Read more about the article Juvenile Detention Changes Coming for Local Detention Centers
Public Safety and Corrections
Juvenile Detention Changes Coming for Local Detention Centers

Maryland General Assembly sets 2029 deadline for prohibition on housing juveniles in adult detention facilities, including local county detention centers, bringing significant relief from operations and liability challenges for local governments.  After a number of attempts, the Maryland General Assembly has moved forward with provisions that effectively bar the long term holding or housing of juveniles in adult detention centers. The provisions passed during the 2026 legislative session on SB 323, which was initially a…

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April 27, 2026
Read more about the article $9.1M Allocated This Week to Counties by the Board of Public Works
County News
$9.1M Allocated This Week to Counties by the Board of Public Works

During a meeting yesterday the Board of Public Works approved $9.1M in funds for county government projects from Program Open Space (POS), state agency loans, and capital budget allocations. Of the $9.1M, the largest allocations were made to Prince George's and Montgomery for outdoor projects including new bike trails and flood mitigation. About $3.5M of the funds were appropriated from the state’s previous commitments in prior year capital budgets. Additionally, Program Open Space approvals totaled…

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April 23, 2026
Read more about the article More Than 60 Teacher-Coaches Will Be Hired to Bolster Reading Scores in MD Public Schools
Education
More Than 60 Teacher-Coaches Will Be Hired to Bolster Reading Scores in MD Public Schools

The Maryland General Assembly approved $14M in funding for education in Maryland to hire teacher-coaches specifically trained in literacy instruction.  According to a recent press release, the Maryland State Department of Education MSDE will hit the ground running with new funds to bolster reading proficiency levels across public schools in Maryland. This is in addition to mandated, per-pupil funding, that is required by the state to implement the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. From the press…

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April 22, 2026
Read more about the article Detention Center Officers Included in Higher Education Scholarship Fund
Higher Education / Public Safety and Corrections
Detention Center Officers Included in Higher Education Scholarship Fund

With bi-partisan support in both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly, a bill expanding existing public safety scholarships to include correctional officers will take effect this summer with the application process beginning January 2027.  This year - with the unwavering support of Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes - officers working in local detention centers will now have access to an existing public safety scholarship fund for higher education. HB 852/SB 285 –…

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April 22, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Government Liability & Public Information
Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony / Public Information and Ethics
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Government Liability & Public Information

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of government liability and public information in the 2026 General Assembly session.  Local governments operate at the intersection of transparency, accountability, and legal responsibility. Counties are charged with managing public information, upholding ethical standards, and navigating legal risks across a wide range of functions. From responding to public records requests to defending against liability claims, counties must balance open government requirements with…

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April 15, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Public Safety & Corrections
MACo Testimony / Public Safety and Corrections
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Public Safety & Corrections

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on public safety and corrections policies in the 2026 General Assembly session. Counties are critical partners in Maryland's public safety and criminal justice systems, overseeing law enforcement, operating local detention centers, and coordinating emergency response services that protect residents every day. Through its public safety and corrections advocacy, MACo works to ensure that state policies support effective operations, adequate resources, and local flexibility in meeting…

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April 14, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: School and Capital Facilities
MACo Testimony / School Construction and Capital Budgets
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: School and Capital Facilities

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on school and capital facilities policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Counties are key partners in delivering and maintaining modern, safe, and well-equipped school facilities, which are essential to student success. Through shared funding responsibilities with the State, county governments invest heavily in school construction and renovation, often making up a significant portion of local capital budgets. Through its advocacy, MACo works to ensure…

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April 14, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Education
Education / MACo Testimony
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Education

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of education policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Education remains one of the single largest investments for Maryland’s counties, with local governments providing substantial support for both school operations and capital needs. As key funding partners, counties play a critical role in sustaining public education systems while balancing broader budget demands. Through its education advocacy, MACo works to ensure that state…

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April 14, 2026
Read more about the article Counties Back Stronger Privacy Protections for State and Local Elected Officials
MACo Testimony / Public Information and Ethics
Counties Back Stronger Privacy Protections for State and Local Elected Officials

On March 31, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in support of SB 632 – State Government - State Elected Officials - Protection of Personal Information with amendments.  This bill strengthens privacy protections for state officials while maintaining transparency for ethics and other mandatory disclosures for individuals in these roles. These changes, to extend new safety measures for state elected officials, have the potential to deter harmful actions…

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April 2, 2026
Read more about the article New Traffic Safety Enforcement Tools Get Stuck in Committee Ahead of Crossover
Public Safety and Corrections
New Traffic Safety Enforcement Tools Get Stuck in Committee Ahead of Crossover

Multiple traffic safety enforcement bills were introduced during the 2026 legislative session with a handful of them getting stuck in committee ahead of the deadline to cross over to the opposite chamber. Two of these bills were attempting to improve traffic safety by extending new enforcement tools. With the “crossover” deadline for the Maryland General Assembly having come and gone, as of Monday, a handful of traffic safety bills failed to make the cut in…

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March 25, 2026
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