Leonardtown, MD – As the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County begin hosting a series of public hearings to gather comments about a proposal to convert to Code Home Rule form of government, community groups and organizations may be interested in holding their own meetings.
Community groups and organizations interested in scheduling a briefing should contact the County Administrator’s office at 301-475-4200, ext. 1320. County Government staff will be on hand to give a presentation, provide information and answer questions.
Code Home Rule is a local government option which has been part of the Maryland Constitution since 1966. Code Home Rule does not significantly change the familiar county commissioner form of government. Rather, it would authorize the Commissioners to enact local laws on a number of subjects without awaiting action by the Maryland General Assembly. Under Code Home Rule commissioners would not have the authority to enact any new taxes or regulatory fees.
Currently, enacting a local law could take up to 21 months. Under Code Home Rule, the Commissioners would have legislative authority throughout the year. Public hearings on legislation would be held in Leonardtown, rather than in Annapolis during winter months. Also, the public would have the right to demand a referendum on any new public local law, a right which does not presently exist. St. Mary’s County is one of only six counties in Maryland which has yet to adopt some form of home rule.
St. Mary’s County voters would have to approve a referendum to adopt Code Home Rule on the ballot in the November, 2016 general election.
More information about Code Home Rule can be found at www.stmarysmd.com/pio/codehome.asp
Questions and comments can be sent to: CodeHomeRule@stmarysmd.com.