Read more about the article Deep Dive: High Court Reins in County Claims in Public Harm Cases
Feature / Government Liability and Courts / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: High Court Reins in County Claims in Public Harm Cases

The Maryland courts have ruled that there is no broad "public nuisance" avenue available in Maryland law to target potential causes of public harm. While Maryland Supreme Court justices differed over local government's right to recover damages from opioid distributors under a common-law claim of public nuisance, the majority opinion effectively barred a county's claim of this type, with other justices expressing concern that the majority went too far and applied inconsistent logic in the…

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May 20, 2026
Read more about the article SCOTUS Orders List Includes Under-the-Radar Decisions With Broad Impact
Courts / Government Liability and Courts
SCOTUS Orders List Includes Under-the-Radar Decisions With Broad Impact

Tracking decisions during a US Supreme Court term is vital to staying on top of implications for counties, but not all decisions with local government impacts make the headlines. The orders list can be a very useful tool to catch the most recent decisions quickly, particularly those where sweeping guidance for lower courts is issued without argument. Recent activity at the U.S. Supreme Court underscores why local governments need to closely track not just major…

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May 5, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
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2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal pressure. Lawmakers closed the fiscal 2027 gap, preserved reserves, and fully funded principal commitments, such as the Blueprint, but did not resolve the larger structural deficits projected for the years ahead. That budget pressure shaped debates across nearly every policy area, from…

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April 17, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Government Liability & Public Information
Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony / Public Information and Ethics
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Government Liability & Public Information

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of government liability and public information in the 2026 General Assembly session.  Local governments operate at the intersection of transparency, accountability, and legal responsibility. Counties are charged with managing public information, upholding ethical standards, and navigating legal risks across a wide range of functions. From responding to public records requests to defending against liability claims, counties must balance open government requirements with…

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April 15, 2026
Read more about the article State-Local Interactions With Federal Agencies Need Clearly Defined Statutes
Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony
State-Local Interactions With Federal Agencies Need Clearly Defined Statutes

On March 11, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 1536 – Maryland Enforcement Limits and Transparency (MELT) Act.  This bill alters how county employees, private contractors, and various members of the public interact with federal agents and agencies while attempting to knowingly comply with immigration and customs enforcement. Additionally, the bill establishes new private and public rights of action that can be brought in the…

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March 16, 2026
Read more about the article Counties Support Expanded Timeline for Consumer Protection Enforcement
Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony
Counties Support Expanded Timeline for Consumer Protection Enforcement

On March 5, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judiciary Committee in support of HB 1105 - Statute of Limitations - Prosecution or Enforcement of Local Consumer Protection Codes.  This bill establishes a timeline of three years for a local jurisdiction to file a claim against an entity in violation of a local consumer protection code. By establishing a three-year window to file claims, the measure is intended to give local consumer protection…

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March 11, 2026
Read more about the article Strengthening Traffic Safety Accountability For Rental Vehicles
Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony
Strengthening Traffic Safety Accountability For Rental Vehicles

On March 4, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 921 - Traffic Control Signal Monitoring and Speed Monitoring Systems - Exemptions From Liability - Vehicle Rental Companies. This bill repeals the exemptions for a vehicle rental or leasing company from liability for citations issued by a red-light camera or speed monitoring system in Maryland. Public safety is enhanced by all motorists being subject to…

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March 9, 2026
Read more about the article Unworkable Settlement Timelines Threaten Responsible Governance
Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony
Unworkable Settlement Timelines Threaten Responsible Governance

On February 18, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 526 - Civil Actions - Settlement Agreements - Payment and Release.  This bill requires the settling defendant in a tort action for money damages to provide a proposed release to a plaintiff within 10 days and to pay all sums due to a plaintiff under a settlement agreement within 15 days. Additionally, it establishes the accrual…

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February 24, 2026
Read more about the article Improving Highway Safety Through Targeted Safety Corridors
Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony
Improving Highway Safety Through Targeted Safety Corridors

On February 12, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 256 – Motor Vehicles - Speed Monitoring Systems - Safety Corridors (Vulnerable Road User Protection Act of 2026).  This bill authorizes the State Highway Administration (SHA) to establish a “Safety Corridor” program aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and individuals using mobility devices in segments of highways identified…

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February 17, 2026
Read more about the article Reciprocal Enforcement Agreements Improve Roadway Safety, Deter Reckless Driving
Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony
Reciprocal Enforcement Agreements Improve Roadway Safety, Deter Reckless Driving

On February 12, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 249 – Vehicle Laws - Automated Enforcement - Reciprocal Agreements, Arrangements, and Declarations.  This bill authorizes the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator to establish reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions for the enforcement of certain traffic safety violations. HB 249 is a practical tool to improve roadway safety by setting a new standard for safety and accountability throughout…

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February 17, 2026
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