Battle on comptroller's powers centers on regulation, health

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — An ongoing battle between Maryland's comptroller and lawmakers is focusing on the office's regulatory powers over alcohol, tobacco and gasoline and what's best for the health of state residents.

Comptroller Peter Franchot and sponsors of a measure to transfer regulatory powers to a commission held dueling news conferences Thursday.

Franchot says the bill is political retribution for trying to help small craft brewers. He cited a Bureau of Revenue Estimates report that says the bill could cost taxpayers $50 million.

But bill sponsors say Maryland is one of only three states with those regulatory powers in the state tax collector's office.