Time is not on lawmakers' side, as many big issues hang in the balance just days before the end of the 2023 legislative session.

Some lawmakers said they are pleased with bills that have already crossed the finish line, and they're confident many more will be sent to the governor before the session ends.

"This session, we have exceeded expectations. I am proud of the work done," said Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-District 46.

Frustration boiled over Friday inside and outside the State House. Outside, Maryland Capitol Police said officers arrested seven people who blocked the State House entrance. Capitol police said those arrested were released with citations. Those arrested were among people who were demonstrating over the lack of progress on a bill that would allow undocumented residents to enroll in the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. Lawmakers said more study is needed.

"We need to look for an option that meets the needs of the most vulnerable," said Prince George's County Sen. Melony Griffith, D-District 25.

Meanwhile, delegates were still tweaking the Senate version of a gun control bill that would restrict where legal gun owners may take their weapons.

"The ban still exists on people wearing and carrying in a bar or in a place where you can consume cannabis," Baltimore City Delegate Luke Clippinger, D-District 46, said during debate on the bill on the House floor.

To the frustration of Republicans, no action has been taken on four bills addressing gun violence.

"They are not moving. They are nowhere. I mean, the joke is, they are on the side of milk cartons trying to find them," said Sen. J.B. Jennings, R-District 7, whose district encompasses portions of Baltimore and Harford counties.

Recreational cannabis legislation is still in the pipeline. Legislators said the differences between the House and Senate measures are small, but the bill keeps changing.

"There was a concern from those of us in (the) Senate Finance (Committee) about internet sales and the potential delivery from businesses to customers. Kicked the can down the road until 2025," said Senate Minority Leader Stephen Hershey, R-District 36.

A bill addressing water woes in the Baltimore region remains clogged in committee. The measure would create a task force to come up with a regional water authority to run the system.

Legislation addressing the beleaguered Maryland 529 College Savings Plan is slowly moving through the Senate. The proposal would put oversight in the state treasurer's office.

Other bills awaiting action include one that would set new standards for private security guards, another that would create a disaster recovery fund and another that would require hospitals to test overdose patients for fentanyl.

Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates' proposal to extend jail time for illegal handgun possession is being rolled into another piece of legislation that is moving forward.

The Senate will work into Friday evening, while the House will come in for a Saturday session. Sine Die is at midnight on Monday.

| RELATED: Hundreds of bills hang in the balance on Crossover Day

City States Attorney Ivan Bates proposal extending jail time for illegal hand gun possession is being rolled into another piece of legislation that is now moving forward.