Speaker 4 and Speaker 2 briefed the board on work at the state level to standardize how local boards respond to Public Information Act (PIA) requests for voter lists and records. The speakers said the state policy is intended to make responses consistent across Maryland’s 24 local jurisdictions.

Speaker 4 described recent private litigation focused on voter‑data disclosure and said it currently centers on Howard and Montgomery counties. “They’re focused currently on Montgomery County and Howard County,” Speaker 4 said, adding that Baltimore County was not a primary target in the litigation discussed.

Speaker 2 said the statewide guidance will limit some disclosures that some counties had previously provided and will make fees and practices uniform. “We already don’t provide phone numbers when we give out list... We don’t provide email addresses,” Speaker 2 said, noting the county’s practice aligns with anticipated state policy. The speakers said the state will present a draft policy at an upcoming meeting of county counsel and that the director will share the final policy with the board when available.

The board discussion highlighted that while counties can already vary in practice and fees, the state proposal aims to eliminate that inconsistency. Staff said they will monitor the regulations and alert the board to any consequential changes required by county administration or legal counsel.