Friday Five
Aug. 7, 2026 | This week's latest on Maryland business and government
1 — Redistricting referendum passes in House, Senate
After hours of debate during this week's special legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that will appear on the November ballot, asking voters whether to give the legislature sole authority over congressional redistricting, subject to federal law and judicial review. The proposal drew sharp partisan disagreement, with supporters arguing it clarifies the redistricting process and opponents warning it increases partisan gerrymandering and diminish representation for the Eastern Shore.
More on special session: The General Assembly overrode the Governor’s veto of House Bill 862 which requires at least two crew members on freight trains. This spring, Governor Moore vetoed HB 862, citing federal preemption, legal and fiscal concerns — a decision supported by the Maryland Chamber and industry leaders. Also, Maryland Republicans have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the proposed congressional redistricting amendment from appearing on November's ballot, arguing the General Assembly violated state election laws.
2 — Maryland candidates should hear from small businesses
As Maryland's general election campaign begins, General Assembly candidates are encouraged to meet with small business owners and better understand the challenges they face, including rising taxes, fees, regulations and other operating costs. Improving the state's business climate is presented as essential to retaining, attracting and supporting the small businesses that drive the state's economy.
From NFIB: Maryland’s small businesses make up an overwhelming 99 percent of businesses in the state and employ over a million Marylanders. Our small-business community is too important for the health of the state’s economy for lawmakers not to prioritize Main Street this election.
3 — Amazon abandons plans for data center at Calvert Cliffs
Amazon Web Services has abandoned plans to build a large data center campus at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant following strong local opposition and election results that reflected growing concerns over hyperscale data center development in Calvert County. County officials are moving forward with a proposed six-month moratorium on new data center site approvals while reviewing zoning rules, even as supporters argue the project could have created jobs and strengthened Maryland's digital infrastructure.
Growing local trend: Maryland is seeing a growing trend of local efforts to pause or restrict data center development. While thoughtful planning is important, widespread moratoriums and shifting local policies risk sending the wrong message to an industry making long-term investment decisions. As demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, Maryland should ensure it remains a competitive destination for responsible technology investment.
4 — Moore shuffles staff, announcing new chief legislative officer, lottery head
Governor Moore recently announced several leadership changes within his administration, naming former Maryland Cannabis Administration Director Will Tilburg as chief legislative officer and appointing current legislative chief Jeremy Baker as acting director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.
Transition timeline: Both are expected to assume their new positions on Aug. 19 following this month's special session.
5 — Legislative committee puts new Maryland building code on hold amid environmental concerns
A Maryland legislative committee has delayed adoption of the state's updated building code after environmental advocates raised concerns that the proposed regulations would give large commercial buildings more flexibility in meeting energy efficiency requirements than the International Energy Conservation Code. The committee plans to review the regulations further before allowing them to take effect, extending debate over how to balance energy performance, development costs and economic growth.
Our take: The Maryland Chamber submitted comments on the proposed regulations encouraging the Department to preserve flexibility in how building code requirements are met while carefully evaluating the costs and benefits of future code updates. Maryland should prioritize balancing building performance with housing affordability, commercial development and economic competitiveness.
Advancing inclusive partnerships for a Maryland where all businesses and their communities thrive
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is the state’s leading business advocacy organization — committed to working with our alliance of partners on critical public policy issues. With a focus on economic development and grassroots advocacy, we impact policies that directly affect Maryland business.
