MACo Testimony Archives

MACo Testimony / Transportation and Public Works

Counties Push Back Against One-Size-Fits-All Paratransit Mandates

On February 5, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 58 – Transportation - Paratransit Services - Interjurisdictional Routes. This bill modifies State funding for local elderly and handicapped transportation services by requiring counties. It would impose uniform, one-size-fits-all service requirements on county paratransit providers, including mandated service to specified healthcare networks that may be located well beyond distances that county transportation systems…

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February 6, 2026

Local Leaders Rally To Avoid Highway User Revenue Cliff

As Maryland lawmakers weigh how to address a looming transportation “cliff,” local leaders are sounding the alarm about what’s at stake for local roads and bridges. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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February 6, 2026

Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Testimony

5-Year Rule on Annexed Land a Balance To Protect Local Planning, Infrastructure

On February 5, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in opposition to HB 99 – 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. This path to rapid-fire zoning change could overwhelm county infrastructure and school planning. Mr. Sanderson discussed the critical conflict…

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February 5, 2026

Health and Human Services / MACo Testimony

Counties Work To Retain Food Safety and Public Health Regulatory Authority

On February 4, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Health Committee in support of HB 272 – Food Establishments - Lavatory Requirement and On-Farm Food Service Facility License with amendments. This bill provides additional flexibility for food establishments by modifying lavatory requirements, caps the on-farm food service facility licensing fee at $100, and directs the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), in consultation with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Maryland…

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February 5, 2026

MACo Testimony / Transportation and Public Works

Counties Defend Local Oversight of Proven Drinking Water Safety Best Practices

On February 4, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 204 –Drinking Water - Regulation - Control and Prevention of Waterborne Disease. This bill would set certain water safety requirements including minimum detectable disinfectant residual levels on certain building owners and water suppliers. It would also require these water suppliers to notify the public of any system disruptions that could increase the risk…

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February 5, 2026

Education / MACo Testimony

MACo Offers Local Insights on Interjurisdictional Safe Pathways Commission

On February 4, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted a letter of information to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on SB 71 – Education - Interjurisdictional Safe Pathways Commission - Establishment. This bill establishes the Interjurisdictional Safe Pathways Commission to identify, coordinate, and secure funding for safe pathways for students traveling to and from school. MACo's letter of information explores the potential impact of the Commission, the risks of unfunded mandates, and the…

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February 5, 2026

Environment / MACo Testimony

Counties Support New Tool To Stop Invasive Tree of Heaven Spread, Curb Ecological Harm

On February 4, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Environment and Transportation Committee in support to HB 35 – Local Government - Regulatory Powers - Regulation of Tree of Heaven. This bill would provide additional powers to local jurisdictions for the regulation and control of the invasive Tree of Heaven. The Tree of Heaven is the preferred plant for Spotted Lanternflies to lay their eggs. This invasive insect species is…

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February 5, 2026

MACo Testimony / Public Safety and Corrections

A Safer, Smarter Approach To Juvenile Detention Policy

On February 4, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 296 – Juveniles - Detention and Confinement - Limitations on Juvenile Contact With Incarcerated Adults. This bill would sensibly limit the long-term holding of a juvenile in an adult detention center, including all local detention centers. Local detention centers have gone to great lengths to comply with federal mandates that apply in the rare instances when they…

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February 5, 2026

Elections / MACo Testimony

Prohibiting Election-Related Deepfake Deception a Necessary Step for Healthy Democracy

On February 4, Legislative Services Assistant Charlotte Fleckenstein testified in support of HB 145 – Election Law - Election Misinformation, Election Disinformation, and Deepfakes. This bill strengthens Maryland’s election laws by prohibiting deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media intended to interfere with voting, and equipping the State to respond swiftly to election misinformation. This bill maintains a strict focus on materially false information intended to impede the voting process; it does not aim to…

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February 5, 2026

Energy / Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony

Counties Advocate for Improved Access to Energy Performance Contracts

On February 3, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 119 – Energy Performance Contracts - Navigators, Funding, and Requirements with amendments. This bill seeks to expand and improve access to energy performance contracting by requiring additional coordination with the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC). Counties are seeking amendments to ensure that provisions directing navigators to review and establish energy efficiency measures and clean energy projects…

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February 5, 2026