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Prince George's delegation special-orders bill to modernize liquor-board notices after debate over newspaper ads
Summary
Delegates special-ordered PG32226HB1270, which would replace a two-newspaper requirement for alcohol-license hearing notices with website, social-media and email posting and redirect any resulting cost savings toward the Board of License Commissioners' vehicle and notice budgets; the measure was set for review next Friday after debate over seniors' access and local journalism.
The Prince George's County House delegation on Feb. 20, 2026, special-ordered PG32226HB1270 to next Friday after a contested debate about whether the board of license commissioners should stop publishing hearing notices in two local newspapers and instead rely on the board website, social media and email.
The bill, as summarized by staff, would repeal the existing newspaper-publication requirement and require the Board of License Commissioners to provide notice through the board's website, social media and email. An amendment adopted in subcommittee would require the board to use any cost savings from the change for maintenance and management of the board's vehicle fleet and for other notice methods not required by the act.
Delegate Healy objected to eliminating newspaper advertising, saying some residents—especially older residents—lack reliable internet access and local journalism helps call public attention to hearings. "I don't think this is the right time to do away with that," Healy said, urging restoration of the newspaper requirement or further study.
Taryn Shepherd, who identified herself as representing the Board of License Commissioners for Prince George's County, said the two newspapers of record together reach about 12,000 county residents and restoring print notices would erase roughly $12,000 in anticipated savings. Shepherd outlined the board's roughly $2.3 million budget and said savings would be used to cover mileage, phone and copy-machine costs and to help acquire several county vehicles so inspectors would not have to use personal cars.
Delegates debated the tradeoffs: supporters of modernizing said print circulation is limited and digital notices can reach more people, while opponents emphasized seniors and permanence of print archives. Legal staff explained the motion-procedure for special-ordering the bill, and delegates agreed to let Healy and others draft amendments to restore some publication options.
The delegation took a voice vote on the motion to special-order the bill until next Friday; the chair announced, "the ayes have it." Chair Nicole Williams asked Delegate Healy and Delegate Lehman to work on proposed amendments before the next meeting.
No final change to the statute was enacted at the meeting; the bill will return for consideration and amendment next Friday.
