New laws related to health and support for Maryland veterans returning from overseas were among dozens of bills signed Thursday by Governor Martin O'Malley. (FULL COVERAGE)

One measure is designed to help veterans get behavioral health services. It creates a Veterans' Behavioral Health Advisory Board to help identify gaps in services.

Another bill intended to help veterans expands the eligibility of the motor vehicle excise tax credit. O'Malley also signed a bill to extend the deadline for awarding the Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq (web|news) Conflicts Scholarship from June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2016.

Another bill signed yesterday keeps the badly struggling Prince George's Hospital Center open until a new owner can be found.
The law sets up a state-county authority to find a new owner. The authority will consist of three people appointed by the county, three members appointed by O'Malley and one member chosen jointly by the House and Senate.

One of the measures requires people who donate more than $10,000 for campaign materials for November's slots referendum to file campaign finance reports.

Another law requires private-sector employers to let workers use paid leave while caring for sick members of their immediate family.

Thursday's bill-signing was the final one related to this year's General Assembly.

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