Public Information and Ethics Archives

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…

Comments Off

April 17, 2026

Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony / Public Information and Ethics

2026 End of Session Wrap Up: Government Liability & Public Information

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of government liability and public information in the 2026 General Assembly session. Local governments operate at the intersection of transparency, accountability, and legal responsibility. Counties are charged with managing public information, upholding ethical standards, and navigating legal risks across a wide range of functions. From responding to public records requests to defending against liability claims, counties must balance open government requirements with…

Comments Off

April 15, 2026

MACo Testimony / Public Information and Ethics

Counties Back Stronger Privacy Protections for State and Local Elected Officials

On March 31, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in support of SB 632 – State Government - State Elected Officials - Protection of Personal Information with amendments. This bill strengthens privacy protections for state officials while maintaining transparency for ethics and other mandatory disclosures for individuals in these roles. These changes, to extend new safety measures for state elected officials, have the potential to deter harmful actions…

Comments Off

April 2, 2026

MACo Testimony / Public Information and Ethics

Modernizing Legal Notice Requirements With a Digital Approach

On January 28, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judiciary Committee in support of HB 10 – Legal Advertisement or Legal Notice - Publication in Newspaper or Newspaper in General Circulation - Digital Newspapers with amendments. This bill authorizes a county to publish required public notices in a qualifying newspaper or digital publication to maintain compliance with state law. This creates both cost savings and more flexibility for local governments in meeting this…

Comments Off

January 29, 2026

County News / Information Technology / Public Information and Ethics / Public Safety and Corrections / Risk Management

Cybersecurity, AI Bots & Public Records: What Counties Need to Know

In this week's episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Karrington Anderson talks with Sarah Sample to break down the rapidly evolving world of Public Information Act (PIA) requests in Maryland and why counties are feeling the pressure. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

Comments Off

November 14, 2025

Cyber / Information Technology / Policy Deep Dive / Public Information and Ethics

Technology Is Complicating Public Information Laws…And It’s Getting Worse

Technology advancements continue to threaten to blow the wheels off the public information access process in Maryland and beyond. State and local officials are sounding the alarm but oversight committee stops short of meaningful recommendations to tackle the issues. Maryland’s Public Information Act (PIA) is a cornerstone of open government, designed to ensure transparency and accountability at every level of public service. For county governments in particular, the PIA can present a complex balancing act…

Comments Off

October 15, 2025

Public Information and Ethics

PIA Compliance Board Recommends 3 Legislative Changes in Annual Report

During the last two meetings of the Maryland Public Information Act Compliance Board (PIACB) three recommendations were made by the body for statutory changes to the PIA and the scope of authority for the PIACB. The PIACB reviews and resolves complaints related to disputes that arise under the Public Information Act in Maryland. This is a 5-member independent body that regularly sees the type of disputes that come up as well as how the nature…

Comments Off

October 9, 2025

County News / Public Information and Ethics / Summer Conference

Understanding Ethics in Public Service: Conflicts, Compliance, and Accountability

Attendees learned about ethics in local government as part of the Academy of Excellence in Local Governance. Moderator: The Honorable Todd Ireland, Commissioner, Vice President, Calvert County Speaker: Todd Turner, Esq., Executive Director, Office of Ethics and Accountability, Prince Georges County In any organization, trust is the foundation of effective leadership and citizen confidence. But trust isn't built overnight, it requires ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability from all public officials and employees. Officials fill out the…

Comments Off

August 20, 2025

County Government and Structure / Public Information and Ethics / Summer Conference

#MACoCon Recap: Academy for Excellence Attendees Hone Skills for Conducting Effective Public Meetings

Participants in the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance refined their knowledge of the proper use of rules and protocol during public meetings, especially virtual hearings, to ensure public trust and engagement. Council and Commission meetings are the backbone of local government in Maryland and are one of the primary ways residents can share their opinions and concerns, oversee government business, and understand the use of taxpayer dollars. These are also run by individuals who…

Comments Off

August 19, 2025

Government Liability and Courts / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Public Information and Ethics / Risk Management

County Attorneys Focus on Building Respect and Collaboration With State Agencies

County attorneys shared time with the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Planning, and Maryland Supreme Court members during the 2025 MACo County Attorneys Affiliate Conference. The Maryland Association of County Civil Attorneys, also known as the MACo County Attorneys Affiliate, hosted their 2025 County Attorneys Conference at Turf Valley Resort in Howard County with a full agenda. Affiliate President Roscoe Leslie, Worcester County Attorney, welcomed…

Comments Off

May 22, 2025