AGP Executive Report

Maryland Budget Fight: Maryland lawmakers are weighing next-year tax and fee hikes as the state confronts budget shortfalls, with Democrats pushing to shift costs and Republicans warning voters will feel it—while a task force studies whether local governments can raise revenue without General Assembly approval. Energy Costs & Data Centers: A new scorecard says Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility profiteering and data center demand and critics argue state decarbonization rules are driving imports and raising reliability fears. Courts & Local Elections: Four candidates filed for St. Mary’s County judge of the orphan’s court, including three incumbents and one newcomer, setting up a November vote for three seats. ICE Accountability in Maryland: Four Maryland residents and We Are CASA filed a federal class-action seeking to stop alleged warrantless ICE arrests, arguing agents detain people without required probable-cause and flight-risk checks. Gun Case in Federal Court: A federal judge granted a Maryland synagogue’s request for a preliminary injunction in a gun case, a sign of how courts are shaping enforcement.

Electricity Costs Clash: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility profiteering and data-center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are forcing more power imports and raising blackout risk by summer 2027. Election Admin: The Maryland State Board of Elections published its 2026 general election voting guide, laying out secure voting options and key deadlines for early in-person and mail-in ballots. 9/11 Memory Gap: The Pentagon Memorial Fund is breaking ground on a new 9/11 Visitor Education Center to reach Americans who weren’t alive—or don’t remember—Sept. 11. ICE Protest Fallout: Maryland political leaders are calling for investigations after video shows ICE officers using batons on protesters in Frederick. Data Center Backlash: More than 60 Maryland advocacy groups want a temporary pause on new data center proposals, citing environmental and community impacts and a patchwork of local moratoriums. Privacy Fight: A Maryland op-ed warns against AI camera surveillance like Flock, arguing it risks civil liberties and government overreach.

Electricity Costs Clash: Maryland electricity bills jumped 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility “double dipping” and data-center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are shrinking reliable in-state power and raising blackout risk by summer 2027. Local Data-Center Pushback: Federalsburg became the first Eastern Shore community to ban data centers after residents raised concerns about energy, water, noise, and health impacts. ICE Arrest Lawsuit in Maryland: A Maryland lawsuit seeks to stop warrantless ICE arrests, alleging thousands of illegal detentions since 2025 and profiling; the state AG also backed limits in a separate case. Federal Court Blocks DOJ Voter Data Grab: A judge dismissed a DOJ lawsuit seeking Minnesota voter rolls, calling the requests sweeping and setting up a broader fight over election data access. Maryland Service Expansion: Gov. Moore launched the fourth class of the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program, tying new paid service placements to the National Day of Service and Remembrance. 9/11 Remembrance in Maryland: Multiple Maryland-focused remembrances marked 25 years since Sept. 11, including reflections on first responders and the lasting health and emotional toll. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A federal bridge inventory found 10 Charles and St. Mary’s bridges rated poor, highlighting ongoing maintenance pressure for local roads and school routes.

Energy Costs Fight: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility “double dipping” and data center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are pushing Maryland to import 43% of its power and raising reliability fears. Election Prep: The Maryland State Board of Elections is urging voters to plan ahead, with early voting running Oct. 22-29 and a voter guide pointing to secure mail-in and in-person options. Immigration & ICE Legal Pressure: Maryland immigrant advocates and allies are suing over alleged “warrantless” ICE arrests, while related fights continue over federal enforcement tactics. Endangered Species Act Rollback Lawsuits: AGs including Michigan’s Dana Nessel are challenging new ESA rules that weaken habitat protections, arguing the changes could accelerate species declines. Healthcare Fraud Watch: FinCEN flagged about $17.5B in suspicious activity tied to possible health care fraud, with home health providers named most often. 9/11 Remembrance: Maryland and the region are marking the 25th anniversary with memorials and personal reflections. Rugby in Baltimore: The Springboks-All Blacks finale at M&T Bank Stadium brings major attention to Baltimore as Richie Mo’unga returns for New Zealand and Codie Taylor captains.

