[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6653379,"mediaKeyId","2479936-2387a01bffeb964247aede330687ed72","parentId",2479936,"title","Analysts propose sweeping transfers from DNR trust funds; conservation groups and DNR warn of long‑term losses","audioSeconds",2480,"startMs",10747135,"endMs",8267000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2479936-2387a01bffeb964247aede330687ed72&start=10747&end=8267","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2479936-2387a01bffeb964247aede330687ed72/thumbnail_10747135.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6653379/Maryland/Analysts-propose-sweeping-transfers-from-DNR-trust-funds-conservation-groups-and-DNR-warn-of-longterm-losses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653379-ab5fbbeb7d588ea63aaf0a428b6606df/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448496&Signature=KXdw2y3F7tBTFLsVhMGQHMnM6ZZy3ZIeh6EsgNkXIy9slY-vMp6YFq2LcNkFugXF6egDTLQBGunkshfjNvJy9uXVYUrGxY~E~sQUDpD62ErO0qZDvFAA8g3SNwaEZUojXP7KRPcGOWM2qW0MFCzghbxelSychp3GjxvOcyKtu7eLrhiKCkr4Np1iDsiMt~WFlQ9oKnh8-777Ju7N6wvcO7tc~b-ehrx3ma9HOlfVHeG~-S591Yh7ycyzXlbqM-OjSFoxD4pNfijf-daQM5DPnmOcTEhcnhkagu4g5ad6pmhtUbyjU5ikzLaz3gpIoWfeL2kggT47R-E9vxVr6r6Y9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - PST","date","2025-03-03T21:54:26.493Z","article","A Department of Legislative Services analyst presented the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ fiscal 2026 operating budget and a set of recommended transfers that would use Program Open Space (POS) and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund to shore up the general fund over a multi‑year period.

DLS proposed suspending several special‑fund outlays and transferring available balances to the general fund from fiscal 2026 through fiscal 2029. The package described by DLS included a transfer of roughly $48,800,000 in fiscal 2026 and rising amounts in later years (DLS projected cumulative transfers that would reach into the low‑hundreds of millions by fiscal 2029), and a proposal to expand allowable uses for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund to help defray general‑fund obligations. DLS recommended a $40,000,000 floor for Maryland Park Service funding in fiscal 2027 with annual inflation adjustments as part of a longer proposal to preserve some operating stability while shifting capital/land‑acquisition funds to the general fund in the short term.

Secretary Josh Kurtz said the department recognizes the state’s fiscal stress but warned of severe consequences for conservation outcomes and the Bay cleanup if special‑fund programming is paused. “For every dollar we’re spending, we’re getting another dollar,” Kurtz told the committee, describing the trust fund’s leverage of matching federal and local funds for cover crops, restoration and rural legacy projects. He outlined examples of projects tied to these funds: cover‑crop payments to farmers, whole‑watershed restoration grants, oyster planting and climate pollution reduction grants, and noted that several federal funding streams (IIJA, IRA) remain significant partners in DNR programming.

Why it matters: DLS argued that by temporarily using special‑fund balances and limiting some non‑critical capital activity the state can reduce general‑fund pressure. DNR and nearly two dozen witnesses — including environmental nonprofits, regional restoration contractors, county land trusts, and representatives of the agricultural preservation community — warned the recommended multi‑year suspensions would derail projects, cost more in the long run, reduce matching funds leveraged by federal grants and private dollars, and shrink the state’s capacity to meet Bay‑restoration and conservation targets, including tree‑planting and agricultural easement goals.

Key figures and program details discussed at the hearing:
- DNR fiscal 2026 operating budget increase: $26,100,000 to $435,600,000 (DLS presentation).
- Proposed multi‑year transfers (DLS illustrative): $48,800,000 in fiscal 2026 with increasing amounts through fiscal 2029 (DLS projected cumulative transfers to the general fund over multiple years).
- Chesapeake & Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund: DLS recommended authorizing limited use of the fund to defray general‑fund obligations in fiscal 2026—2029; DNR said the fund supports $23,100,000 for cover crops and $35,000,000 annually for local governments and non‑profits for restoration and resilience projects.
- Program Open Space (POS): DLS proposed pausing state land‑acquisition, MALPF (Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation) easement purchases and halving certain local allocations for a specified period; DLS estimated the pause could reduce pace of preserved acres by tens of thousands over the period under its scenario.
- Personnel and vacancy data: DNR reported 54 new positions included in the allowance, 52 contractual conversions, and large vacancy counts (~186.5 FTE vacancies reported); Great Maryland Outdoors Act positions remain partially unfilled (62 of 100 positions still vacant as of the hearing according to analysis).

