The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s advocacy on IT/cybersecurity issues in the 2025 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 447th 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 HB 82/SB 241 – Cyber Maryland Program – Revisions. This bill would have enhanced the Cyber Maryland Program by expanding eligibility for funding to include local governments, local economic development entities, and local workforce boards, providing counties with essential tools to strengthen cybersecurity workforce development and address the pressing need for a skilled and resilient cybersecurity workforce. The bill did not pass.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 1468/SB 867 – Cyber Maryland Program – Revisions. This bill expands and strengthens the Cyber Maryland Program by increasing funding eligibility and ensuring sustained investment in Maryland’s cybersecurity workforce and infrastructure. The Cyber Maryland Program will award competitive grants and contracts for information technology and operational technology, reinforcing the State’s commitment to cybersecurity workforce development and economic growth. SB 867 passed and clarifies in law that local governments, workforce development boards, and economic development entities can access program funds.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo opposed HB 1120/SB 497 – Department of Information Technology – Maryland OneStop – Required State, County, and Municipal Information. This bill would have required every county and municipal corporation to make all licenses, forms, certificates, permits, applications, and registrations available on Maryland OneStop by July 1, 2026, imposing significant administrative and financial burdens on local governments without guaranteeing the necessary resources for implementation. The Senate version of the bill was withdrawn by the sponsor and the House version did not advance. The bill did not pass.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
As amended, MACo submitted a letter of information HB 1062/SB 871 – Department of the Environment – Community Water and Sewage Systems – Cybersecurity Planning and Assessments. This bill strengthen cybersecurity protections for public water and wastewater systems by encouraging the adoption of a Zero-Trust security model and conducting maturity assessments. The flexibility provided allows counties to strengthen cybersecurity in a way that is both strategic and sustainable, ensuring that public systems remain protected without placing an undue burden on local resources. By ensuring a feasible pathway for counties to enhance cybersecurity resilience, this bill represents a meaningful step forward in safeguarding vital infrastructure. The Senate version of the bill passed.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 209/SB 239 – State Finance and Procurement – Local Cybersecurity Preparedness and Response Plan and Assessment – Repeal. This bill repeals a duplicative cybersecurity planning requirement for county governments, local school systems, and local health departments, which will help clarify local cybersecurity responsibilities while avoiding conflicting or unnecessary regulatory burdens. The bill passed.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 235/SB 244 – State Government – Information Technology – Cybersecurity Revisions. This bill strengthens local government cybersecurity by providing critical resources and collaboration tools for conducting vulnerability and cyber assessments, which will better equip counties with best practices, training, and response strategies. The bill passed.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
