In 2016, an explosion at the Flower Branch Apartments caused the death of seven people, injured 65, and led to the displacement of hundreds of our neighbors. In response, the National Transportation Safety Board conducted a multi-year study and found that a faulty and leaking gas regulator was the cause of the horrific tragedy. This legislation requires all future gas regulators to be installed on the exterior of buildings.
Repeals the statewide goal that at least 1% of the value of procurement contracts be made to veteran-owned small business enterprises (VSBE) and instead require the Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs (GOSBA) to adopt a statewide goal by regulation.
Maryland became the first state in the nation to repeal the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights (LEOBR) and replaced it with a structure that increases civilian oversight of police accountability. The legislation establishes an independent investigative unit within the Office of the Attorney General to investigate police-involved deaths; and requires each county to establish police accountability boards, administrative charging committees, and publicly accessible trial boards. The bill also prohibits the ability of police unions to collectively bargain on matters relating to police discipline.
Permits, notwithstanding the requirements of a common ownership community’s governing documents, the applicable governing body of a cooperative housing corporation, condominium, or homeowners association to authorize any meetings to be conducted or attended by telephone conference, video conference, or similar electronic means, subject to specified standards.
Requires the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to administer programs related to housing and community development in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing and ensure that it is collaborating with and supporting nonprofit and governmental entities devoted to furthering fair housing.
Prior to releasing funds to recipients of various capital project grants, the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs (GOSBA) is required to review the project for subcontracting opportunities under the State’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program and, if practicable, establish MBE subgoals for the project.