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 General Assembly. The legislation delays 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 a date to be determined by the Department of Labor between January 1, 2027 and January 3, 2028). 

In addition, an amendment pushed by MML exempts municipal governments from escrowing payments during the pre-funding period prior to benefits starting that could be up to 12 months (January 1, 2027 through January 3, 2028) if that municipal government plans to utilize an equivalent private insurance plan (EPIP). 

The 2025 Maryland General Assembly session concluded with significant legislative actions aimed at addressing a $3.3 billion budget deficit and preparing for potential federal funding cuts. The Administration and legislature implemented a combination of spending cuts and tax increases, including new taxes on high-income individuals, IT services, capital gains, recreational cannabis, and sports betting, generating $1.6 billion in revenue and resulting in $2 billion in cuts while maintaining a $2.1 billion rainy day fund. Key legislative accomplishments included a comprehensive energy package promoting diverse energy sources and providing rebates for electric ratepayers, $25 million in abortion support funding, a permanent subsidy program for young adult health insurance, expanded prescription drug price controls, and increased opportunities for sentencing reconsideration and criminal record expungement. Additionally, lawmakers established a commission to study reparations for slavery and approved new liability caps for sexual abuse cases. Finally, a new legislative panel will monitor federal developments to safeguard Maryland's economic stability, particularly given its reliance on federal jobs and contracts. 

For more information on legislation directly impacting municipalities, 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. Registration and more information is available here.

In partnership with Maryland Municipal League, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is pleased to provide free technical assistance to Delmarva municipalities interested in addressing local water resources concerns. The Alliance can work with participating towns to: access resource concerns on public lands, create a plan summarizing potential mitigation projects and next steps, provide a list of possible funding sources for green infrastructure implementation, connect towns with implementation partners and more. All Delmarva towns within the Chesapeake Bay watershed are encouraged to apply with this simple intake form.

This session, MML worked with Senator Cheryl Kagan and Delegate Greg Wims to introduce legislation in response to the State Board of Elections' (SBE) declaration in the fall of 2024 that SBE does not have the legal authority to enter agreements with municipalities to lease voting equipment or provide other support. Those bills were Senate Bill 88 and House Bill 322.

House Bill 322 received its final vote for passage around 8:30 p.m. on the final day of session, Sine Die. As emergency legislation, this new law will go into effect as soon as it is signed by the Governor. As amended, the bill also shortens the amount of lead time required to join the State ballot from 18 months to 9 months.

The Maryland Municipal League is delighted to see so many familiar faces returning to our award winning expo hall this summer. Often called a "one stop shop", 250+ exhibitors provide solutions for all municipal needs.

Thank them for their ongoing support.

Join us Tuesday, June 24 as we celebrate Maryland's municipalities and the staff who support them. Municipal Tuesday offers a full conference experience in a single day with multiple ways for staff to attend at an exclusive rate It's the most cost-effective way for municipal professionals to attend our conference.

The day consists of:

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.

MML’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a city/town elected or staff official with a strong record of service to MML and the cities and towns of Maryland. Criteria considered include:

• Participation on MML committees
• Participation on the MML Board of Directors
• Active involvement with the local League chapter
• Demonstration of outstanding service to Maryland municipal government

 The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at MML’s summer conference in Ocean City, June 22-25.  Nominees can be current or former municipal officials. The deadline to nominate is April 15.

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). 

This year’s fourth grade "If I Were Mayor I Would..." essay contest winners captivated the volunteer readers and finalist judges’ attention with their compelling essays. 

Thank you to our volunteer readers, who were so impressed with the essays that they sometimes overlooked the fact that the ideas came from fourth graders!

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

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.