MACo’s Podcast Honored in Top 20 Public Safety Podcasts of 2021
County News / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
MACo’s Podcast Honored in Top 20 Public Safety Podcasts of 2021

Threat.technology a cybersecurity publication dedicated to covering the latest advancements in cybersecurity, this week named MACo's Conduit Street Podcast as one of the 20 best public safety podcasts of 2021. According to Threat.technology: Are you wanting to learn more about public safety? Well you’ve come to the right place. This is a curated list of the best public safety podcasts of 2021. We have selected these podcasts for a variety of reasons, but they are…

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May 14, 2021
Employee Benefits and Relations / Intergovernmental Relations / Public Safety and Corrections
MD Asian American Hate Crimes Workgroup Seeks Input

Governor Hogan announced the membership of an Asian American Hate Crimes Workgroup, whose new chair Robert Hur has announced it seeks input from the public to help guide its work. From the Governor's office: Governor Larry Hogan today announced the members of the new workgroup to address the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans, which will be led by former U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. First announced last month, the workgroup’s mission is to develop strategies,…

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May 12, 2021
Intergovernmental Relations / Public Safety and Corrections
New Georgia Law Bans Local Police Funding Cuts, Fearing “Defunding”

The Georgia state legislature has passed, and its governor has signed, legislation preempting local governments from making funding reductions to their public safety units - fearing social movements seeking to "defund the police." Georgia state policy now supersedes the judgment of locally elected officials in a major element of public policy - the locally-adopted budget and priorities that accompany it. Georgia local governments are now being held to a required funding level - as the…

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May 10, 2021
Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
MD “Bump Stock” Ban Will Stand, after SCOTUS Denies Appeal

Maryland's ban on "bump stock" gun additions has survived court challenges, after an appeal to the Supreme Court was denied. The Maryland law, passed in 2018, preceded a federal ban on similar equipment. Gun rights advocates had protested the move. From coverage from the Associated Press: The high court on Monday turned away a challenge to the ban, which took effect in October 2018. A lower court had dismissed the challenge at an early stage…

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May 4, 2021
Maryland NG911 Commission Set to Reconvene
County News / Emergency Management / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
Maryland NG911 Commission Set to Reconvene

For a fourth and final year, the Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) Across Maryland this week will reconvene (virtually) to continue its work in guiding Maryland's ambitious and important move toward NG911, delivering these services equitably across the state, and adopting policies and protocols consistent with evolving technology and operational needs. "Shifting to NextGen 9-1-1 won't happen overnight-- it is a complex and expensive process," said Commission Chair Senator Cheryl Kagan. "Our Commission…

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May 3, 2021
Two New Boards Your County Will Need, After 2021 Police Reforms
Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
Two New Boards Your County Will Need, After 2021 Police Reforms

2021 police reform legislation changed many laws regarding use of force, police training, and accountability -- but amidst that all-encompassing bill are two provisions requiring counties to create new structures to promote clearer processes for officer discipline. The far-reaching police reform bill, Speaker Jones's HB 670, has become law following a veto override in the waning days of the 2021 session. The much-discussed bill is the cornerstone of a major legislative focus this year --…

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May 3, 2021
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Public Safety & Corrections
Coronavirus / Housing and Community Development / Public Safety and Corrections
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Public Safety & Corrections

An overview of MACo's advocacy on public safety & corrections legislation in the 2021 General Assembly.  Counties are the primary provider of public safety services in the state. Each county is required to have an elected sheriff and some also have a county police force. Additionally, each county operates a local jail that holds inmates awaiting trial and those sentenced to 18 months or less. This year the Maryland General Assembly conducted a legislative session…

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April 14, 2021
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Government Liability & Courts
Employee Benefits and Relations / Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
2021 End of Session Wrap-Up: Government Liability & Courts

This post summarizes the status of various government liability & courts legislation that MACo took a position on during the 2021 Regular session.  County governments enforce laws, employ county residents, and maintain facilities throughout Maryland. Therefore county governments may be subject to acting as defendants in court, litigating cases involving employment benefits, injuries sustained on county properties, and various other subjects. MACo advocates on behalf of county governments to clarify the unique role that they…

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April 14, 2021
Employee Benefits and Relations / Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
Sweeping Police Reforms Passed, Await Governor’s Action

Following extended debate across both chambers, the General Assembly passed a suite of bills intended to add to police accountability and standards. The mostly party-line vote has stakeholders awaiting the Governor's action on the several proposals. Police reforms have gathered public attention for many months, and Maryland is among many states contemplating broad reforms to discipline and accountability for officers. Following a complex, and sometimes contentious, debate on multiple bills, the General Assembly finally passed…

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April 8, 2021
General Assembly Streamlines Emergency Management, Continues Support for NG911
County News / Emergency Management / Feature / General Assembly News / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
General Assembly Streamlines Emergency Management, Continues Support for NG911

The Maryland General Assembly passed SB 658 Maryland Department of Emergency Management – Establishment and Transfer of Maryland 9-1-1 Board, legislation that will elevate the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to the Governor’s cabinet and transfer the Maryland 9-1-1 Board to MEMA. MACo supported the bill, as it will bolster and enhance collaboration, communication, and coordination between the State and county governments in times of crisis, help Maryland continue its movement toward Next Generation 9-1-1…

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April 8, 2021
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