County attorney outlines state bills that will affect Metcom and county operations

Deputy County Attorney John Houser gave commissioners a legislative overview on May 12, highlighting bills with operational implications for METCOM and the county.

Houser said HB 600 — which contained proposed METCOM-related changes to chapter 113 of the Saint Mary's County code — passed the General Assembly and was signed by the governor. He called that measure a smooth process attributable to thorough local drafting and METCOM engagement.

Houser identified several other items the county should track: HB925/SB719 establishes a regulatory framework, to be implemented by the Maryland Department of the Environment, limiting land application of sewage sludge if PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) concentrations exceed set thresholds; the bill’s effective date is 10/01/2028 and final prohibitions will be developed by MDE. Houser said that HB548, the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, will lock residential projects into the regulatory regime in place when an application is deemed complete effective October 1; that change affects permitting review and Metcom's CWSP/EDU calculations beginning on the effective date. He also noted HB864 will require public-works bidders to employ a baseline percentage of journeymen or qualified apprentices (starting at 20% in 2027) or pay a fee in lieu that is directed to apprenticeship programs.

Houser flagged HB753, which revises protections for tax-sale lists by allowing owners who document medical hardship or terminal conditions to avoid tax sale; the provision may affect collection processes for unpaid taxes and utility charges.

Houser closed by noting the usual timing pressures in an election year for county solicitations and that METCOM’s annual bill and related materials will be brought forward for the commission’s later consideration.