MACo seeks to protect the ability of Maryland counties and municipalities to maintain water, wasterwater and other public works infrastructure. The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s public works advocacy in the 2017 General Assembly.
Follow links for more coverage on Conduit Street and MACo’s Legislative Database
MACo sucessfully opposed Senate Bill 546/House Bill 228, a bill that would dramatically limit the ability of a government to terminate water service for nonpayment. This legislation did not advance out of committe in either chamber. Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo successfully advocated against a bill that would have required county providers of water, wastewater, and stormwater services to cap service charges for customers who meet certain income thresholds, verify those customers’ financial situations to confirm benefit eligibility, and analyze those customers’ bills to confirm they are receiving the smallest bills possible, among a number of other onerous requirements. HB 918 received an unfavorable report from the House Environment and Transportation Committee. Bill Information | MACo Testimony
MACo successfully worked to stopped a bill that would have deprived counties of the opportunity to use an effective tool for enforcement – tax sale – to enforce liens for unpaid water, sewer, or sanitary system charges for a period of one year. House Bill 453 passed the House but did not advance through its Senate committee. Bill Information | MACo Testimony
