LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. to gather feedback on a wide-ranging set of legislative requests for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, including proposals to place a fee on plastic bags, expand automated traffic enforcement and secure funding for a new ferry service connecting Indian Head to National Harbor and Alexandria, Va.
Residents of the county were able to submit their own legislative proposals for consideration by the commissioners. Each year, this process allows individuals, organizations and agencies to recommend new laws or amendments that reflect community priorities. The proposals endorsed by the commissioners will be forwarded to Annapolis when the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session convenes Jan. 14 through April 13, 2026.
Wide-Ranging Proposals
The 2026 package covers a broad spectrum, from environmental initiatives and housing affordability to public safety, redevelopment and education. Submissions came from residents, the Sheriff’s Office, the Board of Education and county commissioners themselves.
Highlights include:
- Plastic bag fee — A 10-cent charge on paper or reusable checkout bags to reduce waste and fund environmental programs.
- Sheriff’s Office enforcement tools — Expanding automated traffic camera enforcement to include rental and dealer vehicles after more than 3,300 violations in 2024 went unenforced, and requiring proof of ID for certain public health-related crimes.
- Transportation and redevelopment — $400,000 in state support for a ferry service connecting Indian Head to National Harbor and Alexandria, which could relieve congestion on MD Route 210 and spur economic development; funding for Waldorf redevelopment and walkability improvements.
- Agritourism — Expanding opportunities to include breweries.
- Education — Raising the scholarship for the student member of the Board of Education from $1,000 to $5,000 to better reflect the time commitment.
- Governance — Proposals requiring commissioner attendance standards and mandatory training for homeowner association boards.
The full list can be reviewed in the 2026 Preliminary Legislative Proposal package, available at charlescountymd.gov.
Public Hearing Details
- Date/Time: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, at 6 p.m.
- Location: Charles County Government Building, 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata
- Participation: In-person speaker sign-up begins at 5:30 p.m. Virtual participation requires pre-registration by 4 p.m. the same day at 240-776-6709. Written and voicemail comments are also accepted until 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Signing Up to Speak or Submit Comments
- In-person: Speaker sign-up begins 30 minutes prior to the hearing at the Charles County Government Building, 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata.
- Virtually: Call 240-776-6709 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sept. 9 to register to speak. Once registered, participants will receive a virtual link. Each speaker is allotted three minutes.
- Submit e-comments: Residents may submit written comments directly at charlescountymd.gov/government/public-comments. Comments on state legislative proposals will be accepted until 5 p.m. Sept. 9, 2025.
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