During Session, Buddy Alerts are sent via email when a vote on a specific bill is crucial. The alert will provide a brief overview of the legislation, MACo’s position, and a some quick talking points.  MACo encourages elected officials to sign up to participate in this effort by selecting  Delegate(s)/Senator(s) from the lists below. Prior to selecting your “buddies” take into consideration those with whom you have the best rapport and feel most comfortable conveying a position on a bill.

Please send buddy requests to Emily Hollis at ehollis@mdcounties.org.

2012 Maryland State Senators

2012 Maryland State Delegates

The full calendar is available online here.

Major dates of interest:

January 24 (14th Day) — SENATE AND HOUSE BILL REQUEST GUARANTEE DATE

Legislators seeking to introduce bills are asked to place requests with bill drafter by this time to guarantee delivery in time for the chambers’ introduction deadlines. Stakeholders seeking to work with supportive legislators are aware of this date as an informal “cutoff” for new ideas for the current session.

February 3 (24th Day) — SENATE BILL INTRODUCTION DATE
February 10 (31st Day) — HOUSE BILL INTRODUCTION DATE

Bills introduced after this date referred to the Rules Committee of the appropriate chamber, requiring an additional hearing and process before being released to the appropriate policy committee. An obstacle, though in recent years a generally surmountable one.

In the month of February, with all bills introduced and assigned to policy committees, the most intensive work of the General Assembly will take place in committees, where the public hearings are conducted to gain stakeholder input, and refinements to legislation are resolved where warranted.

March 20 (70th Day) — Committee Reporting Courtesy Date
March 26 (76th Day) — Opposite Chamber Bill Crossover Date

By these dates, where there is sentiment to pass a bill, it should be “moving” — out of its original committee by March 20, and out of its chamber of origin by the following week. Again, not hard-and-firm deadlines, but in general this is a busy stage of the session with both chambers working long hours in committee and on their respective floors to complete work on bills they seek to pass.

April 9 (90th Day) — ADJOURNMENT “SINE DIE” (Monday)

The session ends at midnight Monday, and any legislation not completely through the full approval process by that time is defeated. The Governor then has a period of time to consider signing/vetoing legislation, and proposals that do not become law may be re-introduced at the next General Assembly session to begin the full introduction/hearing process again.

Penn National Gaming, the owners of Rosecroft Raceway, have been pushing for slots since they acquired the property in early 2011. The gaming company and other opponents of the bill suggest that slots at the PG County racetrack would create jobs, increase tourism and tax revenue, and benefit not only the county budget, but the county citizen’s finances as well. At the hearing held on November 15, proponents of the bill – those wishing to prohibit slots – cited the potential social and financial degradation of those who choose to participate in gaming.

After hours of public comment from a standing-room-only crowd, the Prince George’s County Council voted as follows (from the Sentinel):

Councilman Obie Patterson, D-District 8, was the first councilmember to move to table CB-49, followed by Council Chairwoman Ingrid Turner, D-District 4, and council members Derrick Leon Davis, D-District 6, Karen Toles, D-District 7, and Mel Franklin, D-District 9. Council members Olson, Campos, Harrison and Lehman opposed.

To read the full article, please click here.

November 9, 2011
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
MACo Office

• Would you like to know how to read a bill and follow its progress during the Session?
• Have you ever wondered what the appropriate protocols are for testifying before a committee?
• Are you curious about the fiscal note requests you receive about proposed legislation?
• Do you know how a policy committee and a budget committee differ?

If so, this half-day training is for you!!!! Whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned veteran, MACo hopes this event will provide you with practical information.

The training will be held on Wednesday, November 9, beginning at 10 am in the MACo Office. Morning discussions will focus on the legislative process, MACo’s bill review and hearing process, and the fiscal note process.

A short guided walking tour highlights some of the historical and practical areas of interest within the government complex. Afternoon discussions will be held in a committee room and focus on budget and bill hearing protocols and tips on testifying. The training agenda is available by clicking here. The walking tour agenda is also available.

Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Space is limited and this event is only open to MACo members.

To attend, R.S.V.P. to Emily Hollis at ehollis@mdcounties.org  by Friday, November 4.

If you have questions regarding the training session, please contact Les Knapp at lknapp@mdcounties.org.

