Beriano and Wise recap 2025 legislative session outcomes for Caroline County

Caroline County's legislative representatives, Bruce Beriano and Steve Wise, delivered a mixed review of the 2025 legislative session during the recent County Commissioners meeting. The highlight was the successful passage of the Program Open Space bill, which allows counties to utilize capital funds for operational upgrades and improvements. This legislative win is particularly significant as it comes at a time when funding for Program Open Space is expected to decline.

Beriano and Wise credited their collaborative efforts with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local officials for the bill's success. They emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with state officials throughout the legislative process, which ultimately led to crucial amendments that improved the bill's provisions.

In contrast, the representatives expressed disappointment over the outcome of the solar bill, which they described as a setback for local control over large-scale solar projects. They noted that rural Maryland's interests were overshadowed by urban legislative priorities, resulting in a bill that limits local governance in solar development. The representatives acknowledged the challenges faced in advocating for rural concerns and indicated that the relationship between local governments and the solar industry remains tense.

Looking ahead, Beriano and Wise assured the commissioners that they would continue to monitor the status of pending legislation and remain engaged with local stakeholders to navigate the evolving landscape of state policies. The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between Caroline County and state representatives, highlighting both achievements and challenges in local governance.