State legislators and the attorney for the man who built the controversial home on Little Dobbins Island are challenging the state's latest lawsuit, saying the Critical Area Commission has overstepped its authority by utilizing a new law to try and knock the house down.

Three legislators representing the area - Dels. Don Dwyer, R-Glen Burnie, Nic Kipke, R-Pasadena, and Steve Schuh, R-Gibson Island - sent a letter to Attorney General Douglas Gansler yesterday saying the lawsuit is unconstitutional.

Mr. Dwyer said the state is violating the section of the Maryland Declaration of Rights labeling retrospective laws "oppressive,...