On February 11, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 378 – Education – Regional Resource Centers and County Libraries – Funding. 

This bill would update the minimum required state and local funding for libraries and would better align the State’s financial support to recognize the expanded role libraries play.

Libraries are an essential resource for local communities that provide unique means of community engagement and enrichment. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the need for maintaining and deepening the role they play in Maryland’s communities. Now, it is necessary to increase financial support to these institutions to better recognize the modern role of our libraries.

From MACo Testimony: 

Libraries and regional resource centers increasingly serve growing purposes for Maryland’s communities. Maryland’s families seek these unique public institutions for educational and childcare support, access to technological resources and high-quality internet, labor and employment aid, and cultural enrichment.

SB 378’s cross-file, HB 1592, was heard on March 18 in the Appropriations Committee. Associate policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony in support of this bill.

SB 378 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Appropriations Committee, on March 31. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog