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

January 29, 2014:

• HB11: Environment – Bay Restoration Fund – Authorized Uses testimony

MACo supported this widely-lauded departmental bill (seeking clarifying amendments) as one of its annual legislative initiatives – seeking broader flexibility to use Bay Restitution Funds for public sewer hookups, rather than just septic upgrades.

• HB12: Bay Restoration Fund – Authorized Uses – Local Entities testimony

MACo supported provisions allowing local governments a reasonable administrative allowance when enforcing state regulations regarding septic systems (the bill has already received quick preliminary approval in the House).

• SB179: Property Tax – Notice of Tax Bill Address Change – Prohibition of Sale testimony

MACo opposed a bill requiring county tax collectors to re-send property owner information to revised addresses, which could seriously burden both tax billing and collection procedures.

• SB238: Board of Public Works – Relocatable Classrooms – Indoor Air Quality Requirements testimony

MACo joined other education stakeholders and supported a clarifying bill to define air quality regulations as prospective from the time of their adoption.

• SB254: Public Safety – Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Funds – Distribution testimony

MACo supported recommendations of an interim workgroup to modernize and refresh funding guidelines for local public safety grants and their county-level administration.

• SB278: Income Tax – Military Retirement Income testimony

MACo opposed a broad expansion of a tax credit for all military retirees (but did not offer opposition to a more targeted proposal for retirees over 65).

January 30, 2014:

• HB 193: Nutrient Management – Phosphorus Risk Assessment Tool or Index – Economic Impact Analysis testimony
• SB 27: Nutrient Management- Phosphorus Risk Assessment Tool or Index – Economic Impact Analysis testimony

MACo supported a requirement that a stakeholder-driven economic analysis (including county consultation) precede the adoption of controversial phosphorous regulations.

• HB308: Public Safety – Statewide Interoperability Radio Control Board – Established testimony

MACo supported another initiative bill – the Administration’s proposal to govern the multi-agency Maryland FiRST radio system through a collaborative Board with local government representation.

To see online versions of MACo’s written testimony from the 2014 legislative session, click here.