Speakers from conservation, agriculture and parks organizations warned of cascading effects:
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation said cuts would compromise restoration momentum and local economies that rely on clean‑water investments.
- Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation leadership said eliminating MALPF funding for four years would derail multi‑year easement projects, risking loss of farmland that is difficult or impossible to restore once developed.
- Local land trusts and restoration contractors described how trust‑fund grants underwrite engineering, labor, nursery production and long‑term project pipelines; they said a pause in state funding would disrupt multiyear contracting cycles and federal leverage.

DLS also flagged three overdue or late reports (fee/fine structure, Natural Resources Police diversification, State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund) and withheld a DLS recommendation that funding linked to the Natural Resources Police diversification report not be released until the report was submitted in full. Secretary Kurtz said the Natural Resources Police diversification progress report had been submitted shortly before the hearing and emphasized DNR’s intent to provide requested materials.

Ending: Committee members heard competing but specific tradeoffs — immediate general‑fund relief versus long‑term loss of conservation leverage and slower Bay‑restoration progress. No final appropriation changes were made at the hearing. DLS urged the subcommittee to weigh short‑term fiscal relief against programmatic leverage and federal matching; DNR and witnesses urged preservation of the governor’s proposed allowance or, at a minimum, a more limited package of transfers with firm payback requirements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","PST Committee Session, 3/3/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","Department of Legislative Services proposed using Program Open Space and the Chesapeake & Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund to offset general‑fund shortfalls for fiscal 2026–2029; DNR leaders and a broad coalition of conservation, agricultural‑preservation and parks stakeholders warned the transfers would undercut Bay restoration and preservation pipelines.","taxTitle","Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee, Budget and Taxation Committee, SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",78575,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6653384,"MVA seeks fee flexibility amid improved customer service; analysts urge caution on cost‑recovery changes",696,4394435,5091050,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2479936-2387a01bffeb964247aede330687ed72&start=4394&end=5091","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2479936-2387a01bffeb964247aede330687ed72/thumbnail_4394435.jpg","/articles/6653384/Maryland/MVA-seeks-fee-flexibility-amid-improved-customer-service-analysts-urge-caution-on-costrecovery-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653384-6f0bd6963cd0d50747c4002969e0db45/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448496&Signature=TKJSMVCbeTEEWr9E43Hb9vJYFt2ZnC7zc-JReCfov9aA66dSGXG7I5w2cUc3W0MqL3ppHxrmR4CZcOcbFjznpWOfYsJPz-EpoKVCMWUNSK7hHeFRd3spjDzRqt5hyLKINjHbz6RLhkMmGs1etGk8I9KcpPC4SXPOoSujjhHgGwxTbPNnzcdkPuWlHRckdHja1-SsE72khA0VgsNK4AqgMXVBuj2OkQpZ9L0RyWSAe4nYKooFTbDw6aFCDbO-FTTmAXFljMWItvirOomFjlErDnxoJDuosboYbQYwXJi8AAC1hslqCh~AQSbj7rbCd5uYalPhHqkmo0BfKsHywlbJLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Steve McCollough, the Department of Legislative Services analyst assigned to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) budget, told the subcommittee the MVA fiscal 2026 allowance increases by $32.8 million (14.2%), with personnel cost increases accounting for roughly 58.5% of the total change.

McCollough said MVA’s proposed spending growth reflects higher personnel costs and operational increases (bank/merchant fees, software maintenance, security and postage). He detailed several BRFAA provisions that would change MVA fee authority and timing, including a proposed increase in the statutory cap on MVA cost‑recovery miscellaneous fees to 115% (from a prior statutory construct); an increase in the vehicle emissions inspection program (VEEP) fee from $14 to $30; an installment/transaction fee for multi‑payment registration; and changes to how annual registration fee phase‑ins occur.

Why it matters: DLS warned that MVA historically has not hit the statutory cost‑recovery floor and recommended the committee reject increasing the maximum cost‑recovery cap; instead DLS proposed stability measures and periodic reporting to smooth fee volatility. MVA leaders argued the additional flexibility is needed to react to cost pressures.

