On March 5, Executive Director Michael Sanderson gave in-person testimony on behalf of Kevin Kinnally to the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 1374 - Alternative Fuel, Fuel-Efficient, and Electric Vehicles - Highway Use Fees with amendments. This bill would revise how the State charges certain alternative vehicles for their use of public roads. Counties take no position on the reframing of the State-levied charge on alternative vehicles, but strongly urge the State…

On February 25, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in opposition to SB 671 - Procurement Contracts and Construction Contracts - Payments.  This bill subjects counties to significantly expanded prompt payment mandates, heightened penalties, and restricted contract administration flexibility. By shortening notice timelines, limiting dispute resolution flexibility, expanding contractor remedies, and dramatically increasing penalty interest rates, the bill shifts financial and operational risk onto local governments. Without regard to…

On February 26, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample gave in person testimony on behalf of Karrington Anderson before the Finance Committee in support of SB 143 - Public Works Contracts - Apprenticeship Requirements (Maryland Workforce Apprenticeship Utilization Act) with amendments.  This bill would establish apprenticeship utilization requirements for contractors and subcontractors on covered public works projects. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill requires that 20% of total labor hours on a covered project be performed…

On February 26, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally submitted a letter of information to the Environment and Transportation Committee on HB 916 - Transportation - Regional Transportation Authorities.  This bill establishes three Regional Transportation Authorities and authorizes new regional tax surcharges dedicated to transportation purposes. In its letter of information, MACo urges careful consideration of its fiscal and governance implications for county governments. Counties maintain more than 80% of Maryland’s roadways and rely heavily on Highway…

On February 24, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in opposition to SB 547 - Recipients of State and Local Government Funding - Reporting (Buy Maryland Reporting Requirements).  This bill would impose new and administratively burdensome reporting requirements on counties and other recipients of state funding without providing additional resources to implement them. Counties are strong partners in ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. However,…

On February 19, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in support of HB 864 - Public Works Contracts - Apprenticeship Requirements (Maryland Workforce Apprenticeship Utilization Act) with amendments.  This bill would establish apprenticeship utilization requirements for contractors and subcontractors on covered public works projects. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill requires that 20% of total labor hours on a covered project be performed by qualified apprentices or journeyworkers.…

On February 3, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 287 – Economic Development - Tax Increment Financing - Noncontiguous Areas.  This bill builds on existing tax increment financing (TIF) authority by allowing counties and municipalities to designate specified noncontiguous blighted areas as a single development district. At the hearing, Senators heard from supporters that "every argument for tax increment financing also works across unconnected areas," and…