ICE enforcement near schools in New Baltimore: Police alerted Anchor Bay School District after an ICE operation was reported within a quarter-mile of schools, then said there was no active threat and the matter was later handed over to ICE. Maryland immigrant advocates sue ICE: A new federal lawsuit challenges alleged warrantless ICE arrests in Maryland, including claims tied to Salisbury. Gun rights in Montgomery synagogue fight: A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction letting Silver Spring Jewish Center members carry firearms while litigation over Montgomery County’s synagogue gun restrictions proceeds. AmeriCorps funding protected: Maryland AG Nick Brown joined a multistate settlement blocking further Trump administration cuts to AmeriCorps community service programs. Maryland vaccine policy goes state-first: Health officials released the first 2026-27 Maryland vaccine schedule under the Vax Act, aligning with major medical groups while keeping school entry rules unchanged. Baltimore smoke shop padlock bill advances: A City Council committee moved legislation toward allowing police to padlock repeat-offending smoke shops selling illegal cannabis products. Electricity affordability showdown: A new scorecard says Maryland electricity bills rose 50.9% over five years, with debate over utility costs, decarbonization mandates, and data-center demand. Frederick data centers referendum stakes: Residents say the next county election could hinge on data center policy, with public hearings drawing sharp opposition. 9/11 remembrance and legacy: Coverage highlights how the anniversary is being carried forward by younger generations and local 9/11 community memories. Baltimore mistaken-arrest fallout: Parents of a 20-year-old arrested in a case of mistaken identity spoke publicly after the Sept. 2 arrest.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE is backing custody efforts in a New Jersey kidnapping and sexual assault case involving an undocumented man, while the administration also abandons plans to convert some purchased warehouses into detention centers as lawsuits mount. Maryland Law Enforcement & Courts: Maryland AG Anthony Brown joins a bipartisan push at the FCC to crack down on illegal robocalls and scam texts by tightening provider verification and monitoring. Federal Environmental Fight: States including Maryland sue the Trump administration over rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act, challenging changes that narrow “harm” and weaken protections for newly threatened species. Local Public Health Tech: WellCheck joins St. Mary’s County’s “St. Mary’s 360” initiative, funded with $3.53M, to expand connected care and digital navigation across health and community services. State Politics & Governance: Maryland’s Supreme Court rejected a Prince George’s executive hopeful’s ballot appeal, keeping the focus on the state’s election rules as November approaches. Business & Workforce: A Maryland-focused analysis warns employers not to treat AI as just a software purchase, arguing it will reshape staffing and requires honest workforce planning.

Endangered Species Act Fight: Washington and a coalition of states, including Maryland, sued the federal government over rollbacks that narrow what counts as “harm” and weaken protections for critical habitat—setting up a major legal showdown over how much habitat can be degraded. Voting Rights & Mail Ballots: Democratic states and voting-rights groups warned the U.S. Supreme Court that a Trump-backed USPS mail-voting rule would be “virtually impossible” to comply with close to Election Day, arguing it could disrupt ballots already in motion. Immigration in Maryland: Salvadorans with Temporary Protected Status face renewed uncertainty as DHS won’t give a timeline for a decision; local advocates say families are scrambling over drivers’ licenses and work authorization. Local Enforcement: Baltimore County is adding two speed cameras in a school zone in Lutherville-Timonium, with warnings for the first month before fines begin. Ravens Watch: Lamar Jackson’s Week 1 return has Baltimore fans and critics focused on whether last season’s struggles were injury-driven or a longer-term shift. Federal Security Debate: After 9/11, TSA became the standard—but the Trump administration is pushing to expand privatized passenger screening, raising concerns about consistency. TPS & Deportation Pressure: Montgomery County leaders say thousands of Salvadorans could be affected if TPS isn’t extended again.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE has sharply increased use of Penn State’s State College Regional Airport to move detainees between immigration facilities, with flights rising from just two in 2025 to 107 through July, raising concerns from advocates about family separation and harder legal challenges. Local Accountability: A previously censored audit of Baltimore County’s Rocky Point Clubhouse renovation flags unclear documentation and possible charter/code violations tied to the Olszewski-Klausmeier administrations, urging lawmakers to demand timelines and legal opinions. Consumer Rights in Annapolis: Metropolis Technologies updated parking terms and privacy policies, including broad arbitration and class-action waivers plus detailed biometric data collection, prompting new questions about residents’ ability to sue. Public Health & Zoning: Baltimore County’s smoke shop bill cleared unanimously after 13 amendments, including a 1,000-foot distance rule from schools, clinics, and daycares and limits on flashy signage. Housing Access: Maryland opened applications for a $50M mortgage program for first-time teachers and first responders, using a reduced-rate loan plus a secondary down-payment/closing-cost assist. Workplace Recovery Policy: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order making Maryland a “recovery-friendly workplace,” requiring agencies to offer support for substance-use issues before discipline. Road Safety: Maryland transportation officials marked the end of the “100 Deadliest Days” period, reporting 136 summer crash deaths versus 152 last year.

