The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on procurement policy in the 2026 General Assembly.
Public procurement is a critical function of county government that drives infrastructure delivery, management of public funds, and ensures fair and competitive contracting processes. Through its procurement advocacy, MACo works to preserve local flexibility in procurement practices while supporting policies that promote transparency, efficiency, and strong partnerships with the private sector.
In Maryland’s 448th legislative session, procurement policy was shaped by a mix of workforce development goals, administrative reforms, and increased oversight proposals. The General Assembly considered a range of bills addressing energy performance contracting, apprenticeship utilization, reporting requirements, and prompt payment standards, many of which would directly affect how counties design, manage, and execute public contracts.
In this environment, MACo engaged to ensure that procurement policies remain practical and adaptable for local governments. MACo supported efforts to expand tools and flexibility, such as alternative financing mechanisms and workforce development pathways, while opposing proposals that would impose rigid mandates, increase administrative burdens, or limit counties’ ability to effectively manage contracts. Through targeted advocacy and collaboration, MACo helped shape outcomes that better align state policy with the operational realities of local procurement.
Follow these links for more coverage on our Conduit Street blog and Legislative Database.
MACo supported HB 119 – Energy Performance Contracts – Navigators, Funding, and Requirements with amendments. This bill sought to expand and improve access to energy performance contracting by requiring additional coordination with the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC). MACo amendments highlighted the need to ensure that provisions directing navigators to review and establish energy efficiency measures and clean energy projects to reduce building energy costs were framed as guidance and technical assistance rather than directives. This bill DID NOT pass the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 1216 – Insurance – Certificates of Guarantee for County Bond Requirements – All Counties. This bill will authorize counties to honor certificates of guarantee issued by a nonprofit association of contractors as an alternative to traditional surety bonds, extending the option statewide without mandating its use. By expanding this authority statewide, the bill supports local decision-making, promotes cost-effective development, and maintains appropriate safeguards for public infrastructure. This bill DID pass the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo opposed HB 1336/SB 671 – Procurement Contracts and Construction Contracts – Payments. This bill would have subjected counties to significantly expanded prompt payment mandates, heightened penalties, and restricted contract administration flexibility by shortening notice timelines, limiting dispute resolution flexibility, expanding contractor remedies, and dramatically increasing penalty interest rates. This bill DID NOT pass the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
As amended, MACo took no position on HB 864/SB 964 – Public Works Contracts – Apprenticeship Requirements (Maryland Workforce Apprenticeship Utilization Act). This bill would establish apprenticeship utilization requirements for contractors and subcontractors on covered public works projects. MACo worked with the bill Sponsor to ensure that apprenticeship utilization requirements remained clear, stable, and predictable for local governments managing public infrastructure projects. This bill DID pass the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported SB 143 – Public Works Contracts – Apprenticeship Requirements (Maryland Workforce Apprenticeship Utilization Act) with amendments. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill would have required that 20% of total labor hours on a covered project be performed by qualified apprentices or journey workers. MACo amendments sought to ensure stability and predictability for local governments. This bill DID NOT pass the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo opposed HB 905/SB 547 – Recipients of State and Local Government Funding – Reporting (Buy Maryland Reporting Requirements). The bill’s reporting mandate would have significantly expanded annual disclosure requirements for counties and other recipients of state funding without providing additional resources to implement them. This bill DID NOT pass the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
For more procurement-related legislation tracked by MACo during the 2026 legislative session.
