Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2022 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area.
This year, the Maryland General Assembly conducted a legislative session unlike any other due to the enduring COVID-19 pandemic. The unique circumstances surrounding the 444th legislative session, including necessary health and safety measures, posed a challenge for lawmakers and advocates alike, with one chamber in-person and the other remote for the majority of the 90 days.
Despite the unusual circumstances, MACo’s advocacy still led to more positive outcomes for its members. Bills that we supported had a greater likelihood of passage, while bills we opposed had a larger tendency to fail. MACo also helped improve many pieces of legislation through articulating county positions in amendments and will continue to work with State partners in several areas of ongoing administrative improvement.
Some of the big wins for the 2022 session include successful county initiatives to reinvest in local transportation infrastructure by restoring county shares of highway user revenues. While this is not a full restoration, the county share will significantly increase in the years ahead providing needed funds for county roads and bridges.
MACo also successfully supported legislation to ensure funding fairness and county role in elections. Additionally, MACo secured long-term funding to modernize EMS delivery and care.
While MACo successfully guarded against costly mandates and preemptive regulations, several bills were improved and passed with MACo amendments to protect county resources and defend local autonomy.
MACo’s legislative initiatives, priorities, and positions are directed by its membership. Elected representatives from every county government across Maryland and Baltimore City comprise MACo’s Legislative Committee.
The “one county, one vote” system of deciding the Association’s legislative strategies ensures that all counties have an equal voice. All 24 jurisdictions participated in weekly virtual meetings throughout the legislative session – where they also engaged with policy leaders and advocates who joined the meeting to address county leadership.
Our policy staff have compiled updates and results on all of the bills the Legislative Committee decided to take action on this year.
For the 2022 End of Session Wrap-Up for each subject MACo covers, click below:
Employee Benefits and Relations
Government Liability and Courts
Housing and Community Development
School Construction and Capital Budget
Transportation and Public Works
Questions about MACo’s legislative positions or successes? Contact Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally.