Karrington Anderson, Author at Conduit Street

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Employee Benefits & Relations

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on employee benefits and relations policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. County governments are major public employers, responsible for managing a diverse workforce that delivers critical public services. To this extent, MACo advocates to ensure that state employment laws are fair, balanced, and workable for public sector employers, particularly when proposals uniquely or disproportionately affect government operations or essential personnel. During Maryland's 448th legislative…

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April 14, 2026

Information Technology / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Information Technology

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s advocacy on IT/cybersecurity issues in the 2026 General Assembly. As counties face an increasingly complex threat landscape targeting public systems and sensitive data, cybersecurity has become a core function of government operations. From ransomware attacks to system disruptions, the risks extend beyond IT departments to the continuity of essential public services. In its information technology advocacy, MACo works to strengthen local cybersecurity capacity, promote coordinated statewide…

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April 14, 2026

Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor

FAMLI Regulations Finalized, Marking Major Step Toward Launch

Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program continues to take shape with final regulations that include several key updates for employers and stakeholders. Chapters 1–5 of FAMLI’s regulations are now officially in effect and published in the Code of Maryland Regulations. Click here to read the regulations. The application window for public and private employers interested in offering a private plan will run from September 1 through November 15, 2026. Employers choosing this option…

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April 3, 2026

Business Affairs / MACo Testimony

MACo to MGA: Give Counties Their Fair Share of Cannabis Revenue

On March 31, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Finance Committee in support of SB 1008 – Alcohol and Cannabis - Cannabinoid Beverages Off-Premises Sales Permit - Establishment with amendments. This bill authorizes the sale of cannabinoid beverages through holders of alcoholic beverage licenses with off-sale privileges, contingent on approval from local licensing boards, and establishes a distribution framework through licensed wholesalers. While MACo has no concern about the intent to establish a…

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April 2, 2026

County News / Economic Development / MACo Testimony

Rural Readiness Program Advancing through General Assembly

The Rural Readiness Program bill is advancing this session. The bill, supported by MACo, aims to strengthen rural economic development capacity and improve access to competitive funding opportunities. SB 300 and its cross-file HB 461 have both passed their respective chamber and appear to be advancing this session. This bill establishes the Rural Readiness Program and the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund, both administered by the Rural Maryland Council. The bill is designed to help…

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March 26, 2026

County News / Economic Development / MACo Testimony

Economic Development NDA Ban Appears Dead After Missing Crossover Deadline

Following the General Assembly’s “crossover” deadline, SB 853, which restricts the use of nondisclosure agreements in economic development negotiations, faces increasingly long odds of advancing without committee approval. With the “crossover” deadline now passed, legislation not approved by its originating committee is increasingly unlikely to advance this session. MACo opposed SB 853 which would broadly prohibit an individual, governing body, legislator, or employee from entering into a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) with a person involved in…

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March 25, 2026

Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony

Expanding Local Toolkits For Infrastructure Bonding

On March 4, Executive Director Michael Sanderson gave in person testimony on behalf of Karrington Anderson to the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in support of HB 1216 - Insurance - Certificates of Guarantee for County Bond Requirements - All Counties. This bill authorizes counties to honor certificates of guarantee issued by a nonprofit association of contractors as an alternative to traditional surety bonds. Currently, only a limited number of counties are authorized to accept…

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March 19, 2026

Health and Human Services / MACo Testimony

Counties Resist Duplicative, One-Size-Fits-All Animal Control Mandate

On March 12, Legislative Services Assistant Charlotte Fleckenstein gave in person testimony on behalf of Karrington Anderson before the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 1568 – Local Government - Animal Control - Dogs At Large (Dog Leash Laws). This bill would require local governments to adopt a law prohibiting dogs from being “at large” and to establish corresponding impoundment and penalty protocols. Counties strongly support responsible pet ownership, which is why every Maryland jurisdiction…

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March 16, 2026

Employee Benefits and Relations / MACo Testimony

Streamlining Employee Heat Protection Standards To Ensure Practical Implementation

On March 11, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted written testimony to the Finance Committee in support of SB 804 – Labor and Employment - Occupational Safety and Health - Revisions to Heat Stress Standards with amendments. This bill codifies and clarifies requirements governing workplace heat stress protections that were previously adopted through Maryland Occupational Safety and Health regulations. SB 804 requires employers, including counties, to develop heat stress prevention plans, acclimatization plans, high-heat procedures,…

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March 16, 2026

Employee Benefits and Relations / MACo Testimony

Exclusive Remedy Rule Is a Fundamental Principle of the Workers’ Compensation System

On March 11, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Economic Matters Committee in opposition to HB 366 – Workers' Compensation - Exemption From Exclusivity of Remedy - Action for Wrongful Death by Nondependent Child. This bill would allow non-dependent children of an employee, including adult children, to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against an employer in court outside of the workers’ compensation system. As such, it would allow claims for damages not available…

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March 16, 2026