Read more about the article MD Capital Debt Affordability Committee Recommendations Coming Soon
School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
MD Capital Debt Affordability Committee Recommendations Coming Soon

The Maryland Capital Debt Affordability Committee has begun their annual series of meetings to assess the condition of the state debt programs and make recommendations for FY28 standards.  The Maryland Capital Debt Affordability Committee (CDAC) held their first of three meetings last week to discuss the condition of state borrowing and debt in order to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly regarding the amount of new state debt that may be prudently authorized…

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October 1, 2026
Read more about the article Blueprint Interim Evaluation Team to Provide Multiple Presentations This Fall
Education
Blueprint Interim Evaluation Team to Provide Multiple Presentations This Fall

NORC, the organization contracted to produce the independent interim evaluation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, is in the process of finalizing findings. Researchers will provide up to seven presentations this Fall as well as a final report on December 1, 2026.  The Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) for the Blueprint for Maryland's Future (Blueprint) received an update during a recent meeting regarding the interim evaluation of the Blueprint. Researchers from NORC gave an update…

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September 30, 2026
Read more about the article Attorney General Releases New Guidance for Maryland Values Act
Courts / Education / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections
Attorney General Releases New Guidance for Maryland Values Act

In accordance with Maryland law, the Office of the Attorney General has released updated guidance for interactions with immigration enforcement officials at sensitive locations operated by state and local entities.  During the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, lawmakers expanded the provisions of the Maryland Values Act that was originally passed in 2025. This was a piece of legislation that established standards for how state and local officials were to interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement…

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September 30, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: The Looming Blueprint Funding Shortfall
Education / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: The Looming Blueprint Funding Shortfall

With an interim Blueprint evaluation due in December, state lawmakers will grapple with a $1.8B education funding shortfall during the 2027 legislative session. This policy deep dive will analyze where funding pressure exists at the state and local level, as well as what steps state leaders might consider to close the gap.  Governor Moore and the General Assembly are heading into a 2027 legislative session this January, facing a general fund shortfall of almost $3B.…

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September 23, 2026
Read more about the article In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Students Remains in Jeopardy
Courts / Higher Education
In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Students Remains in Jeopardy

The US Department of Justice is continuing its effort to dismantle the Maryland DREAM Act, which provides in-state college tuition rates to undocumented students. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking a federal judge to resolve its challenge to Maryland’s in-state tuition policy for undocumented students without a trial. In a filing last week, DOJ opposed Maryland’s effort to dismiss the case and asked the court to grant judgment in its favor. The lawsuit,…

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September 23, 2026
Read more about the article $1.6M Goes to Three Counties This Week from the Board of Public Works
Board of Public Works
$1.6M Goes to Three Counties This Week from the Board of Public Works

Carroll, Montgomery, and Washington counties received funding allocations this week from the Maryland Board of Public Works for recreation and infrastructure improvements. The Board of Public Works approved a combined $1,692,050 for projects in Carroll, Montgomery, and Washington counties. Carroll County received $123,300 in Program Open Space funding for improvements at Piney Run Park, including replacement of a deteriorating bulkhead and boathouse. Montgomery County received $68,750 in Program Open Space funding for a new playground…

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September 17, 2026
Read more about the article Chronic Absenteeism Continues to Decline in Maryland Schools
Education
Chronic Absenteeism Continues to Decline in Maryland Schools

Maryland’s chronic absenteeism rate fell again in the 2025-26 school year, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline and the lowest rate since the pandemic. According to a recent press release from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Maryland’s chronic absenteeism rate fell to 22.8 percent in the 2025-26 school year, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline and the lowest rate since the pandemic. The rate has dropped from 30.9 percent in 2021-22,…

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September 16, 2026
Read more about the article Artificial Intelligence Is Rapidly Changing the PIA Process
Public Information and Ethics
Artificial Intelligence Is Rapidly Changing the PIA Process

The Maryland Public Information Act procedures are changing quickly with AI accelerating and misunderstanding components of the process.  A recent presentation at the 2026 MACo Fall Symposium, Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties, included a thorough presentation to local officials on the process changes that the Maryland Public Information Act is experiencing because of artificial intelligence (AI). Deputy Public Access Ombudsman, Alisa Bralove Scherr, covered a number of areas that are affected from the…

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September 15, 2026
Read more about the article Two Largest School Districts In the US Banned AI In Classrooms for Coming School Year
Education
Two Largest School Districts In the US Banned AI In Classrooms for Coming School Year

New York City and Los Angeles public schools banned most student use of AI in classrooms for the 2026-2027 school year.  According to a recent Stateline article, the two largest school districts in the country - New York City and Los Angeles - have moved to largely ban AI use by students for the 2026- 2027 school year. The effect of AI on student learning was a major concern behind the decisions. Chicago could follow suit while…

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September 10, 2026
Read more about the article Deadline for AI Policies in Local Schools Approaches in Maryland
Education
Deadline for AI Policies in Local Schools Approaches in Maryland

As national discussions around AI development continue to explode, local school systems are required to have all new and updated AI policies in place this month. Additionally, the newly established Maryland AI Education Collaborative on Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education does not appear to have met yet and is not expected to report out until December 1, 2027. Maryland school districts are required this fall to establish policies governing the use of artificial intelligence in…

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September 10, 2026
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