Transportation “Lock Box:”  Numerous pieces of legislation were introduced to prohibit the transfer of revenue from the Transportation Trust Fund to the State General Fund, requiring these revenues to be used for their intended purpose, transportation.  Some bills protected the historical local share of Highway User Revenue or amendments were offered to do so (HB 518, HB 591, HB 926), while others protected the local share as currently distributed (SB 677, SB 714/HB 1001).  Status: These bills were either voted unfavorable by the Senate Budget and Taxation or the House Appropriations Committees, or not acted upon.  In the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (HB 72), the General Assembly adopted language to require a five year repayment plan for any future transfers of Transportation Trust Fund revenues to the General Fund.

Distressed Counties: SB 891 expands the definition of “qualified distressed counties” to ensure that the current counties (Allegany, Caroline, Dorchester, Garrett, Somerset, and Worcester and Baltimore City) would continue to benefit from these types of programs, and possibly expand these opportunities to other counties which may be struggling due to the difficult economy.  MACo supported this legislation.  Status:  SB 891 passed the General Assembly and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Direct Deposit of Wages:  HB 233/SB 484 would authorize counties and municipal corporations to pay employees’ wages by direct deposit.  However, the House has taken an approach that would require direct deposit, unless the employee opts out.  The Senate’s approach would require direct deposit as a condition of employment and provide an opt-out for those individuals who do not have a bank account.  In addition, MACo sought an amendment to grandfather those jurisdictions that currently may require direct deposit through a collective bargaining agreement, personnel regulation or local law.  This language was amended into the HB 233 by the Senate, but the House did not concur.  The differences will need to be resolved  by a conference committee.  Status:   House conferees have been appointed for HB 233.  Senate conferees will be appointed tomorrow.  SB 484 has passed third reader in the House and will go the Senate for concurrence tomorrow.  MACo Testimony

Extended Unemployment Insurance Benefits:  HB 1228/SB 882 would provide an extended 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits to Maryland’s long-term unemployed who have exhausted all of their State and federal emergency unemployment benefits.  The Federal government is providing 100% funding for private employers, but the State and many local governments are self-insured and would be required to pay these benefits directly to any former employees who qualify. MACo expressed concerns with the fiscal effects of the bill.  Working with the Administration and members of the House and Senate Committees, a compromise was reached that would provide for local government reimbursement for a portion of costs associated with providing these benefits (see previous post).  Status:  Both bills are moving in the same  form through their respective chambers towards final passage.  MACo Testimony

Unauthorized Signs on Highway Rights-of-Way:  HB 289/SB 410 would authorize removal of improperly placed signs on highway rights-of-way by state or local authorities, and authorize a civil action to recover costs of their removal or disposal.  MACo supported the bill because it would assist in the beautification of public roadways and provide reasonable authority for state and local governments to remove improperly placed signs.  Status:  HB 289 has passed the General Assembly and SB 410 is moving towards final passage.  MACo Testimony

Towing Task Force Legislation:  HB 356/SB 570 would implement the recommendations of the Task Force to Study Motor Vehicle Towing Practices. MACo is concerned with language in the bill that states that a motor vehicle towing and storage lienor may not sell the motor vehicle to which the lien is attached unless the lienor is licensed by the local jurisdiction.  MACo suggested that this language be amended to clarify that it only applies to those local jurisdictions that currently license towers, retaining the bill’s intended incentives, without a local mandate.  This amendment was not adopted, however MACo is seeking a letter from the Attorney General to clarify that the bill does not mandate or imply that jurisdictions that currently do not license must do so.  Status:  Although each bill has passed out of its respective chamber, they are in different forms which will be resolved in a conference committee. MACo Testimony

Motor Carrier Permits for Local Public Transportation Systems:  HB 431/SB 402 would exempt a public transportation system established under the public laws of a county government or municipal corporation from the motor carrier permit required for a passenger motor vehicle used in the transportation of persons for hire.  Currently, local transportation systems are regulated by local government, the PSC, the MTA, and the Federal government depending upon the sources of funding used for operations.  MACo supported this bill to streamline and create efficiencies in the process.  MACo did however,  seek an amendment so the bill would also apply to local governments that entered into contractual arrangements with non-profit entities to manage and operate transportation systems on their behalf.  Status:  SB 402 has passed the Senate with the amendment and has been heard in the House.  HB 431 is awaiting action by the House Economic Matters Committee. MACo Testimony

