Read more about the article Governor Moore Outlines AI Framework for Maryland
County News / Information Technology / Labor
Governor Moore Outlines AI Framework for Maryland

A new state framework outlines priorities for responsible AI development, workforce training, and protections for residents. Governor Wes Moore announced a new AI framework focused on three priorities: protecting residents from emerging AI-related risks, preparing workers for changes brought by the technology, and keeping children safe. The framework calls for potential regulations on frontier AI companies, including safety testing, independent evaluations, worker protections, whistleblower protections, public reporting, and incident reporting. It also directs state agencies…

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September 22, 2026
Read more about the article Blueprint Check-In: The Superintendents’ View
County News / Education / School Construction and Capital Budgets
Blueprint Check-In: The Superintendents’ View

Five years into implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, Maryland’s sweeping education reform plan is approaching a pivotal moment. On this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample kicks off a new series examining how the Blueprint is playing out on the ground and what could come next as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session. Her first guest is Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director of the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland…

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September 18, 2026
Read more about the article Chronic Absenteeism Continues to Decline in Maryland Schools
Education
Chronic Absenteeism Continues to Decline in Maryland Schools

Maryland’s chronic absenteeism rate fell again in the 2025-26 school year, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline and the lowest rate since the pandemic. According to a recent press release from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Maryland’s chronic absenteeism rate fell to 22.8 percent in the 2025-26 school year, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline and the lowest rate since the pandemic. The rate has dropped from 30.9 percent in 2021-22,…

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September 16, 2026
Read more about the article Two Largest School Districts In the US Banned AI In Classrooms for Coming School Year
Education
Two Largest School Districts In the US Banned AI In Classrooms for Coming School Year

New York City and Los Angeles public schools banned most student use of AI in classrooms for the 2026-2027 school year.  According to a recent Stateline article, the two largest school districts in the country - New York City and Los Angeles - have moved to largely ban AI use by students for the 2026- 2027 school year. The effect of AI on student learning was a major concern behind the decisions. Chicago could follow suit while…

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September 10, 2026
Read more about the article Deadline for AI Policies in Local Schools Approaches in Maryland
Education
Deadline for AI Policies in Local Schools Approaches in Maryland

As national discussions around AI development continue to explode, local school systems are required to have all new and updated AI policies in place this month. Additionally, the newly established Maryland AI Education Collaborative on Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education does not appear to have met yet and is not expected to report out until December 1, 2027. Maryland school districts are required this fall to establish policies governing the use of artificial intelligence in…

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September 10, 2026
Read more about the article New $50M Homebuyer Program Supports First Responders and Teachers
Education / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
New $50M Homebuyer Program Supports First Responders and Teachers

Maryland has launched a new mortgage program offering lower interest rates and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who work as first responders or teachers. Applications for the new program are now open. The First Homes for First Responders and Teachers program offers eligible buyers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate 0.5 percentage points below the standard Maryland Mortgage Program First Time Advantage 5% loan. Buyers can also receive assistance equal to 5%…

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September 9, 2026
Read more about the article State Board of Education Approves New Math Instruction Timeline Changes
Education
State Board of Education Approves New Math Instruction Timeline Changes

A recent meeting of the Maryland State Board of Education saw the adoption of an extended timeline to implement a new statewide mathematics instruction policy.  As previously covered on Conduit Street, the State Department of Education (MSDE) proposed changes to how, and how often, math instruction is done in Maryland schools. The changes effect a couple things but primarily it would delay the implementation of a requirement that all school districts are required to provide 60 minutes…

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September 8, 2026
Read more about the article MD Dept of Labor: FAMLI Employer Registration Is Now Open
County Budgets / County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
MD Dept of Labor: FAMLI Employer Registration Is Now Open

Maryland has opened employer registration for its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, another step as the state prepares to launch the program. The Maryland Department of Labor announced in a press release the opening of employer registration for Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, marking another key step toward implementation of the state’s paid family and medical leave program. All employers with at least one Maryland-based employee are required to register…

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September 8, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: Navigating Maryland’s FAMLI Private Plan Option
County Budgets / County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: Navigating Maryland’s FAMLI Private Plan Option

As Maryland moves toward implementation of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, counties considering participation in a private plan through the MACo, MABE, MML Time to Care Act (TCA) Collaborative should be aware of several important updates to the private-plan process and upcoming deadlines. As previously covered by MACo, in 2023, MACo joined with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) and the Maryland Municipal League (MML) to develop a collaborative joint…

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September 2, 2026
Read more about the article MD Paid Leave Program: Key Updates and Deadlines for Counties
County Budgets / County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
MD Paid Leave Program: Key Updates and Deadlines for Counties

As counties prepare for Maryland’s new paid family and medical leave program, a recent webinar hosted by Bolton is updating local governments on private-plan coverage and helping public employers navigate upcoming decisions. The MACo, MABE, MML Time to Care Act (TCA) Collaborative recently provided an update on its private-plan process, including changes in the insurance market and upcoming deadlines for local governments. As previously covered by MACo, in 2023, MACo joined with the Maryland Association…

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August 27, 2026
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