As the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session approaches, Frederick County has outlined a comprehensive legislative package, reflecting the County Executive’s priorities and the County Council’s support for several initiatives to enhance public safety, health, infrastructure, and more.
These proposals address urgent needs and provide flexible solutions for the County’s growth and development.
County Executive’s Legislative Initiatives
Enhanced Safety Standards for Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST)
Aiming to prevent dangerous gas leaks and fires, the County Executive is pushing for legislation requiring Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) to meet higher safety standards. CSST, commonly used to deliver propane and methane gas to homes, has been linked to fatal incidents, including the tragic death of Frederick County Battalion Chief Josh Laird in 2022.
The County seeks to mandate the adoption of the ICC LC1027 standard, which would ensure CSST can withstand lightning strikes and improve fire safety for residents and first responders.
Statewide Expansion of Family Connects Program
The County Executive supports the statewide implementation of the Family Connects program, which provides registered nurses with home visits to families with newborns. Initially launched in Frederick County with funding from the American Rescue Plan, the program aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
With its success in Frederick, the County advocates for a statewide rollout, including sustainable funding to ensure all families have access to this essential service.
Authority to Set Special Property Tax Rates for Local Infrastructure
To support infrastructure projects such as school construction and transportation improvements, the County Executive advocates for legislation that would give local governments the authority to establish special property tax rates for residential and commercial properties.
This flexibility would allow Frederick County to increase commercial property taxes while reducing the burden on residential properties, ensuring adequate funding for essential services without overburdening residents.
Streamlining Criminal Background Checks for County Employment
The County Executive proposes a legislative change to streamline the process for conducting criminal background checks for individuals applying for county government positions. This initiative aims to reduce administrative delays and improve the efficiency of the hiring process.
County Council’s Legislative Initiatives
Allowing Credit Card Payments for Nonprofit Gaming Activities
The County Council has proposed legislation to enable nonprofit organizations, including volunteer fire and rescue companies, to accept credit card payments for gaming activities such as tip jars and bingo cards. This bill seeks to modernize fundraising methods for nonprofits that rely on these activities to support their services.
Position Statements from the County Executive
Support for MACo’s Legislative Priorities
Frederick County aligns with MACo on several legislative priorities, including more flexibility in local revenue structures, the restoration of equitable transportation funding, and a balanced approach to solar siting that respects local land-use decisions. The County also supports MACo’s efforts to address challenges in implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
Increased Funding for Public School Construction
Frederick County is calling on the Maryland General Assembly to increase funding for the State Capital Improvement Program to address the growing need for public school construction.
The County Executive advocates for a $618 million investment, with an annual inflationary adjustment to account for rising construction costs. This funding would help meet the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future requirements and ensure that Maryland’s schools can accommodate the needs of a growing student population.
Expanding Speed Camera Program Flexibility
The County Executive is advocating for legislation that would allow trained municipal personnel, in addition to law enforcement officers, to approve or deny speed camera citations. This change would help streamline the use of speed cameras, particularly in municipalities without police forces, and improve safety in high-risk areas such as school zones.