On March 12, Executive Director Michael Sanderson and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Economic Matters Committee in opposition to HB 1517 – Land Use - Qualified Project - Retaliatory Downzoning.  This bill would require, in certain circumstances, that if a local elected official acknowledges or responds to constituent concerns regarding a development project, the local government may then be compelled to approve that project and allow a higher residential…

On March 11, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 1560 – Forest Conservation - Incentives - Pilot Program and Fund.  This bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assess a new ecosystem value impact fee to support forest conservation programs. It also preempts local governments from adopting ordinances or regulations that are inconsistent with the requirements of an ecosystem value-oriented forest management…

On March 13, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Economic Matters Committee in opposition to HB 1538 – Land Use - Accessory Dwelling Units - Requirements and Prohibitions (Maryland Generational Housing Act of 2026).  This bill requires local governments to allow both an internal and external accessory dwelling unit on single-family lots regardless of density limits. Additionally, it lowers construction barriers by restricting new parking requirements and allowing these units…

On March 13, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 1459 – Public Safety - Stationary Energy Storage Systems with amendments.  This bill would require owners of stationary energy storage systems to fund specialized training and equipment for the local fire departments responsible for emergency response. Counties recognize that utility-scale battery storage facilities can present unique fire and hazardous materials challenges and support efforts to…

On March 10, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in opposition to SB 733 – Land Use - Definitions and Boards of Appeals.  As drafted, the bill would totally upend the current residential development process by dramatically expanding the universe of veto points for development projects. Under this proposed framework, housing production in Maryland would likely grind to a complete stop. This legislation would significantly expand the scope…

On March 10, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 1411 – Data Center Planning and Transparency Act.  This bill requires large-scale data center operators to report their environmental and resource impacts to to certain State and local agencies and and mandates that each jurisdiction with over 10,000 residents create formal plans for managing these facilities by 2027. In doing so, it establishes…