Information Technology Archives

AI Chatbot Regulations Pause, Setting Stage for Future Policy Discussions

This session, the General Assembly considered legislation aimed at regulating generative AI chatbots, including HB 1250/SB 827. The proposal sought to establish a broad framework for chatbot oversight, including data privacy protections, transparency requirements, and ongoing reporting obligations. Although the bills remain in the Economic Matters and Finance Committees, respectively, and did not meet the crossover deadline, the discussions surrounding them underscore the growing importance and complexity of this issue. While MACo recognizes the need…

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March 25, 2026

County News / Information Technology

Countdown to Compliance: What Counties Need To Know About New ADA Digital Accessibility Standards

In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a clarifying decision finalizing updated regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This ruling requires state and local governments to ensure digital content meets certain accessibility requirements. With the first compliance deadline, April 24, 2026, rapidly approaching, here is what local governments need to know. Overview: This regulation mandates Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as the mandatory technical standard…

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March 13, 2026

County Government and Structure / County News / Information Technology / News You Can Use / Risk Management

Baltimore City Appoints New Chief Information Officer

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced a new appointment to city leadership. Beginning March 16, 2026, T.J. Mayotte will assume the position of Chief Information Officer. From the press release: "I’m excited to have T.J. join my administration at such an important time for our city, as we continue to invest in digital equity and explore cutting-edge technology solutions to improve service delivery for our residents,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “T.J. is an innovator and a cybersecurity…

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March 12, 2026

Information Technology / MACo Testimony

Sustainable AI Policy Must Balance Consumer Protection With Public Service Innovation

On March 3, Legislative Services Assistant Charlotte Fleckenstein delivered in person testimony on behalf of Karrington Anderson to the Economic Matters Committee in support of HB 1250 - Consumer Protection and Product Liability - Chatbots with amendments. This bill establishes regulations for chatbots including data safety and privacy protections, static and dynamic display warning requirements, monthly published reporting, data portability, and data retention. As artificial intelligence tools rapidly expand into both the private marketplace and…

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March 5, 2026

Cyber / Finance and Procurement / Information Technology / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

NACo EDGE Webinar: Cyber Resilience in County Finance

On Friday, March 6, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. EST, NACo EDGE will host a timely webinar focused on strengthening cyber resilience in county finance operations. County finance offices sit at the center of local government operations, managing payroll, vendor payments, tax revenues, and sensitive financial data. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, public sector finance teams are increasingly being targeted. The webinar titled, "Cyber Resilience in County Finance: Protecting What Matters Most," will address these…

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February 26, 2026

County News / Information Technology / News You Can Use

St. Mary’s County Launches Upgraded Digital Governance Platform

St. Mary’s County has launched a new digital governance platform designed to improve public access to meeting materials and strengthen transparency in local government operations. The County has transitioned its online meeting document system from the previous BoardDocs platform to the modernized Diligent platform, which serves as a critical access point for residents to review agendas, minutes, and supporting materials for Boards, Commissions, and Committees — including the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, St. Mary's…

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February 19, 2026

Cyber / Information Technology / MACo Testimony

Cyber Reserve Proposal Offers Stronger Local Cyber Defense and Resilience

On February 12, Legislative Services Assistant Charlotte Fleckenstein testified before the Education, Energy, and Environment Committee in support of SB 183 – Public Safety - Maryland Cyber Reserve - Established with amendments. This bill would establish the Maryland Cyber Reserve within the Military Department to provide educational and technical support to help prevent and respond to cyberattacks affecting state, county, and local government agencies, as well as critical infrastructure across Maryland. MACo requested clarifying, structural…

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February 18, 2026

County News / Cyber / Information Technology

Cybersecurity Incident Prompts Emergency Alert System Transition in St. Mary’s County

The St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) Department of Emergency Services (DES) has provided an update regarding the previously reported cybersecurity incident involving the CodeRED Emergency Notification System - a third-party platform used by local governments nationwide to issue emergency alerts. What Happened CodeRED has completed a forensic investigation, conducted by internal security teams and external cybersecurity experts, into the incident that led to the suspension of the legacy platform in November 2025. According to CodeRED,…

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February 12, 2026

County News / Information Technology

Calvert County Streamlines Land Management Process

The Calvert County departments of Technology Services and Planning & Zoning have collaborated extensively on a major update to the county’s Land Management System. This system is used by several county departments to process and track permits and inspections. Key enhancements to the system included: Integrating architectural review into the permit review workflow Incorporating the Board of Appeals processes directly into the system Updating components of the permitting, site plan and subdivision review processes to…

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February 12, 2026

County News / Information Technology / Transportation and Public Works

Calvert County Introduces Real-Time Bus Tracking With Passio GO!

Calvert County Government has launched a new mobile app designed to make public transit more accessible, predictable, and rider-friendly. Through the Department of Community Resources’ Transportation Division, local bus riders can now track buses in real time using the Passio GO! mobile app. The Passio GO! app provides riders with live bus locations, estimated arrival times, and detailed route information directly from their smartphones. The app is available as a free download through both the…

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February 5, 2026