Legislative Session
Bill 13-22, Buildings – Comprehensive Building Decarbonization
Review: The Council will review Bill 13-22, Buildings – Comprehensive Building Decarbonization, which would require the County Executive to issue all-electric building standards for new construction, major renovations and additions by Jan. 1, 2024.
All-electric building standards will help the County achieve its zero-greenhouse gas emissions goal by ensuring future construction is electrified. Exemptions would be provided for emergency backup systems and certain uses such as manufacturing, crematories, life sciences and commercial kitchens. In addition, income restricted housing and schools will have an extended timeline.
The lead sponsor is Councilmember Hans Riemer. Councilmember Will Jawando is a cosponsor. A vote is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 29.
Bill 32-22 Department of Health and Human Services – Structure and Positions
Introduction: The Council is expected to introduce Bill 32-22, which would divide the position of County Health Officer and Chief of Public Health into two separate positions within the County. Currently this is a single position within the County. The leads sponsor is the Council President, at the request of the County Executive. A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2023.
Bill 33-22 Capital Improvements Program – Affordable Housing Feasibility Study – Required
Introduction: Lead sponsor Councilmember Andrew Friedson will introduce Bill 33-22 Capital Improvements Program – Affordable Housing Feasibility Study – Required, which would require the County Executive to submit an affordable housing feasibility study to the Council for certain capital projects and establish a review process for the Council to determine project feasibility for colocation of affordable housing.
Expedited Bill 34-22, Streets and Roads – Classification of Roads
Introduction: The Council will introduce Expedited Bill 34-22, which would amend Chapter 49 Section 31(a)(2) to correct the list of town center areas. On Oct. 25, 2022, the Council approved Bill 24-22 Complete Streets, which established design parameters for various types of streets and roads within five area types. Expedited Bill 34-22 would include additional areas on the town center list and more precisely define additional town centers.
Bill 27-22, Administration – Inspector General – Powers and Duties
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on Bill 27-22, Administration – Inspector General – Powers and Duties, which would update outdated sections of the Montgomery County Code to comply with state law changes and empower the County’s inspector general to align budget requests to work plan items. It also explicitly mandates the ability to conduct compliance audits and clarifies that all employees must comply with information or document requests from the inspector general. Additionally, it provides protection for anyone, including residents, against retaliation for making a report to the inspector general.
Under Maryland law, the investigatory authority for both the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and WSSC Water rests with their inspector generals. Montgomery County’s inspector general lacks authority over these bi-county agencies based on the County’s successful advocacy at the state level for dedicated oversight. The proposed language in the bill reflects this reality.
Expedited Bill 21-22, Weapons – Firearms in or Near Places of Public Assembly
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on Expedited Bill 21-22, Weapons – Firearms in or Near Places of Public Assembly, which would prohibit the possession of firearms in or near places of public assembly, with certain exemptions. In addition, the bill would remove an exemption that allows individuals with certain handgun permits to possess handguns within 100 yards of a place of public assembly.
The goal of this bill is to reduce gun violence in Montgomery County. The lead sponsor is Council President Albornoz. All other Councilmembers are cosponsors.
In the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision of New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen, Superintendent of new York State Police, the Supreme Court overturned a requirement of New York’s handgun carry law. The New York law had required an applicant for a handgun carry license to show proper cause for the license, and the Supreme Court held that the requirement violated the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms. The Court explained, however, that longstanding laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places, such as schools and government buildings, are constitutionally permissible.
Like New York, Maryland has a proper-cause requirement for wear-and-carry handgun licenses. Gov. Larry Hogan, in response to Bruen, instructed the Maryland State Police not to enforce the proper-cause element of the Maryland law. As a result of the Supreme Court ruling and Gov. Hogan’s order to the Maryland State Police, more individuals in Maryland likely will carry firearms, regardless of whether the individuals have a good or substantial reason to carry them.
Bill 39-21, Taxation – Public Safety Officers – Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialists – Property Tax Credit – Established
Vote expected: The Council will review Bill 39-21, Taxation – Public Safety Officers – Public Safety Emergency Communications Specialists – Property Tax Credit, which would provide a property tax credit for public safety officers and public safety emergency communications specialists employed by the County.
The purpose of the bill is to increase the number of County employees occupying public safety positions who reside in the County and help recruit and retain public safety employees. If approved, Bill 39-21 would establish a maximum $2,500 County property tax credit for full-time sworn police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and public safety emergency communications specialists employed by the County.
The lead sponsors are Councilmembers Tom Hucker and Council President Albornoz. Council Vice President Evan Glass and Councilmembers Nancy Navarro, Sidney Katz, Friedson, Jawando and Rice are cosponsors.
Health Officer: Dr. Kisha Davis
Interview and vote expected: The Council will interview Dr. Kisha Davis for the County Health Officer position and is expected to hold a vote on the appointment. The health officer is responsible for continuing the County’s efforts on disease control and prevention, eliminating health inequities and promoting county-wide inclusion of health in all policies. If appointed, Dr. Davis will oversee all public health services within Montgomery County and work with the Maryland Department of Health to coordinate disease control and collaborate on state health policies.
Dr. Davis is a family physician with more than 15 years of experience as a public health professional providing value-based care. She previously served as vice president for health equity at Aledade, the Bethesda-based organization that works with physicians, independent medical practices and health centers to ensure the delivery of high-quality care to patients.
Director, Office of Human Resources – Traci Anderson
Interview and vote expected: The Council will interview Traci Anderson for the role of director of the Office of Human Resources and is expected to hold a vote on the appointment.
Resolution to amend Council Rules of Procedure
Review and vote expected: The Council will review and is expected to vote on a resolution to amend Council Rules of Procedure. One pressing issue that staff recommends be addressed before the incoming Council assumes office on Dec. 5, 2022, is to amend the rules to reflect the number of votes required to take certain actions because the number of Councilmembers is increasing from nine to 11.
State Priorities Letter for the State Delegation
Review and vote expected: The Council will meet to review and approve a list of capital project priorities to send to the Montgomery County State Delegation. Each year, the Council and County Executive submit a letter to the State Delegation laying out the County’s priorities for the upcoming General Assembly session. |