Transportation

HB 668 prohibits people from standing in roadways, shoulders, median dividers, or intersections in St. Mary’s County that are officially designated as "inherently dangerous" (meaning they pose a serious, unmitigable injury risk to pedestrians or drivers). It specifically requires county or municipal authorities to identify such locations and install required warning signs meeting state traffic control standards before police can issue citations for violations. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies only to St. Mary’s County. It does not create new penalties but limits enforcement to areas with proper signage.

SB 149 establishes new rules for permits allowing heavy trucks to transport international cargo in sealed containers through Baltimore's Seagirt Marine Terminal corridor. It requires vehicles to weigh no more than 100,000 pounds, follow specific designated routes between the terminal and authorized destinations, travel only during permitted hours, and adhere to speed limits set by the Maryland Transportation Secretary. The bill directly affects trucking companies moving international freight by creating a formal "heavy weight port corridor" system with standardized weight, route, and timing requirements. The Secretary of Transportation will set permit fees, axle weight limits, and approved destinations through regulations, with the law taking effect June 1, 2026.

SB 283 authorizes Maryland to borrow $1.824 billion through a new 2026 capital bond loan, updating previous bond programs from 2015-2025. The funds will finance state construction, renovations, equipment, and grants to local governments for infrastructure projects, requiring matching local funds and strict spending deadlines. It modifies prior bond law provisions to clarify eligible uses, extend project timelines, and adjust budget allocations for ongoing capital projects. This bill primarily affects state agencies, local governments receiving grants, and public infrastructure projects across Maryland.