Bill Hearing Archives

Major Issues & More – 90 Day Report Reviews the 2026 Legislative Session

The Maryland Department of Legislative Services’ annual synopsis of the General Assembly’s time in Annapolis provides an update on taxes, education, energy, transportation, public safety, environmental, and health issues addressed in bills that passed – and didn’t pass – in the 2026 Session. As the Maryland Department of Legislative Services describes, the 90 Day Report is divided into 12 parts, each discussing a significant policy area. Each part contains a discussion of the majority of bills…

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April 22, 2026

Business Affairs / County Budgets / County News / Courts / Economic Development / Education / Elections / Emergency Management / Employee Benefits and Relations / Energy / Environment / Feature / Finance and Procurement / General Assembly News / Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Human Resources / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Testimony / Parks and Recreation / Pensions & Public Funds / Planning and Zoning / Public Information and Ethics / Public Safety and Corrections / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues / Tourism / Transportation and Public Works

2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal pressure. Lawmakers closed the fiscal 2027 gap, preserved reserves, and fully funded principal commitments, such as the Blueprint, but did not resolve the larger structural deficits projected for the years ahead. That budget pressure shaped debates across nearly every policy area, from…

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April 17, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Elections / Energy / Environment / General Assembly News / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Testimony / Public Safety and Corrections / Transportation and Public Works

Conduit Street Podcast: 90 Days Later — Sine Die Recap

This Week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we bring you an episode fresh from Sine Die to break down the 2026 legislative session from start to finish. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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April 17, 2026

Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Procurement

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on procurement policy in the 2026 General Assembly. Public procurement is a critical function of county government that drives infrastructure delivery, management of public funds, and ensures fair and competitive contracting processes. Through its procurement advocacy, MACo works to preserve local flexibility in procurement practices while supporting policies that promote transparency, efficiency, and strong partnerships with the private sector. In Maryland's 448th legislative session, procurement policy…

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April 16, 2026

Business Affairs / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Business Affairs

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on business affairs policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Business regulation and licensing sit at the intersection of economic opportunity and public safety, with counties responsible for administering and enforcing many of the rules that govern local commerce. Through its business affairs advocacy, MACo seeks to preserve local authority, ensure effective oversight, and maintain access to essential regulated services in communities across the state.…

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April 16, 2026

County News / MACo Testimony / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: State Budget & Fiscal Issues

The segments below provide an overview of MACo’s work on State budget policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. County governments depend on a wide range of State-funded programs to deliver essential services. Changes in the State budget — whether in funding formulas, cost sharing, or program structure — can have broad and immediate impacts on county budgets. MACo advocates for predictable funding, protects against unfunded mandates, and supports targeted enhancements that align with local…

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April 16, 2026

Economic Development / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Economic Development

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on economic development policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Economic development is a core function of local government contributing to job creation, supporting local businesses, and positioning communities to compete in a rapidly evolving economy. Through its economic development advocacy, MACo works to ensure that state policies strengthen, not constrain, local efforts to attract investment, support workforce development, and advance projects that reflect regional…

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April 16, 2026

Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony / Taxes and Revenues

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Taxes and Revenues

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on tax policy in the 2026 General Assembly. The General Assembly routinely considers changes to tax structures to spur economic growth, encourage certain activities, or attract and retain residents. Some proposals focus only on State taxes, while others extend to local revenues and directly affect county budgets. MACo supports local decision-making. Counties, led by elected officials accountable to their communities, make informed choices on local…

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April 16, 2026

County News / Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Intergovernmental Relations

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on intergovernmental relations policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Counties serve as the boots-on-the-ground public service providers to nearly all Maryland residents. From public safety and infrastructure to health, energy, and governance, this role requires strong coordination and clear communication between all levels of government. Through its intergovernmental relations advocacy, MACo works to strengthen the state-local partnership, ensuring that county voices are heard and respected…

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April 16, 2026

Health and Human Services / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Health and Human Services

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on health and human services policy during the 2026 General Assembly session. Each county in Maryland has a local health department that plays a role in providing essential public health services to residents. Local governments deliver frontline care through local health departments and administer critical programs for children, families, and vulnerable populations. As such, MACo works to strengthen these local health and human services systems,…

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April 15, 2026