Read more about the article 2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
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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
Read more about the article 2025 End of Session Wrap-Up: Government Liability and Courts
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
Read more about the article Behind the Scenes: How Counties Comply With Opioid Reporting Standards
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
Read more about the article Prince George’s and Attorney General Charge Property Owners for Dangerous Rentals
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
Read more about the article Social Media Companies Continue Fighting Laws Aiming to Protect Kids Online
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
Read more about the article MD Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Dali Ship Owners
Government Liability and Courts
MD Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Dali Ship Owners

The Attorney General, in partnership with the Governor's Office, announced a lawsuit to hold Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd accountable for the full scope of the damages caused by the collision of the Dali cargo ship with the Key Bridge. Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, on behalf of the State of Maryland and all its agencies, including the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), and the Maryland Department…

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September 24, 2024
Read more about the article MD Supreme Court Hears Over Three Hours of Arguments on Child Victims Act
Government Liability and Courts
MD Supreme Court Hears Over Three Hours of Arguments on Child Victims Act

The Child Victims Act of 2023 and its provisions were tested during a three-hour Maryland Supreme Court hearing to determine whether a past legislature could prohibit the actions of future lawmakers.  The Maryland Supreme Court heard arguments related to the Child Victims Act last Tuesday. As previously covered on Conduit Street, the question of constitutionality was anticipated to come up following the passage of the original legislation in 2023. The arguments went on for over three…

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September 19, 2024
Read more about the article Counties and Attorney General Agree on Opioid Settlement Fund Distribution
Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services
Counties and Attorney General Agree on Opioid Settlement Fund Distribution

After a couple of discussions, counties and Attorney General Anthony Brown have agreed to keep the current opioid settlement distribution agreement in place, continuing the original 70/30 split of funds between local governments and the State, respectively. A number of national opioid settlements have been confirmed, with a handful left to go. The agreements send billions of dollars to states across the country for opioid remediation. Those national agreements then trigger localized statewide contracts that…

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September 19, 2024
Read more about the article Baltimore City Closes 4th Opioid Case Bringing Total Settlements to $322.5M
Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services
Baltimore City Closes 4th Opioid Case Bringing Total Settlements to $322.5M

Baltimore City adds $80M to opioid settlement funds from Teva Pharmaceuticals with $35M coming in by the end of the year and the remaining $45M by close of FY25. Yesterday Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the City of Baltimore announced an $80M settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals to resolve the City’s claims against Teva and its associated companies for their role in Baltimore's devastating opioid epidemic. Teva will make an initial payment of $35M by year's…

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September 11, 2024
Read more about the article Baltimore City Reaches Multi-Million Dollar Settlement with JUUL Labs
County News / Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Baltimore City Reaches Multi-Million Dollar Settlement with JUUL Labs

Baltimore City has secured a significant multi-million-dollar settlement with JUUL Labs, Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of e-cigarettes. The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, charged JUUL with marketing practices that endangered the health of Baltimore’s residents, particularly minors, leading to substantial financial burdens on the City. As part of the agreement, JUUL can either make a one-time payment of $7.5 million by the end of 2024 or opt for a staggered payment plan totaling $8…

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September 4, 2024
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