For Immediate Release: Friday, April 24, 2026

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Highlights Major Investments and Legislative Progress from 2026 General Assembly Session

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich marked the end of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session by expressing gratitude to the Montgomery County delegation, legislative leaders, and Gov. Wes Moore’s administration. Their collaborative efforts have propelled essential priorities that benefit residents, enhance infrastructure, and safeguard vulnerable communities throughout the State of Maryland and Montgomery County.

“I want to thank our Montgomery County delegation members for their work on behalf of our residents during the recent General Assembly session,” said County Executive Elrich. “They’ve helped secure funding and supported legislation that benefits immigrant communities, prevents evictions, protects the environment, and expands economic development. The state managed to close a $1.5 billion gap by shifting some funding responsibilities to local jurisdictions, swapping bonds for cash, and making targeted cuts. Despite difficult times due to the actions of the Trump Administration and a tough state budget, this session showed that leaders in Annapolis found ways to move our state forward and assist our residents. I appreciate the work of our Office of Intergovernmental Relations, the Maryland Association of Counties, General Assembly Senate and House leadership, and the Moore/Miller Administration for their partnerships and accomplishments during the 2026 General Assembly Session.”

Key Outcomes for Montgomery County

Capital Investments

• The State approved $172 million for more than 130 capital projects across Montgomery County.
• Includes approximately $54 million for 11 school construction projects, a $37 million (21%) increase over last year.
• $15 million for the Nancy K. Kopp Public Schools Facilities Priority Fund, providing flexibility to address school infrastructure needs.
• Additional investments support:
• Montgomery College facilities in Germantown.
• White Oak redevelopment.
• Water quality and environmental improvements.
• Libraries, parks, bike trails, theaters, and community spaces.

Protecting Immigrant Communities

• Passage of the Maryland Community Trust Act, establishing statewide standards limiting local involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
• Passage of the Police Mask Ban, requiring ICE agents to show their faces.
• Passage of the “Unmask Hate” Act, prohibiting the use of masks to intimidate or harass.
• Additional measures:
• Restrictions on private detention facilities.
• Protections against the misuse of personal data.
• Standards for law enforcement identification and conduct.

Expanding Housing Opportunities and Stability

• Passage of the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, providing developers with clearer timelines and protections once projects are approved, helping move projects forward more predictably.
• Passage of the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, which:
• Encourages transit-oriented development near rail stations.
• Reduces parking requirements that drive up housing costs.
• Supports mixed-use development near transit.
• Additional tenant protections, including:
• Limits on the use of criminal history in rental applications.
• Protections for renters using housing subsidies.
• Strengthened anti-discrimination provisions.

Addressing Cost of Living and Energy

• The Utility RELIEF Act is expected to save residents about $150 annually in the near term.
• Reforms to limit costs passed on to ratepayers and improve transparency in utility pricing.

Strengthening Economic Development and Transportation

• Passage of the DECADE Act to modernize economic development incentives and drive private investment.
• Continued support for Bus Rapid Transit, including funding certainty to advance expansion.
• Creation of a statewide economic strategy board to guide long-term growth.

Public Safety, Health, and Consumer Protection

• Passage of the Vax Act, reinforcing science-based public health decisions.
• New fire safety requirements for residential buildings.
• Expansion of tools to reduce prescription drug costs through the Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
• New laws targeting human trafficking through stronger oversight of massage therapy and acupuncture businesses, building on Montgomery County’s “Look Before You Book” campaign.

Ongoing Challenges

• State budget decisions included cost shifts to counties, including increased pension obligations.
• Reductions in developmental disability funding will place additional pressure on County services and nonprofit providers.
• Long-term structural budget issues at the State level remain unresolved.

For more information about the 2026 General Assembly session and its impact on Montgomery County, please visit the Office of Intergovernmental Relations page.

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Media Contact: Scott Peterson, scott.peterson@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-255-8462