County attorney reports limited movement in Annapolis; DLS recommends against local judgeship request

Deputy County Attorney John Houser provided the board an update on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly.

Houser said the session was in a mid-period lull and that few local bills had yet moved; he noted SB357 on gaming permits had been reported favorable with amendments and that local offices had supported those amendments. He told commissioners that Department of Legislative Services (DLS) has recommended against granting the county's request for a fourth circuit judgeship this year because of state fiscal constraints, and that recommendation could block the request unless the budget picture changes.

Houser also summarized legislative bond initiatives (LBIs) under consideration, including a roughly $200,000 request for improvements to the Carver Recreation Center tied to a future Boys & Girls Club facility and smaller requests such as a $50,000 refurbishment at Knott Lodge. He advised commissioners that the LBI process continues and that county staff will monitor fact sheets and fiscal notes as they are posted.

Houser characterized the near term as quiet but said the budget reconciliation hearing expected the next day could be the first major moment where numbers begin to move. "We're just through the halfway mark," he said, adding that the next few weeks would be the period when activity could accelerate.