Michael Sanderson, Executive Director of MACo, presented testimony to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on February 25, opposing SB 319, Award of Attorney’s Fees and Expenses- Violation of Maryland Constitutional Right. This would likely lead to an unbalanced system and an increase in litigation and costs for local governments. The bill would shift to governments the costs of legal representation under State constitutional claims.

The written testimony states:

MACo appreciates the efforts of both the bill’s sponsor and key proponents to narrow the scope and impact this bill would have on county governments, and the bill is a minor improvement over last year’s version (HB 568/SB 544 of 2014). However, MACo still believes the bill would lead to increased litigation and costs to local governments and unequal treatment between plaintiffs and defendants.

For more on MACo’s 2015 legislation, visit the Legislative Database.