News

June Legislative Update

With the completion of four bill signing ceremonies and the announcement of four vetoes by Governor Moore, the door has officially closed on the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Session. Of the over 1000 bills that reached Governor Moore’s desk for approval, the most notable bill vetoed would have ended the requirement that public notice on estates be placed in newspapers around the state, instead allowing the notices to be published on a central website. Two other bills were vetoed on policy grounds, including a bill dealing with recreational vehicle shows and legislation creating a workgroup to recruit and retain police officers. A fourth bill authorizing Carroll County to borrow $28.9 million through bonds for capital projects was vetoed for technical reasons. Separate bill signing ceremonies were held to highlight public safety measures, affordable housing, state service, and Maryland’s competitive business environment.

Attention now turns to the interim work of the Moore Administration and the General Assembly, with a continued focus on the reopening of the Port of Baltimore and the construction of a new span to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This and other transportation issues, including ongoing underfunding of the State’s Transportation Trust Fund, will be addressed later this year by the final report of the Maryland Commission on Transportation Revenue and Infrastructure Needs.

In mid-June, the ten standing committees of the Senate and House of Delegates are expected to formally submit their planned interim activities to the presiding officers. The Maryland Works team will continue to engage legislators and Moore Administration officials throughout the interim, educating members and staff of the work being done to ensure employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and the importance of the State’s Preferred Provider program.

Legislators and staff from both the legislature and the Moore Administration will attend regional and national legislative conferences. The Maryland Works lobbying team will attend each of these meetings, most notably the National Conference of State Legislators Conference in Louisville, and Maryland Works will have an increased presence at this year’s Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference in August. This meeting presents an excellent opportunity to engage elected officials and staff, build key relationships, and increase awareness of Maryland Works and the role it fills within the workforce community.

Source: Manis Canning & Associates