On February 19th, Les Knapp of MACo, Candace Donoho from MML, Tom Ballentine from NAIOP Maryland, and Lori Graf from the Maryland Building Industry testified in support of SB 729 Task Force on Forest Conservation in Maryland with amendments. From the MACo Testimony: MACo supports the idea of a task force to review FCA and tree issues prior to proposing any statutory changes to the FCA or other tree programs. However, meaningful concerns over membership…

On Tuesday, Les Knapp testified in support of SB 744 Protecting Natural Resources and Preserving Productive Farms - Commission on the Development of a Blueprint for Solar Energy in Maryland  with amendments. From the MACo Testimony: Broadly, MACo supports the goals of the bill. MACo and many counties have been engaged in a similar exercise over the last several years to ensure that large solar facilities are properly sited through local zoning so that the…

On Tuesday, Michael Sanderson testified amongst representatives from the City of Gaithersburg, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, LGIT, and MML in opposition of SB 629 Access to Maryland Courts Act. From the MACo Testimony: In theory, the bill seeks to ensure there is adequate legal representation for low-income individuals asserting a constitutional claim in State courts. In practice, the bill would trigger a rush of litigation and costs for the State and local governments and…

Last Tuesday, Natasha Mehu submitted written testimony to the Finance Committee in support of SB 195 Public Health - Prescription Drug Monitoring Program - Revisions. This bill would strengthen provisions previously created under Maryland's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, aiming to improve the program's ability to identify, deter, and report prescription drug abuse. From the MACo testimony: SB 195 requires that the PDMP review prescription monitoring data for indications of misuse or abuse, and for possible…

On Thursday, Kevin Kinnally and Leslie Knapp, Jr. sat on a panel in support of SB 324 Political Subdivisions - Legal Notice Requirements - Posting on Websites. This bill modernizes outdated notice requirements that are currently state law by allowing counties to publish certain legal notices on their website rather than solely in newspapers. SB 324 would not only increase constituent access to legal notices, but would also lead to a decrease in government expenses.…

On Tuesday, Executive Director Michael Sanderson provided oral testified alongside a representative from the Maryland Municipal League in opposition to HB 413 - Public Information Act - Personnel and Investigatory Records - Formal Complaints Against Public Employees as it is currently written. According to written testimony prepared by Les Knapp, Jr., despite being well-intentioned, MACo is concerned that the current proposed bill would have repercussions far beyond addressing the issues that it attempts to solve.…

Kevin Kinnally, MACo’s Associate Director, offered testimony on Wednesday to oppose two bills representing state-mandated reductions in local revenue sources; HB 385 Income Tax - Subtraction Modification for Classroom Supplies Purchased by Alteration and SB 412 Income Tax - Personal Exemption - Disabled Individuals. However, with these two bills – and those like them – MACo's stance is not necessarily in opposition to the motivating force behind the bill, just the mechanism suggested to get…

On February 13th, Michael Sanderson testified alongside a representative from the Maryland Municipal League in support of SB 116 Transportation - Complete Streets - Access to Healthy Food. This bill would sensibly expand and strengthen the existing Complete Streets Grant Program, encouraging local governments to consider broad-based approaches when implementing new roadways. From the MACo Testimony: “Complete Streets” is a multi-faceted approach to roadway design and development, where non-vehicle traffic, conduits, and stormwater infrastructure are…