A report from the Maryland Department of Legislative Services warns of looming structural deficits over the next four years, a stark change from last January, when DLS projected billions in structural surpluses between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2028. Fiscal 2024 is projected to end with a fund balance of $367 million, and ongoing revenues exceed ongoing spending by $150 million. A $418 million structural deficit is anticipated for fiscal 2025. Structural challenges prevail for the…
At this year's MACo Summer Conference, learn best practices for navigating the fast-changing political, social, and regulatory landscape of adult-use cannabis. After an overwhelming share of Marylanders approved a referendum to legalize adult-use cannabis, the Maryland General Assembly passed sweeping legislation to address cannabis taxes, licensing, oversight, and more. As previously reported on Conduit Street, Maryland cannabis sales totaled more than $10 million over the July 4 holiday weekend as retail sales for adult consumers…
As previously reported on Conduit Street, the purchase and possession of adult-use cannabis become legal in Maryland this Saturday, July 1. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission has transitioned to the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) as a new state agency with regulatory oversight of medical and adult-use (recreational) cannabis in Maryland. Nearly all existing medical dispensaries (approximately 100 locations statewide) have converted their licenses and, as of July 1, are permitted to sell both medical and…
SB 267, which put up for referendum the issuance of internet gaming licenses to video lottery operators in Maryland, fell short during the 2023 legislative session. However, budget language requires the Maryland Lottery to study online casino gaming and submit a report to the General Assembly. Online casinos enable gamblers to play and wager on casino games via the internet. While many states allow brick-and-mortar casinos and sports wagering, only six states allow online casinos:…
The Montgomery County’s Democratic Central Committee selected Gaithersburg City Council Member Ryan Spiegel to fill a vacant seat in District 17 of the Maryland House of Delegates. Spiegel fills the seat vacated when Governor Moore appointed former Delegate Kumar Barve to serve on the Maryland Public Service Commission. Spiegel has served on the Gaithersburg City Council since 2007. In addition, Spiegel served as the 2019-2020 Maryland Municipal League president. His nomination is now under consideration…
MACo is currently welcoming suggestions for legislative initiatives for the 2024 legislative session. Each year, MACo adopts up to four topics to forward as initiatives — working with supportive legislators to translate those ideas into successful legislation. Past years have seen a wide range of MACo focus — from infrastructure to expanding broadband access to emergency services (view MACo’s 2023 Initiatives for specific examples). County governing bodies, individual elected officials, MACo’s professional affiliate groups, MACo…
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