Speaker urges public to review Maryland bills at mgaleg.maryland.gov, warns HB81 and HB176 and state cost‑shifting threaten county needs
Summary
An unidentified speaker urged residents to register testimony opposing HB81, flagged HB176’s proposed use of drones for property assessment, and warned that state cost‑shifting could jeopardize temporary homeless shelter plans and a $9,000,000 local funding request.
An unidentified speaker urged residents to review upcoming Maryland legislation on mgaleg.maryland.gov and to register testimony, specifically raising opposition to HB81 and concern about HB176.
On HB81, the speaker described it as similar to a prior bill that would "limit police powers," saying restrictions on stopping vehicles for safety equipment violations (for example, a blown headlight) can prevent officers from discovering other criminal issues such as open warrants. The speaker also said some jurisdictions no longer allow officers to ask whether a driver has marijuana in the vehicle.
The speaker characterized HB176 as relating to property taxes and "the use of drones to assess your property," and said the county would receive the bill for consideration. The speaker tied these legislative items to local budget pressures, saying constituent requests for a dedicated homeless shelter or temporary shelter "get put in jeopardy when the state continues to shirk their responsibilities to the counties and pay and pass those costs onto us." The speaker also referenced a "$9,000,000 ask" for schools, roads and employee step increases and urged residents to add testimony opposing bills they believe would "hurt your pocketbook."
Why it matters: the comments identify specific legislative proposals that the speaker believes could affect local policing practices, property assessment methods, and county budgets. The speaker encouraged public participation in the legislative process but did not record a formal vote or motion.
