The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of transportation and public works in the 2022 General Assembly.
MACo generally advocates for the appropriate state assistance with roadways and bridges across our local communities. Transportation is a shared function in Maryland, with state-maintained roadways (mainly numbered roads) and locally-maintained roadways interlocking throughout most areas.
The unique circumstances surrounding the 444th legislative session, including necessary health and safety measures, posed a challenge for lawmakers and advocates alike. Yet, despite the unusual circumstances, MACo’s advocacy still led to more positive outcomes for its members.
Follow these links for more coverage on our Conduit Street blog and Legislative Database.
Highway User Revenues
MACo supported HB 410 / SB 400 with amendments. The bill as introduced provides short-term stability for the state-levied transportation revenues (highway user revenues or HURs) needed to support safety and maintenance work on local roads and bridges across Maryland. HB 410 / SB 400 Transportation – Highway User Revenue – Distribution failed in the General Assembly. However, the policy goals from HB 410 / SB 400 were taken up by the General Assembly in HB 1187 / SB 726 which did increase the local share of highway user revenues.
Bill Information I MACo Coverage
MACo supported SB 946 with amendments. The bill as introduced serves to increase the local share of transportation revenues needed to support safety and maintenance work on local roads and bridges across Maryland. SB 946 Transportation – Highway User Revenues – Distribution failed in the General Assembly and awaits the Governor’s signature. However, the policy goals from SB 946 were taken up by the General Assembly in HB 1187 / SB 726 which did increase the local share of highway user revenues.
Bill Information I MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 1187 / SB 726 with amendments. The bill partially restores some percentage of counties’ share of Highway User Revenues (HURs). HB 1187 / SB 726 Transportation – Highway User Revenues – Revenue and Distribution passed the General Assembly and awaits the Governor’s signature.
Bill Information I MACo Coverage
Revenue Sources and Fees
MACo supported HB1322 with amendments. This bill seeks to guide Maryland’s use of federal funds for various infrastructure needs. HB 1322 Operating Budget – Consolidated Transportation Program and Unanticipated Federal Funds failed in the General Assembly.
Bill Information I MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 1328 with amendments. This bill authorizes counties to levy fees against nongovernmental entities who transfer water outside of a watershed located within a county. HB 1328 Counties and Municipalities – Water Transfer Fee – Authorization failed in the General Assembly.
Bill Information I MACo Coverage
EMS Reimbursement
MACo supported HB 44/SB 295. This bill seeks to increase the emergency transport reimbursement rate by $25 per year until reaching a cap of $150, establish a cost of care reimbursement that mirrors the transport reimbursement, allow for Mobile Integrated Health (MIH), and authorize transport to medical facilities other than an Emergency Department (ED). HB 44 / SB 295 Maryland Medicaid Assistance Program – Emergency Service Transporters Reimbursement passed the General Assembly and awaits the Governor’s signature.
Bill Information I MACo Coverage
Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Services
MACo supported HB 1019 / SB 838. The bill sets baseline funding for elderly and handicapped transportation services and adjusts future funding levels for inflation. HB 1019 / SB 838 Transportation – Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Service – County Funding passed the General Assembly and awaits the Governor’s signature.
Bill Information I MACo Coverage
Electric Vehicles
MACo supported HB894. This bill would reduce emissions from motor vehicles by directing resources to counties to help expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and fleet electrification. HB 894 Transportation Electrification and Modernization (TEAM) Act failed in the General Assembly.
Bill Information I MACo Coverage
Speed Limits
MACo supported HB 404. The bill grants local governments the ability to decrease speeds to 15 miles per hour on highways following an engineering and traffic investigation. HB 404 Vehicle Laws – Speed Limits – Establishment failed in the General Assembly.
Bill Information I MACo Coverage
