Maryland Senate Bill SB656

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 1/29/24

Caption

Anne Arundel County – Board of License Commissioners – Membership

Impact

The implementation of SB656 is set to affect the ability of the Governor to appoint members to the Board of License Commissioners. The bill stipulates that the Governor will make appointments with the advice and consent of the Senate when in session, or unilaterally when the Senate is not in session. This could increase efficiency in filling board vacancies and maintaining continuity in the board's activities related to licensing of alcoholic beverages. The additional members are expected to bring varied perspectives to the board, which could lead to more balanced decision-making that takes into account the diverse interests of the community regarding liquor licensing.

Summary

Senate Bill 656 aims to modify the structure of the Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County by increasing the number of board members from three to five. This change is intended to enhance governance regarding alcoholic beverage regulations within the county. Specifically, the bill allows for a broader representation by increasing the maximum number of members who can belong to the same political party from two to four, thereby facilitating a more diverse board composition that reflects the political affiliations of the county's constituents.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a positive step toward enhancing representation on the Board, there may be some contention surrounding the political implications of allowing a larger proportion of board members from the same party. Critics might argue that this could lead to a lack of diverse viewpoints if a single political affiliation dominates the board, potentially affecting the impartiality of decisions concerning licensing and regulation of alcoholic beverages. There may also be discussions about the appropriateness of the Governor's power in appointing members and the subsequent accountability of those members to the public.