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County staff urge caution on Aviation Health and Safety Act, recommend clarifying operational language
Summary
Staff described HB 639 / SB 505 and said the County Executive supports the bill's intent but not its current operational language; councilors supported sending a letter affirming the intent while asking the delegation to address legal and contracting considerations noted by BWI and Maryland DOT.
Staff briefed the council on HB 639 and SB 505, described in the packet as the Aviation Health and Safety Act, which would change airport operations governing the transport of detained individuals (SEG 143–146). Doctor Stoddard said the County Executive did not take a formal position but supports the bill's intent; he and legal staff identified operational impacts on local police extradition transports and legal questions around prohibiting contracts with agencies that transport detained individuals (SEG 165–185).
Staff reported that Maryland Department of Transportation and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) submitted letters of concern about how the bill would be operationalized (SEG 153–156). Council Member Kate Stewart (SEG 207) and other council members expressed support for the bill's intent while acknowledging the need for clarifying amendments; councilors directed staff to work with the delegation and to prepare a letter that affirms the council's support for the bill's goals and lists operational issues for the delegates to consider (SEG 216–279).
No formal vote was recorded in the session. Staff said the council would provide input to the county's delegation as the General Assembly considers amendments.
