The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on finance policy in the 2026 General Assembly. In the 2026 session, fiscal policy took center stage as the General Assembly faced slowing revenues, rising costs, and competing priorities across government. Budget constraints drove debates over tax policy, aid formulas, and funding commitments, with a sharper focus on how the State and local governments share costs and responsibilities. Maryland’s 448th legislative session opened with significant…

On March 4, Executive Director Michael Sanderson gave in person testimony on behalf of Karrington Anderson to the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in support of HB 1216 - Insurance - Certificates of Guarantee for County Bond Requirements - All Counties.  This bill authorizes counties to honor certificates of guarantee issued by a nonprofit association of contractors as an alternative to traditional surety bonds. Currently, only a limited number of counties are authorized to accept…

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…