House Bill 343 passed the Maryland General Assembly on Monday and will be presented to the Governor for his signature. As of this writing, the Senate cross-file, SB 390, is identical and one step from final passage.

The bill enables trained technicians to review speed camera images and issue citations, providing local governments additional flexibility in how to run their speed camera program. Prior to issuing a citation, the technician or law enforcement officer must first receive reasonable training. The provisions of the bills will go into effect on October 1, 2025 For more information, please contact Bill Jorch, [email protected].

The Maryland Department of Labor announces two programs - one active and one upcoming - to provide funding to launch apprenticeship training programs for public sector workers. Local governments are eligible applicants for both programs. The Department of Labor is hosting a webinar on Thursday, April 17 to provide information and assistance with applications. Visit the EventBrite webpage where anyone can register to attend.

The Maryland State Archives has announced the launch of a updated Maryland Land Records website, set to go live in May 2025. The revamped website will offer improved search functionality, enhanced security, and greater website stability.

Along with these upgrades, a new fee structure will be introduced: users will be charged $0.20 per page to view or download modern land records (less than 100 years old) online. However, historical records over 100 years old will remain free to access.

The National League of Cities (NLC) has opened a new round of the Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program, offering municipalities grants of up to $20,000 to enhance residents' economic mobility through initiatives such as creating quality jobs, supporting small businesses, or aiding access to government benefits.

Selected applicants will also receive coaching from NLC staff and network with peers in the Economic Mobility Peer Network.

Elevate Presence. Build Relationships. Provide Solutions. 

In today's day and age, most of our introductions and interactions are electronic. This can often make it difficult for businesses to truly get their message across and collaborate with clients. As experts in your field, your insight and first-hand knowledge is something that the League depends on. Our 161 local governments tackle challenges daily and rely on specialists while navigating these challenges. 

As we prepare for our summer conference, we also reflect back on the memory of those whom we have lost.  The League will recognize municipal officials who have passed away since June of 2024 at the conference as we have done in the past.  We are calling upon you, our members, to make sure that all are remembered. 

Legislation that delays the implementation of the State's Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act (FAMLI) also known as the Time to Care Act (HB 102) has passed through the Maryland House of Delegates. The legislation as currently written would delay all aspects of the FAMLI program by 18 months, including the start of mandatory employer and employee contributions (from July 1, 2025 to January 1, 2027) and the start of benefits from July 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028. This change will delay any needed payroll deductions or premium payments by 18 months. 

In addition, an amendment pushed by MML exempts municipal governments from escrowing payments during the 12 month pre-funding period prior to benefits starting (January 1, 2027 through January 1, 2028) if that municipal government plans to utilize an equivalent private insurance plan (EPIP). 

With the 2025 MML Summer Conference right around the corner, now is the time to be thinking of how you plan to stand out. We'll make it easy, with our Summer Conference Sponsorships. Prominent exposure, networking opportunities, and brand visibility are just a few of our sponsorship benefits.

Join MML on April 23 at noon for a Lunch and Learn: Legislative Wrap Up webinar on the Maryland General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session. Gain insights from our esteemed panelists as we discuss MML's legislative objectives, the Maryland state budget, and other important municipal issues and information.

Register here

In the Maryland General Assembly, "crossover" refers to the point in the legislative session when bills must move from one chamber (either the House of Delegates or the Senate) to the other to continue in the legislative process. Crossover typically occurs around the end of the ninth week of the legislative session (usually in mid-March). After this deadline, bills that have not passed out of their originating chamber are considered "dead" for that year unless they are amended or revived in some way. Bills that cross over transition from the initial phase of the session, where bills are debated and modified, to the second phase, where bills are finalized and voted on by both chambers. This process ensures that both chambers have adequate time to review and debate bills originating in the other chamber.

So far this session, MML has taken positions on 211 bills. To see a complete list of which bills crossed over, click here.

MML's priority legislation allowing trained technicians to review speed camera images and issue citations met an important milestone by passing out of each chamber of origin by the crossover date. This keeps the bills on track for final passage.

SB 390, with the leadership of bill sponsor and Chair of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Will Smith, passed out of the Senate on February 18. An amendment was added on the Senate floor that defines "reasonable training." This amendment is seen as clarifying and should not materially impact the functionality of the legislation. 

Thank you for your patience as the League adjusts its phone system.  The best way to reach us is to know who you're trying to reach. Our phone tree guide, found under About Us on the main navigation tab of our website, corresponds with the system's Call by Team structure.

Dial 1 - Advocacy and Public Policy

Are you a public or nonprofit employee who has participated in a program evaluation (2021–2023)? Your insights can help improve how evaluations drive learning and growth.

A Ph.D. student at Concordia University Wisconsin is conducting research on how organizations can better use evaluation results to strengthen programs. If you’re a program manager or involved in evaluations, your input is especially valuable.

At the Maryland Municipal League, we believe in the power of collaboration and identifying solutions as an essential tool for the communities we serve and beyond those borders. Our Community Partnerships allows us both to serve families, employees, external stakeholders, and shared constituents as we forge a path ahead. When our Partners invest in the League, they're not just contributing to the growth of our cities and towns, they're securing the future of our great State. Welcome, MML's 2025 Community Partners: 

The most anticipated event for Maryland's Mayors is right around the corner. The Annual Maryland Mayors Winter Conference will be held March 6-7, 2025, with a special event taking place on the evening of March 5th. The MMA is the direct connection between Maryland's 161 local governments and the 2 million Marylanders our Mayors serve. This event will help you better serve your constituents through education on emerging issues, advocacy efforts and engaging State leaders. 

MML wishes to congratulate Hagerstown City Administrator, MML Board Member, and longtime volunteer, Scott Nicewarner, on his acceptance into Leadership Maryland. This class focuses on vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the State. 

New to registering for a MML Conference? Need a refresher on how to register someone on their behalf? 

We are hosting three Event Registration Office Hours meetings: February 14 and February 21 from 11 a.m. - noon and March 7 from 11 a.m. to noon. You can jump onto the call during that time if you need assistance or have questions as you are registering for the MML Summer Conference.

The Winter edition of the National Civic Review explores the dynamic intersection of civic engagement, democracy, and community well-being. This issue highlights how collaboration and citizen-led initiatives are reshaping public safety and addressing homelessness through innovative, local solutions that engage diverse stakeholders. We also spotlight the growing movement of participatory governance, where citizens are stepping in to tackle pressing issues that have long been neglected or inadequately addressed by traditional channels.