Marvin Mandel, Governor                        1703

CHAPTER 775
(House Bill 170)

AN ACT to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, Section 26A of
Article 25 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1966 Replacement
Volume), title "County Commissioners," subtitle "General Pro-
visions," subheading "Regional Council of Governments," to
amend the present law authorizing counties, cities and towns to
establish and organize a council of governments to include authori-
zation for participation in a council of governments which includes
counties, cities and towns outside the State, TO PROVIDE FOR
ANNUAL REPORTING, AND TO PROVIDE FOR FUNDING
FOR THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF
GOVERNMENTS.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland,
That Section 26A of Article 25 of the Annotated Code of Maryland
(1966 Replacement Volume), title "County Commissioners," sub-
title "General Provisions," subheading "Regional Council of Govern-
ments," be and it is hereby repealed and re-enacted, with amendments,
to read as follows:

26A.

(a)    The governing bodies of any county, city, town or any com-
bination thereof by resolution may establish, [and] organize and
participate in a council of governments, which may include counties,
cities, and towns outside the State of Maryland, for the purpose of
studying area governmental problems of mutual interest and con-
cern, including such matters as facility studies on sewers and
sewage disposal, water, storm drainage, roads, rubbish and garbage
disposal, recreation, zoning, parks and ports, and to formulate recom-
mendations for review and action thereon by the [member] partici-
pating governing bodies.

(b)    Membership of the council shall consist of at least one repre-
sentative from each participating county, city or town. The repre-
sentative or representatives from each [member] participating
county, city or town shall be the elected chief executive of [that
particular] a participating government [or] and/or a member or
members of its governing body chosen by such body to be its repre-
sentatives. Any county, city or town which has become a member
may withdraw upon 60 days notice subsequent to formal action by
the governing body.

(c)    The council shall have the power to (i) study such area
governmental problems common to two or more members of the
council as it deems appropriate, including but not limited to matters
affecting health, environment, safety, welfare, education, economic
conditions, and regional development; (ii) promote cooperative
arrangements and coordinate action among its members; and (iii)
make recommendations for review and action to the members and
other public agencies that perform functions within the region.

(d)    The council shall adopt bylaws designating the officers of
the council and providing for the conduct of its business.