Local Comprehensive Planning and State Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Policy - Planning Principles

SB 266 updates Maryland's local planning requirements by replacing 12 existing "visions" with 8 new "planning principles" in state law. The bill requires local governments to integrate these principles - including land productivity, equitable housing access, transportation networks, economic adaptability, community engagement, climate resilience, cultural preservation, and ecological protection - into comprehensive plans. It directly affects all Maryland local governments responsible for planning under Article 1 of the Land Use Code. The bill also mandates updating legal references in Maryland's Annotated Code to align with these revised principles.