Motor Vehicle Administration representatives emphasized sharply improved customer service metrics and expanded digital options. MVA Administrator Chrissy Neiser said the administration lowered average branch wait times and increased alternative service delivery (myMVA self‑service accounts exceed 2 million users). She noted pilot and rollout work on the mobile driver's license and community outreach on knowledge testing, and reported near‑universal Real ID compliance for eligible customers: “we are very close to 99% real ID compliant,” Neiser said.

DLS recommended denying the BRFAA provision that would raise the maximum statutory fee recovery cap to 115% to avoid a cycle of raising then cutting fees; the analyst proposed instead a change requiring fee reductions only after two consecutive years above 100% cost recovery and asked MVA to submit cost‑recovery calculations as part of the department’s financial forecast. MVA disagreed with the recommendation and asked for more statutory flexibility, while offering to provide additional cost‑recovery data to DLS when requested.

Other notable operational details discussed at the hearing:
- MVA reported a roughly 5% vacancy rate among roughly 1,700 employees and credited recent pay adjustments for improved hiring and retention.
- Branch and contact‑center changes produced better service metrics: recent months saw 66% of customers wait less than five minutes and 96% under 20 minutes; about 49,000 customers received same‑day appointments in the most recent month cited.
- MVA is implementing more transaction timing options: the agency has a new 3‑year registration option (deputy secretary said dealers requested a 3‑year option that matches common lease terms), retention of the 2‑year option, and online options to request 1‑year registrations without visiting a branch.
- The BRFAA proposal to raise the VEEP fee from $14 to $30 is timed to July 1 in the draft BRFAA language; MVA said it would notify affected customers by the normal 60‑day mailing and email cycle if enacted.

The MVA also discussed a $13.2 million federal grant to modernize crash reporting and said it has continued to draw down reimbursable federal funds despite national uncertainty in some grant programs. Committee members pressed on bank/merchant fee trends and digital alternatives; McCollough noted that statewide procurement runs credit card services and the agency participates in that contract. MVA said it is monitoring private‑sector approaches to payment surcharges and is watching AI and interactive voice response enhancements to improve customer service.

Ending: The panel did not adopt policy changes at the hearing. DLS recommended denying the proposed statutory expansion to 115% cost recovery and adding reporting requirements; MVA asked the committee for flexibility and offered to provide additional data and briefings on cost recovery, VEEP fee timing and AI customer‑service pilots as negotiations continue.","The Motor Vehicle Administration’s fiscal 2026 budget would rise by about $32.8 million, driven largely by personnel costs and higher operational expenses, DLS told the Public Safety, Transportation and Environment Subcommittee.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6653389,"Analysts and advocates clash over GOCAP budget as VOCA and sexual‑assault kit testing face cuts",1494,457395,1952175,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2479936-2387a01bffeb964247aede330687ed72&start=457&end=1952","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2479936-2387a01bffeb964247aede330687ed72/thumbnail_457395.jpg","/articles/6653389/Maryland/Analysts-and-advocates-clash-over-GOCAP-budget-as-VOCA-and-sexualassault-kit-testing-face-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653389-bbc61d44e511458bba402f8b6096111a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448496&Signature=HW6IBlRYOYvgdk4wVzb4ZD89U89hygX2cbaGyx0zRfiiYdFAuE9H0LL-0LyUo6AOtXpgA3gsnUyzkJMlNIA~4TW0Zete9YINLGC3233Kf-PIQW6tnCOoBlHmfWacODemogVakiJ9eACnt4r30OM1FV9qKPHq7NfUnYTrQNEKCQhD~9IiHrX~O7gGLWGOvtwpuWj30RcptzDmTXGnQAH3bUgHWt--uubN82C4yEit6bmO04U4KBYA84LbmpMDrzEEsBhH9V6lhquuvjIKFbqu15pwF5akGt2K-V560Vn1vmApPkL9UzOmbq7207bcUE8q8B-x-xANBhZeUak39UohJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Madeline Miller, an analyst with the Department of Legislative Services, told the Public Safety, Transportation and Environment Subcommittee that the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy’s (GOCAP) fiscal 2026 allowance would be $331,100,000 — a net decrease that reflects several one‑time adjustments and proposed budget‑reconciliation actions.

Miller said the agency’s operating budget “decreases by 7,800,000.0 to $331,100,000” and that three BRFAA provisions and other contingent language reduce agency spending by about $11,800,000. She highlighted program‑level details including the number of subgrants (more than 1,100 in fiscal 2024), a rise in the ratio of subgrants per field monitor to 149 to 1 and performance reporting changes tied to Chapter 705 of 2024 affecting the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) and related claims processes.

