Government Liability and Courts Archives

MD Transportation Authority Launches Work Zone Safety Program in Cecil County

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) becomes the first agency to implement the new use of unmanned speed cameras in work zones following the passage of HB 513. The 2024 legislative session saw the passage of HB 513 – Maryland Road Worker Protection Act of 2024. Spearheaded by Lieutenant Governor Miller, this bill allows traffic safety agencies latitude to use speed camera enforcement in areas where work zones have been established. The bill extended this authority…

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July 23, 2024

Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services

Sackler Family Opioid Settlement Deal Crumbles Following SCOTUS Ruling

The US Supreme Court rejected the settlement terms of an opioid case, Harrington v. Purdue Pharma, leaving billions still on hold for local governments and a prolonged negotiation. The ruling also rejected the idea that the Sackler family and other culpable owners could be shielded from future civil liability for their role in the opioid crisis. Billions of dollars from opioid settlements have begun making their way to state and local governments in an effort to…

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July 19, 2024

Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections

MD Court of Appeals Holds Element of New Cannabis Law Is Not Retroactive

The Cannabis Reform Act of 2023 receives new clarifications from the Appellate Court of Maryland on the application of stop and search restrictions and the odor of cannabis. The Appellate Court of Maryland issued an opinion last month, holding that a new Maryland law, HB 556/SB 516 of 2023, preventing police from stopping or searching a vehicle based solely on the odor of cannabis does not apply retroactively. The opinion, authored by Senior Judge Robert Zarnoch,…

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July 18, 2024

Feature / Government Liability and Courts / Policy Deep Dive

US Supreme Court: Multiple Cases with Potential Local Effects

This article is part of MACo’s Policy Deep Dive series, where expert policy analysts explore and explain the top county policy issues of the day. A new article is added each week – read all of MACo’s Policy Deep Dives. The 2023-2024 U.S. Supreme Court term covered a wide array of cases, and a particularly significant amount affected local governments either directly or peripherally. The more specific impact came from cases involving unhoused individuals sleeping in…

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July 11, 2024

Corporate Partners / Government Liability and Courts / MACo Events / Summer Conference

LGIT Announces Newly Promoted Staff Leadership: Peter, Bohlen

The Local Government Insurance Trust has announced the promotion of two longtime staff members to leadership roles within the longstanding service organization - as Matthew Peter has been named Executive Director, and Larry Bohlen Deputy Director. Both take these roles following years of successful service with LGIT. From a letter sent to LGIT membership by LGIT Board of Trustees Chair Ted Zaleski: We are excited to share the news that the Board of Trustees has…

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June 20, 2024

Courts / Government Liability and Courts

Local Anti-Discrimination Law Takes Effect in Anne Arundel

A county initiative to improve civil rights protections in the jurisdiction looks to protect residents facing discriminatory practices by private and public employers and public accommodation providers. Anne Arundel County Office of Equity and Human Rights (OEHR) enabled their first ever comprehensive anti-discrimination law. The new law enables a number of different protections for residents. It prevents employers and public facility owners, managers, or employees from treating residents differently based on age, ancestry, citizenship, color,…

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June 11, 2024

Courts / Government Liability and Courts

ICYMI: Maryland State Bar Association’s Local and State Government Section Spring Institute

County attorneys and local government leaders joined the Maryland State Bar Association for its 2024 Local and State Government Section Spring Institute to discuss issues pertinent to jurisdictions statewide. As members of the Maryland Bar Association, county attorneys enjoy a number of resources available through the state association. The annual Spring Institute for the State and Local Government Section highlights speakers with a unique take on trends and updates that have a specific touch point…

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May 24, 2024

Education / Government Liability and Courts

4th Circuit Ruling Sides With School Board on Curriculum Authority

4th Circuit ruling affirms Montgomery County school board's authority on incorporating LGBTQIA+ books into English language arts curriculum. A group of plaintiffs in Montgomery County cannot require the school board to provide notice of LGBTQIA+ inclusive books or an opt-out option for their children following a 2-1 decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit on Wednesday. Judge G. Steven Agee authored the majority opinion where the 4th Circuit affirmed the parents…

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May 23, 2024

Courts / Government Liability and Courts / Public Information and Ethics

State and Local Collaboration at the Forefront of 2024 County Attorneys Conference

County attorneys shared time with the Office of the Attorney General, the Comptroller, esteemed members of the Maryland Courts, and the Public Service Commission during the 2024 MACo County Attorneys Affiliate Conference. The Maryland Association of County Civil Attorneys, also known as the MACo County Attorneys Affiliate, hosted their 2024 County Attorneys Conference at Great Wolf Lodge in Cecil County last week with a full agenda on May 16th. Affiliate President Roscoe Leslie, Worcester County…

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May 22, 2024

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Government Liability and Courts / Housing and Community Development

Anne Arundel Expands Civil Rights Protections Beyond County Employees

Anne Arundel County has enacted a substantial widening of its county-level anti-discrimination laws, granting its own Human Relations Commission broader range to hear cases involving private sector employment and housing discrimination cases. Bill 21-24, AN ORDINANCE concerning: General Provisions – Equity and Human Rights – Boards, Commissions, and Similar Bodies – Human Relations Commission, has passed the Anne Arundel County Council unanimously, and should be signed into law - as the bill as introduced at…

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April 18, 2024