Public Information and Ethics Archives

Government Liability and Courts / Public Information and Ethics

Baltimore County Local Bill Solidifies Inspector General’s Subpoena Power

The Inspector General's Office in Baltimore County has been granted expanded authority to access non-government documents. According to a Baltimore Banner article, the Baltimore County Council unanimously approved council bill 84-23 on Monday evening. This local bill allows the county’s Office of the Inspector General to subpoena non-government records at any point during an investigation, without having to request them and wait 90 days. The office also has been granted the power to subpoena county records…

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December 20, 2023

Courts / Public Information and Ethics

Supreme Court Unclear Whether Public Officials Can Block on Social Media

After three hours of oral arguments, all nine justices agreed on the value of clarifying boundaries for public officials posting on social media, but remained unclear on best strategy. According to a Reuters article, the U.S. Supreme Court justices seemed unsure about how to handle if elected officials are allowed to block people on their private social media accounts. As covered previously on Conduit Street, the current Supreme Court session will answer this question following…

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November 15, 2023

Government Liability and Courts / Public Information and Ethics / Public Safety and Corrections

Researchers to Task Force: Unfunded Mandate Would Be Wrong Approach on Data Transparency

A state task force of legislators studying transparency standards for State's Attorneys heard expert testimony advising against establishing an unfunded mandate as the means to accomplish greater transparency. Recommendations are due by the end of the year. Following hearings on proposed legislation regarding prosecutorial transparency, the General Assembly created the Task Force to Study Transparency Standards for State's Attorneys, to convene on the topic through this interim. In a recent meeting, legislators from both the…

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November 7, 2023

County News / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / Public Information and Ethics

Operation Green Light: Illuminating the Path to Veterans’ Well-Being in MD

In a continued commitment to honor and support our veterans, the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) is proud to participate once again in the National Association of Counties' (NACo) Operation Green Light. This annual initiative provides an invaluable opportunity for governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals to delve deeper into military culture, suicide prevention, and veterans' experiences transitioning from military to civilian life. Maryland's participation in the VA/SAMHSA Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members,…

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October 26, 2023

County News / Human Resources / Leadership / News You Can Use / Public Information and Ethics

Cardin named chair of U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland was named chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, September 27. He replaces Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey. Cardin is a Democrat who has served on the Foreign Relations Committee ever since he joined the Senate in 2007. He’s also co-chair of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, better known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission. In a statement, Cardin said he’s accepting the…

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October 3, 2023

County News / Emergency Management / Health and Human Services / Information Technology / News You Can Use / Public Information and Ethics

Howard County Health Department Introduces CAREAPP for Easy Access to Vital Resources

The Howard County Health Department announced the introduction of a mobile application to streamline the CAREAPP user experience. CAREAPP makes it easy to find and connect with over 2,500 Howard County programs for food, health, housing, transportation, education, employment assistance, and more. The free, fully translatable app can be accessed by downloading “CAREAPP Howard County” on any Apple or Android mobile device. “CAREAPP allows community members and partner organizations to find and connect to resources that address…

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September 12, 2023

County Government and Structure / County News / News You Can Use / Public Information and Ethics

Prince George’s County Gets New Latino Affairs Liaison in the OCE

County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced today that Mrs. Samantha Howard has been hired as the County’s new Latino Affairs Liaison in the Office of the County Executive. Mrs. Howard joins the County with over 18 years of experience serving as a community liaison in higher education and brings extensive knowledge of the County’s Hispanic/Latino population, community organizations, and partnerships, as well as a passion for fostering deep community relationships. “We are excited to welcome Mrs.…

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September 7, 2023

Read more about the article Montgomery County Executive Elrich Initiates ‘Community Conversations’ for FY2025 Budget Input – Mark Your Calendar

County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Parks and Recreation / Public Information and Ethics / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Montgomery County Executive Elrich Initiates ‘Community Conversations’ for FY2025 Budget Input – Mark Your Calendar

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, will host 10 Community Conversations from September through December to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. The first conversation was held on Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Mid-County Recreation Center in Layhill. The official address of the Mid-County Recreation Center is 2004 Queensguard Road in Silver Spring. Seven of the 10 conversations will be conducted in English,…

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August 31, 2023

County News / Finance and Procurement / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Public Information and Ethics

SDAT Conducts Annual Tax Credit Awareness Campaign, Encourages Marylanders to Apply Online

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation today announced the implementation of its 2023 Tax Credit Awareness Campaign, urging Marylanders to consider whether they may be eligible to receive a homeowners’ or renters’ property tax credit. The deadline to file for both tax credits is October 1, 2023. “The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation is pleased to offer these tax relief programs to assist Marylanders who pay high property taxes or rent relative to…

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August 30, 2023

County News / Public Information and Ethics

Public Information Officers Group Officially Recognized as MACo Affiliate

In a significant stride towards fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) took a meaningful step during the 2023 MACo Summer Conference's business meeting, recognizing an additional professional affiliate organization, representing county media and public information professionals. Amidst the conference's dynamic discussions and engaging sessions, the elected membership came together to approve a MACo by-laws change, formally recognizing the Public Information Officers (PIO) group as MACo's 14th affiliate organization. This move highlights the…

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August 29, 2023