The General Assembly moved two bills during the 2024 legislative session that help protect local election officials as well as county roadway engineers and construction crews. 

The types of threats that affect various members of the county workforces has evolved in recent years. Unmitigated risk can directly impact the willingness and enthusiasm for qualified candidates to explore certain career pathways. Two bills passed during the 2024 legislative session that will have a direct impact on the quality of life and safety of individuals who take on careers in elections and infrastructure.

The first bill is SB 480 – Protecting Election Officials Act of 2024. This bill is on it’s way to the Governor’s desk and will clarify violations, and corresponding penalties, for threatening to harm elections officials or their immediate family members. This is a big win for counties as they facilitate federal, state, and local elections for all communities in Maryland. With the bills provisions, a threat made in person, as well as by electronic or written communication, would qualify as a misdemeanor and carry a penalty of imprisonment up to three years and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

The second bill is HB 513 – Maryland Road Worker Protection Act of 2024. This bill increases the civil fines and enhances the enforcement mechanisms in designated work zones across the state. With more than 600 traffic fatalities in 2023 and a horrific accident in a work zone, killing 6 construction workers, lawmakers voted to bolster these protections for county and state employees. Local governments can now establish a work zone as well as monitor and assess the new penalties on their roadways with a posted speed limit of 45mph or greater.

Prior sessions have seen a number of other bills looking to expand protections for health, public safety, and elected officials in local governments, to name a few. With more protection measures moving forward, these initiatives could be considered again in future sessions.