The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s advocacy on IT/cybersecurity issues in the 2024 General Assembly.
Hackers are increasingly targeting states and local governments with sophisticated cyberattacks. Securing government information systems is critical, as a cyber intrusion can be very disruptive, jeopardizing sensitive information, public safety, and delivering essential services. As such, MACo’s advocacy focuses on bolstering support for local cybersecurity efforts and ensuring a strategic, coordinated, and flexible approach to enhancing cybersecurity preparedness across Maryland.
Maryland’s 446th legislative session convened amidst a substantial concern over the State’s fiscal situation, with weakened revenues and cost increases for many services at every level of government. Despite the budgetary limitations, many policy issues received a full debate, with many resolutions arising from the 90-day annual process. MACo’s legislative committee guided the association’s positions on hundreds of bills, yielding many productive compromises and gains spanning counties’ uniquely broad portfolio.
Follow these links for more coverage on our Conduit Street blog and Legislative Database.
MACo supported SB 981- Local Cybersecurity Preparedness and Local Cybersecurity Support Fund – Alterations with amendments.
This bill would have generally modified and expanded the purpose of the Local Cybersecurity Support Fund. MACo requested amendments that would have bolstered support for local cybersecurity efforts and ensured a strategic, coordinated, and flexible approach to enhancing cybersecurity preparedness across the state. Given the budgetary challenges in the 2024 session, the bill’s fiscal note was untenable. As such, it did not pass the Maryland General Assembly.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