Why it matters: The hearing combined DLS budget oversight with a broad set of public witnesses arguing that cuts to Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) assistance, the State’s sexual‑assault kit testing program and other victim services would immediately reduce services for survivors and shrink capacity among nonprofits and child advocacy centers.

GOCAP leadership defended current staffing and grant decisions. “My name is Dorothy Lehi. I’m the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy,” Lehi said when she took the witness table and later told the panel that GOCAP disagrees with DLS recommendations to delete three new CICB positions. Lehi said the statutory changes to the CICB will increase eligibility and shorten processing times, creating “an increased number of people eligible to receive awards” and a significantly faster processing requirement (from 90 days to 30 days for certain claims).

Advocates and service providers urged the subcommittee to preserve funding targeted by DLS and cited operational impacts if funds are cut. Lisa Jordan of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault recounted a survivor’s experience to argue for continued kit testing funding: she said a survivor’s kit sat untested for years and that timely testing “is why we are asking that you not decrease the kit testing fund.” Jen Pollet Hill of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence and Amanda Rodriguez of Turnaround said proposed VOCA reductions would reduce shelter capacity, increase hotline wait times and lengthen therapy wait lists; Rodriguez said calls to her agency have increased roughly 30% this fiscal year.

DLS and GOCAP clashed over staffing and grant administration. The analyst recommended deleting three regular positions proposed for the Victim Services Unit, citing available vacant positions in administrative headquarters; Lehi countered that the vacant pins are designated for other purposes and were not available to reassign. Lehi said GOCAP gained 20 regular positions between fiscal 2024 and 2025 but has been required by cost‑containment actions to hold seven positions vacant through fiscal 2025. She said the agency expects to post and begin filling the remaining positions on July 1 and projected a grants‑to‑monitor ratio of about 75 to 1 after anticipated hires (the agency’s stated goal is 50 to 1).

Budget and program specifics cited at the hearing:
- DLS: fiscal 2026 allowance $331,100,000; proposed net reductions of about $11,800,000 from BRFAA/contingent language.
- GOCAP reported more than 1,100 subawards in fiscal 2024; DLS recorded a grants per monitor ratio of 149:1 in fiscal 2024 and projected 74:1 in fiscal 2025 if 15 field monitor positions are funded (agency goal is 50:1).
- CICB/SARU: SARU received roughly 3,300 claims in fiscal 2024 and reported 4,991 claims processed in a related combined measure; DLS noted new processing time efficiency measures and recommended withholding $100,000 pending the CICB fiscal 2025 report because of fiscal closeout questions.
- Closeout and federal funds: DLS reported the agency reverted $3,400,000 in general funds and returned about $1,100,000 to the federal government in fiscal 2024; a $4,400,000 deficiency was required to pay fiscal 2024 VOCA assistance grants that were paid in fiscal 2025.
- VOCA: federal fiscal 2024 award to the state was $14,200,000; DLS explained the statutory requirement (chapters cited during the hearing) that the agency make $60,000,000 available for fiscal 2026 awards under current language, and described BRFAA language that would change the mandate and reduce the general‑fund requirement.

DLS recommended several programmatic and reporting clarifications and conditional budget language; GOCAP asked the subcommittee not to adopt personnel deletions and said it would work with the Department of Budget and Management to meet mandated funding when required. Witnesses urged restoration of VOCA and kit‑testing funds in the final budget and asked for administrative flexibility from GOCAP (no‑cost extensions, faster award release, fewer administrative caps) to keep providers afloat.

The subcommittee did not take a formal roll‑call vote during the hearing; the session provided committee members and stakeholders with the evidence and competing recommendations that will inform budget decisions in later steps of the process.

Ending note: Advocates said cuts would produce immediate service reductions for survivors; analysts emphasized long‑term special‑fund balances and closeout anomalies. The subcommittee will consider those competing pressures in ongoing budget negotiations.","Madeline Miller, an analyst with the Department of Legislative Services, told the Public Safety, Transportation and Environment Subcommittee that the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy’s fiscal 2026 allowance would be $331,100,000 and that proposed BRFAA and cost‑containment provisions reduce the agency’s spending by about $11.8 million.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Analysts propose sweeping transfers from DNR trust funds; conservation groups and DNR warn of long‑term losses

MVA seeks fee flexibility amid improved customer service; analysts urge caution on cost‑recovery changes

Analysts and advocates clash over GOCAP budget as VOCA and sexual‑assault kit testing face cuts