SB 474 Maryland Senate · 2024 Regular Session

Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Related Approvals - Definition of Generating Station (Critical Infrastructure Streamlining Act of 2024)

This bill defines specific types of small-scale electricity generators as exempt from the requirement to obtain a state Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. It directly affects owners of facilities that build backup power systems for critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and data centers, as well as those installing small solar arrays. The legislation allows these projects to proceed without the usual regulatory approvals if they produce no more than 14 megawatts of power and include safety features that prevent electricity from flowing back into the main grid during outages. Additionally, the law adjusts how income tax revenue is calculated for corporations operating certain data centers.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Apr 2024
Senate Passage
Apr 2024
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2024
Signed into Law
May 2024
Introduced Jan 22, 2024 Signed May 9, 2024
Floor votes · Senate Mar 21, 2024 · House of Delegates Mar 21, 2024

How they voted

390
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 44
Mar 21, 2024
D Democratic31
27 Yea 4
87% Yea
R Republican13
12 Yea 1
92% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
10
Committee
6
Amendments
1
May 9, 2024
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 411
executive
Apr 5, 2024
Upper · Passed
Passed Enrolled
upper
Apr 5, 2024
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Apr 5, 2024
Introduced
Senate Concurs House Amendments
upper
Apr 3, 2024
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 1, 2024
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
lower
Apr 1, 2024
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
lower
Mar 21, 2024
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (39-0-5)
senate
Mar 15, 2024
Committee
Referred Economic Matters
lower
Mar 14, 2024
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 11, 2024
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
upper
Mar 11, 2024
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
upper
Jan 22, 2024
Committee
First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
upper
18 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors