On February 25, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 930 – Environment – Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot Program – Establishment.  This bill authorizes the Maryland Department of the Environment to establish the Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot Program, potentially helping local leaders improve healthy water supply programs. Mr. Sanderson noted that the bill evolves the longstanding relationship between the State Department of Environment and county…

On February 25, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in opposition to SB 891 – Land Use and Real Property – Accessory Dwelling Units – Requirements and Prohibitions.  This bill preempts county land use authority, removing local oversight of “accessory dwelling units” (ADU) in residential areas, and is highly inconsistent with the recommendations of the ADU taskforce. MR. Sanderson pointed out areas in the bill that defied logic,…

On February 25, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 775 – Workgroup to Study Implementation of a Statewide 3-1-1 Nonemergency Telephone System.  This bill establishes a workgroup to study the implementation of a statewide 3-1-1 nonemergency telephone system. This effort aims to improve access to government services, streamline public inquiries, and reduce unnecessary burdens on emergency response systems. During the hearing, Mr. Sanderson complimented…

On February 18, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 768 – Municipal Incorporation – County Commissioners or County Council – Required Approval of Referendum Request.  This bill would upend the longstanding, carefully crafted framework that governs municipal incorporation by stripping county governments of proper and necessary input and oversight. Under the bill, the residents of the proposed municipality would have the complete say in its process…

On February 18, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 751 – Municipalities – Annexed Land – Land Use and Density.  This bill would effectively eliminate the longstanding transition period before a municipality is enabled to change the underlying zoning, following an annexation of previously unincorporated areas. Mr. Sanderson noted that while much of the bill hearing focused on local matters in the Hagerstown area, the bill…

On February 11, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Health and Government Operations Committee in support of HB 806 – Public Information Act – Frivolous, Vexatious, or Abusive Requests – Remedies.  This bill provides reasonable relief for a local custodian of records for a defined set of “abusive” public information requests. Mr. Sanderson emphasized that the state's PIA laws apply personal liability to custodians, and said "please give them a clear path and guidance…