EDITOR'S NOTE: Political Notes is a weekly look at government and political news. Send items to rhutzell@mdgazette.com.

The fate of controversial legislation granting tax credits for contributions to private and public schools now rests in the hands of a divided House of Delegates committee.

The state Senate on Wednesday passed the bill, sponsored by Sen. Ed DeGrange, D-Glen Burnie, with a 30-17 vote.

There was little doubt about the Senate vote, as that chamber approved similar legislation in 2008. What remains to be seen is if the recent closures of 13 Catholic schools in the region and Gov. Martin...