Local Revitalization: Maryland approved Harford County’s request to add Joppatowne to the state’s Sustainable Communities designation, unlocking state resources for business and property upgrades. County Public Safety: Baltimore County is weighing a ban on paid house parties after Catonsville complaints, with fines up to $5,000 for repeat violations. Gun Policy & Federal Oversight: Maryland AG Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition opposing an ATF rule that would ease registration for military-grade weapons, arguing it weakens safeguards and could raise violence. Trade Enforcement: Baltimore CBP seized $142,000 in falcata plywood from China tied to stolen identity paperwork and duty evasion. Immigration & Local Authority: A coalition urged Prince George’s County to revoke an ICE permit expanding legal offices in Hyattsville, warning the county can’t trust ICE won’t use the space for detention. Courts & Elections: Maryland’s Question 3 fight continues as a ruling keeps the measure on the November ballot but rewrites its language, setting up a high-stakes political fight over redistricting rules. Aviation Disruptions: Southwest diverted flights to BWI after bird strikes, with FAA investigating. Business & Contracts: A Rockville diner chain sued airport concessions operator Fraport, alleging contract breach and a costly “gutting requirement.” Education Policy: Maryland districts vary on whether parents must be told when students use different names or pronouns, as a federal challenge spotlights the patchwork.

BWI Labor Boost: Gov. Wes Moore announced support workers at Baltimore-Washington International will get a $1-an-hour raise to $18, aiming to keep the airport competitive and support “unseen” contract staff. Airline Incident in Maryland: An American Airlines flight diverted to BWI after an unruly passenger—identified as Layne Arthur Lundeen—was restrained with zip ties and duct tape amid alleged racist and anti-LGBTQ slurs and assaults; he was arrested after landing. Redistricting in the Courts: Maryland’s Supreme Court kept a redistricting amendment on the November ballot with revised wording, setting up another high-stakes fight over how congressional lines are drawn. Data Centers vs. Communities: A new push to build data centers is colliding with rising local opposition, with Maryland communities weighing jobs and tax benefits against power, water, and quality-of-life concerns. State Budget/Tax Watch: Maryland’s digital advertising tax was struck down by the state Tax Court, a legal setback with implications for other states considering similar levies. Local Governance & Housing: Baltimore and Baltimore County continue arguing over who pays to replace the aging Warren Road bridge, with city officials even floating closure. Elections & Markets: A national look at prediction markets highlights concerns that heavy trading could distort public trust in elections—Maryland election officials are watching closely.

ICE Enforcement in Frederick: Protesters and ICE clashed again in Frederick, with neighbors saying officers used force and residents fear more unmarked vehicle activity; Frederick City Council President Cesar Diaz says the city will review what happened. Labor at BWI: Gov. Wes Moore announced an $18 minimum wage for about 120 direct state contract workers at BWI, with emergency legislation sought to extend pay to more airport staff. Montgomery Politics: Councilmember Will Jawando is recovering after a heart attack suffered during a weekend basketball game; his office says doctors expect a full recovery. Immigration & TPS: Salvadorans in Maryland and nationwide face deportation risk as TPS for El Salvador is set to expire this week, with lawmakers pushing for an extension. Community Concerns: Families say a historic Catonsville cemetery has been left overgrown and hard to access for years, blaming failed ownership and stalled upkeep. Elections & Rights: Maryland’s redistricting ballot question remains a flashpoint, with GOP critics warning voters about potential rights impacts.

Maryland Grocery Pricing: The state’s Protection From Predatory Pricing Act kicks in Oct. 1, banning grocery retailers and delivery services from using personal data to charge different customers different prices for most groceries. Redistricting Court Fight: Maryland’s Supreme Court kept a congressional redistricting question on the November ballot, but ordered rewritten wording after finding parts of the original language needed changes. Medicaid Contract Fallout: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown sued UnitedHealth/Optum over a Medicaid behavioral health computer system, seeking $380 million and arguing it “never functioned properly.” Election Security Fear: Nationally, Democrats are alarmed by reports and statements about whether federal officers or troops could show up at polling places—with legal experts saying states would fight it in court. Homeland Defense Contract: The Missile Defense Agency awarded Northrop Grumman a $508.5M follow-on contract tied to long-range missile target testing through 2035, including work in Maryland. Public Safety: Maryland State Police and DOT urged safer driving as the school year starts, including speeding, school bus stops, and move-over reminders. Local Life & Culture: St. Mary’s City marked Indigenous Heritage Day (Sept. 12) with living history and hands-on programs, and the St. Mary’s County Historical Society highlighted its 75-year mission of preserving local memory.

