The MACo staff gave testimony this week on the following bills:

March 26, 2013:

• SB 117: Crimes – Sale of Drug Paraphernalia to a Minor – Local Law Authorizing Business License Revocation for a Second or Subsequent Violation testimony

MACo supported additional local option tools to enforce drug laws to protect minors.

• SB 745: Public Safety – 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone Systems – Prepaid Service – Collection of Surcharge testimony

MACo supported closing a loophole in the 9-1-1 fee, to apply a fee on prepaid wireless callers, supporting local emergency services.

March 27, 2013:

• SB 140: State Finance and Procurement – Retention of Percentage of Contract – Security testimony

MACo opposed limiting the amount allowed as retention on public projects.

• SB 342: State Government – Access to Public Records in Electronic Formats – Termination Date testimony

MACo supported extending provisions governing electronic data, and its treatment under public information laws.

• SB 633: Libraries – County Library Capital Project Grant – Wealth-Based Cost Share testimony

MACo supported an adjustment to the state funding share for library projects, designed to make projects more affordable to county governments.

• SB 916: Task Force to Study Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements for Electricians testimony

MACo supported a task force with an amended charge to evaluate licensing options.

• HB 229: State Aid for Public Education – Certification of Net Taxable Income testimony

MACo supported technical changes to school funding formulas, more accurately reflecting income levels for wealth calculations affecting school formulas.

March 28, 2013:

• SB 62: Community Legacy Program – Application Requirements – Approval by Authorized Designee testimony

MACo supported a streamlined designation process for the Community legacy program.

• SB 158: Homestead Tax Credit – Eligibility Verification and Application testimony

MACo supports

• SB 526: Counties and Municipalities – Required Legislation or Regulations – Adoption by Reference testimony

MACo supports

• SB 573: County Property Tax – Personal Property Rate testimony

MACo supported a compromise bill applying personal property taxes again affected business vehicles and other property.

• SB 671: Land Use – Local Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Cycle testimony

MACo sought clarifying amendments to its initiative bill to create a 10-year planning cycle, reflecting input from all stakeholders.

• HB 372: Recordation and Transfer Taxes – Transfer of Property Between Related Entities – Exemption testimony

MACo opposed (but continues to negotiate) legislation opening tax-free transfers among related business entities.

March 29, 2013:

• SB 621: Vehicles Laws – Emergency Vehicles – Motorcades and Escorts testimony

MACo supported a bill creating clear authority for cross-jurisdictional public safety ceremonial efforts.
To see online versions of MACo’s written testimony from the 2013 legislative session, click here.