The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on health and human services policy during the 2026 General Assembly session. Each county in Maryland has a local health department that plays a role in providing essential public health services to residents. Local governments deliver frontline care through local health departments and administer critical programs for children, families, and vulnerable populations. As such, MACo works to strengthen these local health and human services systems,…

On March 12, Legislative Services Assistant Charlotte Fleckenstein gave in person testimony on behalf of Karrington Anderson before the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 1568 – Local Government - Animal Control - Dogs At Large (Dog Leash Laws).  This bill would require local governments to adopt a law prohibiting dogs from being “at large” and to establish corresponding impoundment and penalty protocols. Counties strongly support responsible pet ownership, which is why every Maryland jurisdiction…

On March 3, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted written testimony to the Health Committee in support of HB 1109 - Public Health Reform Act with amendments. This bill advances key recommendations from the Commission on Public Health's final report and continues the efforts to strengthen Maryland’s public health infrastructure. From granting greater hiring flexibility to establishing a Public Health Workforce Development Fund and improving coordination on electronic health record systems, the bill represents meaningful…

On February 25, Director of Intergovernmental Relations delivered testimony on behalf of Karrington Anderson in opposition to HB 912 - Local Government - Trap-Neuter-Return Policies for Community Cats - Requirements and Restrictions (Ash's Law). Under the bill, a local law establishing a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) policy may not require any registration or certification process for a community cat caregiver. This legislation would broadly preempt local authority by prohibiting caregiver registration requirements and superseding local ordinances that…

On February 24, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 668 - Children's Cabinet Fund - Renaming and Funding for Grants to Local Management Boards.  This bill strengthens Maryland’s commitment to children and families by renaming the Children’s Cabinet Fund and establishing a dedicated, increasing funding stream for grants to Local Management Boards (LMBs). Active in all 24 jurisdictions, LMBs serve as quasi-authorities of local government,…

On February 24, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted written testimony to the Health Committee in support of HB 1012 - Public Health - Local Suicide Fatality Review Teams - Authorization.  This bill authorizes local governments to establish suicide fatality review teams to examine suicide deaths at the local level and develop recommendations aimed at prevention. By bringing together health officers, behavioral health providers, social services, law enforcement, educators, hospitals, and community representatives, these local…