Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area.
Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal pressure. Lawmakers closed the fiscal 2027 gap, preserved reserves, and fully funded principal commitments, such as the Blueprint, but did not resolve the larger structural deficits projected for the years ahead. That budget pressure shaped debates across nearly every policy area, from taxes and public safety to housing, elections, education, procurement, and economic development.
Counties worked through MACo to protect core services, push back on costly and burdensome mandates, preserve local authority, and improve legislation through practical amendments. MACo’s Legislative Committee set the Association’s positions on hundreds of bills, helping secure meaningful compromises across its broad policy portfolio.
As always, MACo’s advocacy helped deliver tangible results. Counties resisted additional cost shifts and unfunded mandates, protected local decision-making authority across fundamental policy areas, and advanced practical solutions that reflect how services operate on the ground.
In the budget, lawmakers rejected several proposals that would have reduced local funding or redirected dedicated resources, including a $27 million cut, a multi-year freeze on Disparity Grant funding, and the diversion of 9-1-1 Trust Fund revenues.
The final budget reflects a more balanced approach. It includes a partial $39.3 million pension cost shift, rather than the nearly $80 million shift proposed by the Department of Legislative Services, and a law enforcement funding provision tied to compliance with immigration law. Lawmakers also took a more measured approach to assisted outpatient treatment, phasing in county cost-sharing and allowing a first-year waiver supported by a cost-benefit analysis.
Beyond the budget, MACo supported and helped shape significant legislation across policy areas. The DECADE Act advanced with amendments that reflect county priorities, including greater regional flexibility, structured local consultation, and alignment with local economic development strategies.
That work produced outcomes across a range of issues. Lawmakers advanced short-term rental safety standards while preserving local flexibility for enforcement and regulation. Housing proposals moved forward with greater balance, incorporating community input and maintaining local planning authority. Policymakers also shifted juvenile placement policy toward State facilities rather than local detention settings.
MACo also secured improvements to major legislation through amendments. These changes created more workable implementation timelines, clarified local roles, and better aligned policies with county operations. In several cases, those improvements made the difference between costly mandates and practical policy.
The MACo policy staff has compiled updates and results on all of the bills the Legislative Committee decided to take action on this year.
For the 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up for each subject MACo covers, click below:
Government Liability & Public Information
Housing and Community Development
Intergovernmental Relations
Questions about MACo’s legislative positions or successes? Contact Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally.
