Read more about the article Five Experts Share SCOTUS Impact on K-12 Education
Courts / Education
Five Experts Share SCOTUS Impact on K-12 Education

A recent publication from the Brookings Institution explored what education law and policy experts think about the 2024 US Supreme Court term and its impact on K-12 education.  The 2024 US Supreme Court term just concluded and the docket had three cases that were significant for public education. The cases concerned religious charter schools, education access for students with a disability, and, as previously covered on Conduit Street, a case originating in Montgomery County regarding LGBTQIA+…

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July 29, 2025
Read more about the article MD Supreme Court Analyzes Recreational‑Use Statute Immunity for Counties
Courts / Government Liability and Courts
MD Supreme Court Analyzes Recreational‑Use Statute Immunity for Counties

A recent Maryland Supreme Court ruling in Mayor and City Council of Baltimore v. Jamie Wallace has implications for local government liability. Parks with sidewalks or pathways that constitute a thruway for transportation purposes may not afford governmental immunity as granted by the Maryland Recreational Use Statute.  In a recent MD Supreme Court opinion the justices sided with plaintiff Jamie Wallace clarifying local government liability in the case of  Mayor and City Council of Baltimore…

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July 24, 2025
Read more about the article Submit Questions for the “Navigating Federal Shifts” Panel at #MACoCon
County News / Courts / Economic Development / NACo and Federal Issues / Summer Conference
Submit Questions for the “Navigating Federal Shifts” Panel at #MACoCon

Federal policy changes are creating new challenges and uncertainties for both the private and public sector across legal, economic, and operational fronts. A panel at MACo’s Summer Conference will explore how Maryland can adapt amid shifting national priorities. As the federal government continues to shift its priorities through sweeping legislation, executive action, and agency rulemaking, state and local governments are navigating a dynamic and often unpredictable policy environment. To help guide the conversation, we invite attendees…

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July 21, 2025
Read more about the article Caring for Kids: Challenges with Juvenile Detention in Adult Facilities at #MACoCon
Courts / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
Caring for Kids: Challenges with Juvenile Detention in Adult Facilities at #MACoCon

Young Maryland residents who find themselves involved with the justice system have the potential to face a number of different outcomes depending on the violation. Community service, community placements with programming, electronic monitoring, and detention with programming are the primary next steps for a youth who has committed an infraction and may also be awaiting adjudication. While some offenses could see them going home the same day of being apprehended by law enforcement, others could…

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July 21, 2025
Read more about the article SCOTUS Prohibits Florida From Allowing Local Police to Enforce New State Immigration Law
Courts / Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
SCOTUS Prohibits Florida From Allowing Local Police to Enforce New State Immigration Law

The US Supreme Court refused to override a lower court order preventing Florida from enforcing a new state law that criminalizes the presence, in the state, of individuals not legally present in the country. Last week the US Supreme Court denied Florida's application for permission to enforce a new state law. That order was issued on July 9, and prohibits Florida from directing local law enforcement to act in accordance with the recent legislation and…

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July 16, 2025
Read more about the article SCOTUS Ruling in LGBTQIA+ Storybook Case Sides With Parents
Courts / Education / Government Liability and Courts
SCOTUS Ruling in LGBTQIA+ Storybook Case Sides With Parents

In a 6-3 ruling the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Montgomery County parents that want the right to opt their elementary school children out of lessons including LGBTQIA+ themes.  As previously covered on Conduit Street, in the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor a number of plaintiffs from Montgomery County Maryland were seeking to restore the ability to have their elementary school children in the public schools “opt out” of certain materials used in school…

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July 2, 2025
Read more about the article The DEI Divide: Navigating Public Service in an Increasingly Divisive World
Courts / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
The DEI Divide: Navigating Public Service in an Increasingly Divisive World

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals and policies have been the subject of recent court challenges and executive orders. In some cases the existence of a DEI program or policy has been cited as potential cause for repealing federal, state, and local funding. These potential roll backs of policies and practices come at a time when ideology driven attacks on government officials have been increasing, some even sparking new legislation in Maryland to extend protections…

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July 1, 2025
Read more about the article Pending Decisions on SCOTUS Shadow Docket With State and Local Impacts
Courts
Pending Decisions on SCOTUS Shadow Docket With State and Local Impacts

The US Supreme Court emergency docket, also known as the shadow docket, has 7 cases still pending a decision with some implications for state and local governments, including cases on immigration, education, and federal layoffs. Multiple cases remain on the US Supreme Court emergency docket that could directly, and indirectly, effect state and local governments. Here is a quick rundown of what could have potential impacts in Maryland communities and could see a decision any…

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June 24, 2025
Read more about the article Purdue Pharma’s $7.4B Opioid Deal Could Bring $90M to MD
Courts / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Purdue Pharma’s $7.4B Opioid Deal Could Bring $90M to MD

Maryland might receive $90 million from an opioid settlement agreement with Purdue Pharma. In a recent Maryland Matters article, the prescription opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma will likely pay out billions to over 55 states and territories for their role in the opioid crisis. Maryland is expecting to receive $90 million in the tentative settlement agreement. The historic settlement deal still requires approval from a federal bankruptcy court. The deal will allow individuals to retain the…

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June 19, 2025
Read more about the article Baltimore City Seeks $5B for Recovery and Prevention
Courts / Health and Human Services / Human Resources
Baltimore City Seeks $5B for Recovery and Prevention

Baltimore City is pressing for a long-term investment in recovery, prevention, and public health to repair the damage done by the opioid crisis. According to a Baltimore Banner article, Baltimore City is seeking $5.2 billion from the court to fund a 15-year abatement plan. The City recently won a $266 million judgment against two major drug distributors. This second phase of the trial focuses on future solutions, not past harm. The plan outlines funding for…

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June 11, 2025
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