in advance to testify and were not prepared to do so, but we did anyhow. It's true that we are new to this legislative business, but we have learned a lot and immediately following last year's hearing we began putting together our new campaign and documentation for this year. Regarding the online petition, many, many Maryland people find this the easiest way to show their support for the bill, as well as out-of-staters. Signatures from out-of-state will be discounted, this is true, but even as discounted they make the delegates aware of the support from around the US. Please everyone - every signature counts! Please sign the petition at: www.mdferretpaws.org/legislation/petition.html Thank you for linking the bill to your website. I hope that you'll encourage everyone to sign the online petition. This is very important legislation and will improve the status and health of ferrets in MD. In other bill-related news, our bill now has a number and should be assigned a hearing date in the near future. I'll keep you all updated as events unfold. Also, if you'd like to be updated by email, please send me an email at [log in to unmask] with Subscribe Bill News in the subject. Thanks everyone! And remember, SIGN THE PETITION! Ingrid Rhinehart Secretary MD Ferret PAWS, Inc. www.mdferretpaws.org Sign the Petition!! www.mdferretpaws.org/legislation/petition.html Announcements - www.mdferretpaws.org/cgi/mboard/discus.cgi [Posted in FML issue 4425]