Government Liability and Courts Archives

What’s the Deal With This Sanctuary Counties List?

Maryland counties and Baltimore City moved quickly to correct false claims and poor communication from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security following the publication of "sanctuary jurisdictions" list. All jurisdictions have confirmed compliance with federal law, state law, and the U.S. Constitution and clarified local policies and procedures - most of which include fluid communication and cooperation with local immigration authorities. Last week the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a list of "sanctuary jurisdictions"…

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June 4, 2025

Government Liability and Courts / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Public Information and Ethics / Risk Management

County Attorneys Focus on Building Respect and Collaboration With State Agencies

County attorneys shared time with the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Planning, and Maryland Supreme Court members during the 2025 MACo County Attorneys Affiliate Conference. The Maryland Association of County Civil Attorneys, also known as the MACo County Attorneys Affiliate, hosted their 2025 County Attorneys Conference at Turf Valley Resort in Howard County with a full agenda. Affiliate President Roscoe Leslie, Worcester County Attorney, welcomed…

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May 22, 2025

Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Intergovernmental Relations / Policy Deep Dive / Public Safety and Corrections

MD Immigration Debate Culminates in HB 1222 – Here’s What It Does

There was no shortage of Maryland bills, arising from both sides of the aisle, attempting to address concerns around immigration enforcement, but HB 1222 took up the majority of the debate and is the only major provision to pass on that topic. Here we unpack what the bill was originally proposing to do, how the discussion went, and what are the county implications from the final law that goes into effect on June 1. After…

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May 21, 2025

Government Liability and Courts

MD Lawmakers Revise Child Victims Act, Legal Challenges Anticipated

During the 2025 legislative session, Maryland lawmakers adopted significant revisions to the Child Victims Act. These changes came as the number of claims against the state continued to rise, nearing 5,000. In February the Supreme Court of Maryland upheld the Child Victims Act of 2023 as constitutional, but the most recent adjustments will likely find the legislation back in court. Similar to the original passage in 2023, the changes are anticipated to face additional constitutional…

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May 1, 2025

County Budgets / County News / Education / Energy / Environment / Finance and Procurement / Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / MACo Testimony

Conduit Street Podcast: 2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up

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April 11, 2025

Business Affairs / County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Elections / Emergency Management / Employee Benefits and Relations / Energy / Environment / Feature / Finance and Procurement / General Assembly News / Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Human Resources / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Labor / MACo Testimony / Parks and Recreation / Pensions & Public Funds / Planning and Zoning / Public Information and Ethics / Public Safety and Corrections / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works

2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 447th legislative session was defined by one of the most challenging budget environments in over a decade — with a $3.3 billion shortfall driving proposals for aggressive cost shifts, spending cuts, and tax changes. Despite these unprecedented fiscal pressures, counties worked together through MACo to protect essential services, limit…

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April 11, 2025

County News / Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony

2025 End of Session Wrap-Up: Government Liability and Courts

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of government liability and courts in the 2025 General Assembly session. County governments enforce laws, employ county residents, and maintain facilities throughout Maryland. Therefore county governments may be subject to acting as defendants in court, litigating cases involving employment benefits, injuries sustained on county properties, and various other subjects. MACo advocates on behalf of county governments to clarify the unique role that…

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April 9, 2025

Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Policy Deep Dive

Behind the Scenes: How Counties Comply With Opioid Reporting Standards

With millions in opioid settlement dollars to combat the epidemic’s devastating effects, counties are navigating complex funding streams, rigorous reporting requirements, and shifting state policies. Their efforts are not just about meeting standards but ensuring these resources make a real difference in their communities. Maryland counties have long demonstrated their commitment to transparency and accountability in managing public funds, including those tied to the recent series of opioid settlement agreements, arising from multiple lawsuits against…

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November 27, 2024

Courts / Government Liability and Courts / Housing and Community Development / Public Safety and Corrections

Prince George’s and Attorney General Charge Property Owners for Dangerous Rentals

Attorney General Brown, along with Prince George's officials, announced charges against a property owner and managers for alleged unfair, deceptive, and abusive trade practices and improper licensure. According to a press release yesterday, Prince George's County officials and Attorney General Brown announced the filing of charges against a property owner and managers for their alleged insufficient operation of a multi-family rental housing community known as Heather Hill in Temple Hills, MD. According to county Chief…

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November 14, 2024

Courts / Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections

Social Media Companies Continue Fighting Laws Aiming to Protect Kids Online

The most recent exchange of lawsuits between tech companies and the local and state governments trying to regulate them takes aim at a Florida law attempting to limit access for 14 and 15 year olds by requiring parental permission to join the platform. The ongoing battle between governments and social media companies is still raging. The most recent court filings on the matter include a case filed by the companies, including Meta and Google, against…

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November 13, 2024