UNRESOLVED AUDITS: MOORE AND LEGISLATURE SEEK SOLUTIONS: In a January discussion, Governor Wes Moore emphasized that his chief performance officer holds an “expansive mission” that encompasses financial audits. However, when asked for copies of these audits, the legal counsel for the governor’s office indicated that “no records exist.” Subsequently, Moore’s team clarified that the chief performance officer does not carry out independent financial audits; rather, they focus on addressing findings identified by other auditors, thus limiting the scope of the governor’s initial description. Tessa Bentulan/The Baltimore Sun.
- On Monday, the Joint Legislative Audit and Evaluation Committee voted to endorse a set of bills that will mandate state agencies to more diligently address issues unearthed in state audits. These bills emerged following several contentious hearings throughout the past year, where lawmakers expressed their dissatisfaction with the seriousness of audit findings and the increasing number of recurring issues, some of which date back over a decade. Bryan Sears/Maryland Matters.
FERGUSON TARGETS BGE UNDERGROUND PROJECT AND DATA CENTERS: Surrounded by disgruntled residents in Otterbein on Monday, Senate President Bill Ferguson unveiled legislation designed to enhance oversight of significant utility projects. He criticized BGE for advancing an expensive transmission line through residential areas without substantiating its necessity. In defense, BGE argued that the project is crucial for replacing aging infrastructure and ensuring electrical reliability for thousands of customers in South Baltimore. Brian Carlton and Chevall Pryce/The Baltimore Sun.
- According to state law, only “overhead” transmission projects undergo scrutiny by the Public Service Commission (PSC) — underground lines are exempt from such regulatory review. Additionally, the law stipulates that the commission must issue a waiver for any power line project that does not necessitate new land acquisition or the construction of larger or taller structures. Christine Condon/Maryland Matters.
- Ferguson is also working to prevent the future developers of the Baltimore Peninsula from establishing a data center on the site. This initiative is part of a broader legislative effort aimed at mitigating escalating power costs in the area. Ferguson plans to introduce the bill this week, which intends to extend the state’s regulatory authority over costly utility endeavors. BGE, along with its parent company Exelon, has proposed a $537 million plan to build new distribution and underground transmission lines across South Baltimore to meet anticipated future energy demands at Baltimore Peninsula. Lee O. Sanderlin/The Baltimore Banner.
BILL AIMS TO LIMIT COMMUNITY INPUT IN BALTIMORE SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTMENTS: State Senator Antonio Hayes, a Democrat from Baltimore, is advocating for a shift in the authority of school board appointments to be vested with the mayor and Maryland’s Senate. This proposed change raises concerns among some community members who worry it could politicize the appointment process. Hayes’ introduced bill would reduce the influence of community voices, including organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, advocates for the disabled, and educators. Liz Bowie/The Baltimore Banner.
ARUNDEL SHERIFF PUSHES TO CHANGE LEGAL EVICTION PROCESS: A judge in Anne Arundel County has been adhering to a nearly century-old state statute mandating that a trial occurs within five days following a landlord’s filing of a failure-to-pay-rent lawsuit, a regulation that numerous other jurisdictions across the state frequently overlook. Housing advocates, along with Arundel Sheriff Everett Sesker, are urging state legislators to modify this law as it pertains to Anne Arundel to evade what many consider the potentially disastrous repercussions. Alex Mann/The Baltimore Banner.
CLIPPINGER PREPARES FOR SPEAKERSHIP; HOYER AND BOAFO SHARE PLATFORM: It has been quite some time since the speaker of the Maryland House has been addressed as Mr. Speaker, but if you were tuning in Monday night, you were not mishearing it. Delegate Luke Clippinger took the opportunity to practice for the moment when he will step in for House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk. U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer (D-5th) and Delegate Adrian Boafo (D-Prince George’s) appeared together for their first campaign event Monday, following Hoyer’s endorsement of Boafo as his successor in a competitive Democratic field. William J. Ford, Danielle J. Brown and Christine Condon/Maryland Matters.
$2.5M IN FEDERAL GRANTS TO SUPPORT HOOD COLLEGE BIOTECH RESEARCH CENTER: New federal funding will enable Hood College to remain at the forefront of biotechnology advancements, as a new research center is established on the college’s Frederick campus. The awarded $2.5 million will aid in renovating the Hodson Science and Technology Center Annex, which is set to house the new Bioscience Research and Education Center. Ryan Marshall/The Frederick News Post.
ARUNDEL COUNTY COUNCIL CONTEMPLATES SIGNAGE CODE REVISIONS: The deadline is approaching for the Anne Arundel County Council to cast votes on a bill that will overhaul its signage regulations for a variety of purposes, from yard sales to commercial storefronts. Among various provisions, the bill will redefine what constitutes a sign, as well as create definitions for different categories of signage, including freestanding, banners, and electronic signs. Advocates for the bill assert that it aims to minimize distractions for drivers and maintain the aesthetic appeal of communities. Benjamin Rothstein/The Baltimore Sun.
REPRESENTATIVE McCLAIN DELANEY ANNOUNCES $11.75M FOR SEVEN DISTRICT PROJECTS: Congresswoman April McClain Delaney has announced a total of $11.75 million in federal Community Project Funding to support seven essential projects throughout Maryland’s Sixth District. This announcement, combined with the seven projects revealed last November, brings her total federal funding to $18.4 million during her first term, benefiting all five counties she represents. Staff/The Garrett Republican.
WINTER HAZARD: CARBON MONOXIDE LEADS TO RECORD ER VISITS: A significant number of Maryland residents have sought emergency medical attention this winter due to carbon monoxide exposure, resulting in record-high ER visits as individuals seek warmth in potentially unsafe ways. Current data from state health sources indicate there have been 234 ER visits linked to carbon monoxide poisoning, surpassing any records from the last six winters for which statistics are available. Danielle Brown/Maryland Matters.
