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HB 112

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission – Enforcement Activities – Memorandum of Understanding

2025 Regular Session

HB 112 mandates the Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission establish memoranda of understanding with law enforcement agencies to coordinate enforcement activities and improve regulatory compliance.

Hearing 1/29 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 112

Legislative bill overview

HB 112 establishes a requirement for the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ABC Commission) to create and maintain memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with law enforcement agencies regarding enforcement activities and coordination. The bill appears designed to formalize collaboration protocols between the ABC Commission and other enforcement bodies to improve regulatory compliance and public safety oversight.

Why is this important

Formal agreements between regulatory agencies and law enforcement can clarify responsibilities, reduce duplicative efforts, and improve enforcement effectiveness across alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis markets. Given Maryland's legalized cannabis market and ongoing regulation of alcohol and tobacco, clear coordination mechanisms help prevent regulatory gaps and ensure consistent enforcement standards across jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's specific requirements for MOU content aren't detailed in the title, leaving questions about what enforcement activities must be covered and whether agencies have flexibility in design
  • Resource implications: Establishing and maintaining multiple MOUs across various law enforcement agencies could require significant administrative resources from the ABC Commission
  • Jurisdictional overlap: Clarifying enforcement boundaries between state and local authorities, and between the ABC Commission and other state agencies, may prove contentious if MOUs restrict certain agencies' investigative authority

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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