Information Technology Archives

Florida Moves to Formalize State Cyber Support for Local Govs

As cyber threats grow, states are continuing to explore ways to better support local governments. A recent example comes from Florida, where state lawmakers have advanced legislation to formalize a statewide cybersecurity assistance program for local jurisdictions. As covered in a Government Technology article, following the close of the Florida 2026 legislative session, House Bill 1085 has been sent to the Governor for final consideration. If enacted, the bill would take effect July 1 and…

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April 28, 2026

Baltimore Tracks Opioid Settlement Spending With New Dashboard

Baltimore City is adding a new layer of transparency to how opioid settlement funds are being used, launching a public dashboard alongside its first annual report on the Opioid Restitution Fund. The tools offer a clearer look at how funding from opioid litigation is being allocated, tracked, and evaluated as jurisdictions continue responding to the overdose crisis. From the press release: “I am so proud that we are investing Opioid Restitution Fund dollars directly back…

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April 23, 2026

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2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal pressure. Lawmakers closed the fiscal 2027 gap, preserved reserves, and fully funded principal commitments, such as the Blueprint, but did not resolve the larger structural deficits projected for the years ahead. That budget pressure shaped debates across nearly every policy area, from…

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April 17, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Elections / Energy / Environment / General Assembly News / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Testimony / Public Safety and Corrections / Transportation and Public Works

Conduit Street Podcast: 90 Days Later — Sine Die Recap

This Week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we bring you an episode fresh from Sine Die to break down the 2026 legislative session from start to finish. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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April 17, 2026

Information Technology / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Information Technology

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s advocacy on IT/cybersecurity issues in the 2026 General Assembly. As counties face an increasingly complex threat landscape targeting public systems and sensitive data, cybersecurity has become a core function of government operations. From ransomware attacks to system disruptions, the risks extend beyond IT departments to the continuity of essential public services. In its information technology advocacy, MACo works to strengthen local cybersecurity capacity, promote coordinated statewide…

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April 14, 2026

County News / Elections / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations

Conduit Street Podcast: Elections, Federal Executive Orders, and What’s Real

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally sits down with Maryland State Administrator of Elections, Jared DeMarinis, to cut through the noise surrounding recent federal election activity and what it actually means for Maryland. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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April 10, 2026

Information Technology

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