On February 24, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 553 – Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland – Reestablishment.
This bill renews the Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland, extending its charge to evaluate policy challenges and solutions regarding battery safety.
As these batteries become increasingly embedded in consumer products, vehicles, infrastructure systems, and recycling streams, counties have raised concerns about fire risks, disposal practices, and emergency response preparedness. MACo helped spearhead the Commission’s establishment in 2024 and believes its work remains essential to developing thoughtful, coordinated recommendations that protect residents, first responders, and public infrastructure as battery use continues to grow statewide.
While individual failure rates may be relatively low, the growing
volume of batteries in circulation increases overall exposure and the potential for incidents affecting public safety and local response systems. Counties appreciate the Commission’s work to-date and agree that the policy and implementation work remains ongoing.
SB 553’s cross-file, HB 883, was also heard on February 24 in the Environment and Transportation Committee. Legislative Services Assistant Charlotte Fleckenstein testified in support of this bill.
