LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County officials secured passage of three key legislative priorities during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session, including updates to alcohol service at the stadium, a restructuring of gaming permit reviews, and a framework for regulating off-highway vehicles.
Approved Bills Specific to Charles County
The following bills passed during the session:
Alcoholic Beverages – Stadium License Alterations
Expands liquor service options at stadiums in Charles County. Beer and wine are already permitted throughout the premises; the new law allows liquor to be served in additional areas within the stadium (excluding parking lots).
Gaming – Permit Review Board Repeal
Repeals the Charles County Gaming Permit Review Board as a citizen body and shifts review responsibilities to the county attorney’s office and the Board of Commissioners. This formalizes a process already in place for several years.
Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles – Regulation and Enforcement
Enables the county to regulate off-road vehicles such as dirt bikes and ATVs through local ordinances. Follow-up legislation at the county level is expected.
Unsuccessful or Withdrawn Legislation
Several proposed bills did not pass or were withdrawn:
Bus Transportation Provider Notification – Would have required Charles County Public Schools to provide advance notice to private bus contractors.
Common Ownership Communities Member Training – Proposed mandatory training for individuals serving on HOA or community boards.
Economic Development Authorities – Aimed to expand the scope and bonding authority of revenue and resilience authorities; this bill failed for the third consecutive session.
Special Police Officers – County Government – Protection of Employees and Public Officials
Sponsored by Charles County’s Senate delegation, this bill was withdrawn before a Senate vote. It would have authorized the county to appoint special police officers with the authority to protect county employees and public officials while present in Charles County. The bill also would have allowed these officers to exercise police powers under certain conditions.
Legislative Bond Initiative Awards
Five organizations in Charles County received Legislative Bond Initiative (LBI) awards during the 2024 Maryland General Assembly session:
- Charles County Charitable Trust
- Hughesville Elks Lodge
- USBTA
- Providence of Maryland
- Waldorf Elks Lodge
These awards support a range of community-focused projects, from infrastructure improvements to nonprofit programming, reflecting the county’s ongoing investment in local development and services.
Next Steps: Legislative Briefing on April 29
County commissioners will receive a full legislative session debrief from GS Proctor & Associates on April 29, where they will review the impacts of the passed legislation, assess opportunities for future advocacy, and discuss planning in light of new energy and infrastructure policies.
See the April 8 legislative update given by Danielle Mitchell, assistant deputy county attorney, on CCGTV.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
