Read more about the article Counties Back Protections of Local Responsibility in Tort Claims
Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony
Counties Back Protections of Local Responsibility in Tort Claims

On February 21, 2024, Executive Director Michael Sanderson and Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the House Judiciary Committee in support of HB 895- Maryland Tort Claims Act- Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs- County Responsibility. This bill clarifies that counties are responsible for certain tort claims against a sheriff or deputy sheriff, and all other responsibilities remain on the State. The effects of this bill only concern claims brought against a sheriff or deputy for…

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February 22, 2024
Read more about the article Baltimore County Local Bill Solidifies Inspector General’s Subpoena Power
Government Liability and Courts / Public Information and Ethics
Baltimore County Local Bill Solidifies Inspector General’s Subpoena Power

The Inspector General's Office in Baltimore County has been granted expanded authority to access non-government documents.  According to a Baltimore Banner article, the Baltimore County Council unanimously approved council bill 84-23 on Monday evening. This local bill allows the county’s Office of the Inspector General to subpoena non-government records at any point during an investigation, without having to request them and wait 90 days. The office also has been granted the power to subpoena county records…

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December 20, 2023
Read more about the article Academy Core: Fellows Learn the Ins and Outs of the Public Information Act at #MACoCon
Government Liability and Courts / Intergovernmental Relations / Risk Management / Winter Conference
Academy Core: Fellows Learn the Ins and Outs of the Public Information Act at #MACoCon

At the 2023 MACo Winter Conference Academy Core class on the Public Information Act, fellows learned about the uses of the PIA, a county government's responsibilities relating to the PIA, and how to be a good steward of county information and data. The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a volunteer certificate program for elected and appointed county and municipal officials. The program provides a strong background of necessary skills and knowledge for local government…

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December 13, 2023
Read more about the article All Ships Rise: The Role of County Leaders and Employees in DEI Practices at #MACoCon
Employee Benefits and Relations / Government Liability and Courts / Human Resources / Winter Conference
All Ships Rise: The Role of County Leaders and Employees in DEI Practices at #MACoCon

A 2023 MACo Winter Conference panel will discuss the challenges facing diversity, equity, and inclusion specialists when implementing new policies and practices as well as how employment law can help guide the way.  Research has shown conversations around identity, gender, race, culture, politics, and religion are difficult to have anywhere, and particularly at work. But as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officers and Directors have taken on new and expanded roles in private and public organizations…

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November 27, 2023
Read more about the article Juvenile Justice Pt. 1: The Local Role at #MACoCon
Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections / Winter Conference
Juvenile Justice Pt. 1: The Local Role at #MACoCon

The juvenile justice discussion in Maryland affects a sprawling number of local and state services and agencies that are working to reduce juvenile crime. Juvenile crime and justice issues have been a major topic of discussion in Maryland amongst community members and public officials. There are multiple state and local agencies that play a role in how juvenile offenders and at-risk youth are handled by the system. Recent hearings in the House Judiciary Committee have…

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November 20, 2023
Read more about the article Researchers to Task Force: Unfunded Mandate Would Be Wrong Approach on Data Transparency
Government Liability and Courts / Public Information and Ethics / Public Safety and Corrections
Researchers to Task Force: Unfunded Mandate Would Be Wrong Approach on Data Transparency

A state task force of legislators studying transparency standards for State's Attorneys heard expert testimony advising against establishing an unfunded mandate as the means to accomplish greater transparency. Recommendations are due by the end of the year. Following hearings on proposed legislation regarding prosecutorial transparency, the General Assembly created the Task Force to Study Transparency Standards for State's Attorneys, to convene on the topic through this interim. In a recent meeting, legislators from both the…

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November 7, 2023
Read more about the article County Attorneys Build Relationships with State Agencies at Annual Conference
Government Liability and Courts
County Attorneys Build Relationships with State Agencies at Annual Conference

State and local government collaborations continue at the 2023 Maryland Association of County Civil Attorneys Conference with presentations, discussions, and camaraderie. The Maryland Association of County Civil Attorneys, a MACo affiliate, got back in-person this year for their annual conference. The theme this year was built around establishing consistent lines of communication with state entities where challenges can tend to arise. These relationships with external parties, such as the courts, state agencies, and community stakeholders…

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October 26, 2023
Read more about the article Police Prosecution Powers Have Begun for Attorney General’s Office
Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
Police Prosecution Powers Have Begun for Attorney General’s Office

Prosecutorial powers for the Independent Investigations Division in the Office of the Attorney General are now in effect across Maryland. Yesterday marked the beginning of the Independent Investigation Division's (IID) new power to prosecute a police officer in a case involving the death of an individual. SB 290 passed the General Assembly earlier this year and went into effect this week. As of now, incidents occurring on or after October 1, 2023 will fall under the prosecutorial…

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October 2, 2023
Read more about the article Loss Control Training Programs Abound for LGIT Members
Government Liability and Courts
Loss Control Training Programs Abound for LGIT Members

The Local Government Insurance Trust offers a number of training programs to members so counties can minimize potential loss and focus on good governance. As a member-owned organization, the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) helps governments operating in counties, cities, and towns, to get the coverage they need to provide vital services for residents.  This joint self-insurance program helps local government avoid paying premiums to buy insurance from an insurance company, and, instead, contribute those…

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September 14, 2023
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