On March 4, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted a letter of information to the Judicial Proceedings Committee on SB 909 - Vehicle Laws - Fully Autonomous Vehicles.  This bill would establish a framework to allow fully autonomous vehicles to operate in Maryland. As Maryland policymakers explore a framework for fully autonomous vehicles, counties are highlighting the practical realities of implementing this emerging technology on local roads. As counties maintain the majority of Maryland’s…

On March 3, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in opposition to SB 781 - Environmental Permits - Requirements for Burden Analysis, Issuance and Renewal, and Public Participation (Cumulative Harms for Environmental Restoration for Improving Shared Health - CHERISH Our Communities Act).  The bill establishes new, more stringent regulatory standards for county infrastructure that receive certain state permits. In effect, it would impose sweeping new regulatory…

On March 3, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in opposition to SB 688 - Environment - Stream and Floodplain Restoration Projects - Requirements and Limitations.  This legislation would sharply restrict the use of stream restoration as a compliance and watershed management tool by effectively prohibiting the core techniques counties rely on for watershed implementation planning, specifically those using heavy equipment to reshape or stabilize stream…

On February 24, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 719 - Sewage Sludge - Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - Regulation with amendments.  This bill places new limitations on the use of certain wastewater treatment byproducts that exceed specified perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) thresholds. New restrictions on the use of biosolids based on PFAS thresholds raise significant questions about cost allocation, ratepayer impacts,…

On February 25, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 655 - Electronic Device Producer Responsibility Program - Established.  This bill establishes a statewide framework for a producer-driven electronic device recycling program. Counties are increasingly responsible for managing discarded electronic devices that contain lithium-ion batteries and other complex components posing fire, landfill, and groundwater risks. By reinforcing county infrastructure and preserving reimbursement for…

On February 24, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 603 - Mattress Stewardship Program - Establishment with amendments.  This bill would establish the Mattress Stewardship Program within the state of Maryland. The program is designed to shift mattress disposal and recycling responsibility to manufacturers. By creating a producer-funded system designed to divert mattresses from landfills and incinerators, the bill promotes waste reduction,…