Purchasing of Street Lights:  HB 905 would allow a local government to purchase street lighting equipment from an electric company either through an agreement that is reached with the electric company or through a condemnation proceeding. If equipment is purchased through a condemnation proceeding, the bill specifies items that must be considered by a jury in determining the fair market value of the lighting equipment. HB 905 seeks a fair and just process for local governments to purchase street lighting equipment. MACo believes this bill could serve to stop the stalemates that have occurred thus far when local governments have expressed interest in purchasing street lighting equipment. Status:  HB 905 was given an unfavorable report by the House Economic Matters Committee.  MACo Testimony

The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee heard MACo’s concerns and amended the bill to apply to businesses with property taxes that do not exceed $100,000.  The House must agree with this amendment to secure final passage.

As reported by the Washington Post, both sides have resolved differences over State employee and teacher pensions and retiree health care.

Under that compromise, state retirees will see their maximum out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs more than double, as well as other health-care costs rise, but not as much as they would have under a plan proposed by Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) and largely endorsed by the state Senate. In 2020, the costs will more than double again when retirees are shifted to federal Medicare coverage. The course-correction on the state’s underfunded pension, meanwhile, will result in state workers paying a combined $200 million more annually through higher payroll deductions, and the state kicking in an extra $300 million. If the state realizes its projected annual rate of return of 7.75 percent, Maryland’s pension system will return to a federally recommended 80 percent solvency rate in 12 years, or 2023. Next year, Maryland’s state retirement system is projected to be funded at 59 percent.

A few items in the budget are contingent upon the 3% increase in the alcohol sales tax, which is in a separate bill, SB 994.  As reported by the Gazette.Net, the House will consider whether to support with the Senate’s plan to phase in the alcohol sales tax in over three years or to implement it all at once.

If delegates go along with the Senate alcohol tax plan, it would provide $21 million for additional education aid for Prince George’s County and Baltimore city, $5 million to reduce the developmental disabilities waiting list and about $3 million would go to the general fund. The Senate dedicated more money to developmental disabilities with the remainder going to the general fund. However if the House opts to raise the levy all at once, it could bring roughly $60 million more into the general fund.

Below is a summary of the major budgetary decisions with respect to local governments:

• Rejected a transfer of 50 percent of teacher retirement expenses to local employers, but did approve a substantial (approximately $17m annual) cost shift for the administration of the system to schools and community colleges
• Provided a one-time payment to counties (totaling $5 million) and municipalities ($8.2 million) for local roadways (county and municipality allocations)
• Restored $58.5 million in education funding by increasing the per pupil foundation amount for each county’s distribution
• Shifted 90 percent of costs associated with the assessment function (approximately a $35 million impact), but reduced the shift to 50 percent after two years
• Rejected language that would authorize the Governor to flat fund programs on the FY 2012 level through FY 2016
• Rejected significant proposed changes to the funding of Program Open Space and other programs currently supported by transfer taxes
• Rejected proposal to permanently repeal the statutory requirement for “payment in lieu of taxes” for State forest and reserves, but discontinued the payments for two years
• Adopted language to clarify that the calculation of withheld funds for a county missing MOE is based on the total increase in foundation funds regardless of the source of the funding
• Adopted language to clarify the nature of the MOE funding mandate, specifying that MOE is a condition of receiving annual school funding increases
• Adopted language to require local school systems to pay a share of costs of children in State custody who are placed in a nonpublic placement
• Adopted language to authorize all county boards of health to establish fees for food service facilities based on actual cost of licensing and conducting related food safety inspections

A complete summary of all budget actions affecting local governments will be available soon.

Through discussions with the Administration, a compromise has been reached whereby $1.64 million would be set aside in an “Extended Benefits Fund” to reimburse counties and municipalities for a portion of their net costs associated with providing these benefits.  Net costs refers to the total extended benefits paid less tax revenue payable for providing these benefits.  Counties with a negative net cost would be reimbursed at a minimum of 60% of associated costs and municipalities with a negative net cost would be reimbursed at a minimum of 80% of associated costs.  Funds to reimburse the counties and municipalities would be generated through State tax revenues in excess of the direct costs to the State for extended employee benefit payments.

The Senate Finance Committee has voted SB 882 favorable with these amendments and it will be brought to the floor today.  The House Economic Matters Committee is expected to vote on HB 1228 this afternoon.