Council members support increased hours for medical marijuana but oppose local cultivation.

A local medical provider described rising kratom and 7‑OH cases requiring weeks of treatment and asked the commission to consider county measures; the state's attorney warned that state law and regulatory action limit county authority, and commissioners agreed to consult the state's attorney further.

The council voted 4–3 to adopt Ordinance 2026-010, amending the development code to prohibit new industrial hemp production, processing and wholesaling uses in the city's light-industrial zone after a public hearing and debate about awaiting a related ballot measure.

On first reading the Clarksville City Council approved changes to the zoning code that restrict where new smoke and vape shops can locate, drawing a split among council members over enforcement and government overreach.

A proposed nonbinding resolution to affirm local authority and resist a blanket state ban on flavored tobacco prompted debate. Lobbyist Carrie Reed for United Strategies argued statewide bans have led some consumers back to cigarettes; commissioners expressed concern the resolution is preemptive and suggested tabling the item for broader notice and input.

After briefings, the council directed staff to develop ordinance options on kratom (council favored a local ban or minimum under-21 restriction with a sunset clause) and to return with MFTE implementation recommendations for targeted urban-center geography and ordinance language.

Commissioners asked whether the UDO can prohibit vape shops or gaming machines in convenience stores; staff said those uses are largely state-regulated and recommended coordinating with ACCG and NACO to seek legislative changes.

Florida House establishes conditions for contractor registration based on local licensing availability.

A resident asked the council to ban the sale of kratom in Ridgefield (or within 1,000 feet of schools); city staff said preliminary research shows local regulation may be permitted and the city attorney will prepare options for council consideration.

Protect Maine presenters asked Stonington selectmen for a local moratorium on aquaculture leases; Rep. Genevieve McDonald and former DMR official Jon Lewis debated application rigor and process during a town meeting discussion.

After reviewing draft corrections and state chapter language, the commission voted to recommend approval of local language addressing data centers and crypto‑mining but said it will monitor pending state bill S0867 and adjust local rules if necessary.

Proponents and opponents clashed over bills (H330, S221, H371) that would clarify the statewide minimum purchase age of 21 for age‑restricted products and preempt local sales bans. Public‑health advocates and municipal health officers argued local experimentation — including nicotine‑free generation policies —

The Southampton County Board of Supervisors on June 23 approved a locally drafted battery energy storage systems ordinance, including a 15-foot height restriction to account for HVAC equipment. Planning staff said the ordinance is tailored to county needs and mirrors solar rules; concerns about fire response and footprint were discussed.

The House Counties, Cities and Towns Committee reported HB 12-38 as amended after hours of testimony divided between animal welfare advocates and agricultural and pet-store interests; the bill gives localities authority to adopt ordinances regulating pet sales, with committee members split in a final roll call.

HB 517 would clarify that Maryland jurisdictions may adopt emission standards, ambient air quality rules and solid-waste regulations that are as strict or stricter than state and federal law; sponsor and environmental groups urged the committee to approve the bill to avoid litigation that has chilled local action.

Council approved an ordinance imposing a tax and licensing regime on mechanical amusement devices (commonly called 'skill games'), amending the measure to cap machines at 10 per existing arcade to avoid penalizing licensed operators; sponsors said the move would both raise revenue and provide local regulation as the state considers its own action.