MACo Legislative Director Natasha Mehu submitted written testimony on March 3, 2020 to the House Appropriations Committee to oppose HB 1134 (CF SB 388) – Circuit Courts and District Court of Maryland Employees – Collective Bargaining. Ms, Mehu previously testified before the Senate to oppose the cross-filed Senate Bill 388. This bill would establish collective bargaining for Circuit Court and District Court clerical, administrative, constabulary, maintenance, and housekeeping staff.

From MACo Testimony:

The move to collective bargaining outlined in this bill will lead to unknown and potentially significant cost increases to counties who share funding responsibilities with the State for the Circuit Courts. There is one circuit court in each county and according to a 2018 annual report, counties fund approximately 937 Circuit Court personnel. Additionally, despite counties’ role in supporting Circuit Courts, this bill would not provide any opportunity for county governments to participate in collective bargaining negotiations.

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2020 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database.