Maryland Redistricting Fight: Maryland’s Supreme Court cleared a Democratic-backed redistricting ballot question for the November ballot, but ordered the language rewritten—setting up a fresh fight over how congressional lines get drawn and whether future maps can dodge strict standards. Mail Voting Legal Battle: Attorney General Aaron Ford won a court order blocking USPS mail-voting rule requirements while the case proceeds, part of a broader national scramble over how ballots are handled before the midterms. Immigration Enforcement at Home: A Germantown family says a traffic stop over a broken light ended with their sole provider in ICE custody, leaving the household facing uncertainty and pushing a debate over targeting and due process. ICE Detainer After Crash: Another Maryland case highlights ICE involvement after a wrong-way crash killed a mother and daughter, with authorities alleging an ICE detainer tied to the suspect. Public Safety/Investigations: Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run involving a Howard County police vehicle, with Maryland’s IID taking over the probe. State Policy & Health Care: Maryland lawmakers continue modernizing physician assistant practice rules, while another healthcare showdown centers on whether federal Medicaid funding bans can stand. Local Governance & Ballot Questions: Maryland voters will decide on congressional districting, while an online gaming expansion referendum again fails to make the ballot. Aviation Incident With Maryland Links: A viral American Airlines midair restraint case identified the passenger as Arthur Lundeen, and the flight diverted to Baltimore—fueling renewed scrutiny of airline security and state criminal exposure.

Voting Rights Fight: A federal judge blocked USPS from moving forward with Trump’s anti-mail voting order, saying the rushed change so close to the election risks disenfranchising millions and lacks support tied to mail-voting fraud. Local Traffic Safety: St. Mary’s County is rolling out school-zone photo enforcement—starting with a warning phase in late August and moving to fines in September—aimed at speeding drivers near schools. Automated Speed Cameras: Charles County and the state are lining up for speed-camera expansion beyond school zones, with U.S. 301 in Waldorf flagged as an early target under a new state law. Baltimore Public Safety: Police investigated a suspicious package near Baltimore City Hall, triggering downtown road closures that overlapped with Charm City Live setup. Courts & Immigration: A Maryland judge decision and broader federal litigation continue to shape how citizenship and immigration enforcement rules play out, including birthright citizenship limits being challenged in court. Aviation Incident: An American Airlines flight was diverted to BWI after an unruly passenger allegedly used racial slurs and became violent, leading to arrest and charges in Maryland.

Maryland Housing & Public Safety: Gov. Wes Moore unveiled a $50M “First Homes for First Responders and Teachers” mortgage help program, pairing a discounted rate with a 0% deferred second loan to cover down payments and closing costs. Election Administration: Maryland election officials certified third-party candidates for the Nov. 3 ballot, including Green Party nominee Sam Husseini for Maryland’s 4th District. Health Care: Baltimore VA Medical Center earned primary stroke center status, aiming to speed treatment under the “time is brain” model. State Policy Watch: Maryland updated income rules for free and reduced-price school meals, expanding who qualifies. Federal Politics & Courts: A federal court order blocked Trump administration efforts to restrict mail voting, as states and advocates keep challenging the policy. Local Governance: A ballot question in Baltimore—Question F—could change how contracts and city spending are approved. Aviation Incident (Maryland impact): An American Airlines flight diverted to BWI after a disruptive passenger was restrained with duct tape and zip ties following alleged racist and anti-gay slurs and violence.

Energy Costs: Delmarva Power is pressing the Maryland Public Service Commission for a 21.7% rate hike, with customers bristling at rising delivery charges and higher PJM auction supply costs. Consumer Protection: New Maryland laws starting Oct. 1 will limit what businesses can put in consumer contracts, including restrictions on waiving remedies, plus rules expanding cash acceptance for essential goods and more road-safety enforcement tools. Medicaid & Gender-Affirming Care: Maryland AG Anthony Brown joined a 22-state lawsuit challenging a Trump administration move to block federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Redistricting Fight: Gov. Wes Moore and Democrats are pushing to keep a congressional redistricting question on the November ballot after the Maryland Supreme Court allowed it with rewritten wording—setting up a major political test for Rep. Andy Harris and the GOP. Public Safety: A Salvadoran man charged after an alleged wrong-way, alcohol-impaired crash on I-270 killed a mother and her adult daughter and injured two others; separately, a Maryland judge said an ICE warrantless arrest requires release. Local Government & Elections: Voters will decide the future of Baltimore’s Board of Estimates, while election officials continue to raise concerns about mail voting rules. Maryland in the News: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope—built and assembled at Goddard in Greenbelt—launched on its mission to L2. Aviation Incident: An American Airlines flight diverted to BWI after a disruptive passenger, identified as Arthur Lundeen, allegedly made racist and anti-LGBTQ slurs and attacked others, leading to restraints and arrest.