HB 437, the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026, requires Maryland’s Department of Transportation to conduct impact assessments for major highway expansion projects costing over $100 million. These assessments must evaluate greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled, and the department must develop a multimodal transportation program (including transit, biking, and pedestrian improvements) to offset emissions from the project. The program must prioritize overburdened and underserved communities affected by the project, aiming for net-zero or negative greenhouse gas emissions when combined with the highway project. This applies to projects not already funded or reviewed before June 30, 2026, and affects highway planning decisions across the state.
HB 617 authorizes the City of Frederick to use noise monitoring systems to enforce existing motor vehicle noise limits. The bill allows Frederick to deploy up to three fixed or mobile systems that automatically capture images of vehicles exceeding noise thresholds (by at least 5 decibels), along with decibel readings and license plate details. Before use, the city must post locations online and install visible signage, and vehicle owners can request reviews of issued notices. This directly affects drivers whose vehicles exceed noise limits in Frederick, with enforcement handled through the city’s designated official. The bill amends Maryland’s vehicle code to add these specific monitoring procedures for Frederick.
HB 938 authorizes Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis to use crosswalk monitoring systems that record drivers failing to yield to pedestrians. If a driver is caught on camera not stopping for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, they may receive a citation and face a civil penalty. The bill specifies that fines for uncontested violations go directly to the local jurisdiction (county or city), while contested cases send fines to the District Court. It also prohibits contractors from being paid based on the number of citations issued. This bill directly affects drivers in those two jurisdictions who violate crosswalk yielding laws.
HB 1381 prohibits drivers from stopping, standing, or parking vehicles in bike lanes or bicycle paths in Maryland, directly affecting all drivers using public roads. The bill adds a new provision (Section 21-1003(gg)) to Maryland law, allowing exceptions for emergency vehicles, transit buses, vehicles assisting people with disabilities, disabled vehicles, and delivery vehicles under specific conditions (e.g., 30-minute limit with hazard lights or a local permit). It amends existing transportation code sections to clarify these restrictions and exceptions. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and aims to improve safety for cyclists by keeping bike lanes clear of parked vehicles.
HB 386 modifies Maryland's funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) by requiring the Governor to withhold 35% of annual grants under specific conditions. It directly affects WMATA and Maryland's budget process, mandating that the Governor withhold funds if WMATA fails to submit required reports (like safety assessments and financial data) or if it doesn't develop a rail signaling workforce transition plan by July 2028. The bill also requires WMATA to provide detailed annual reports on safety, ridership, finances, and capital investments to trigger full funding. If WMATA receives a modified audit opinion without a corrective plan, or misses the workforce plan deadline, the Governor must withhold the funds until these conditions are met.
HB 1567, the "Pass Pedestrians Safely Act," requires bicycle, motor scooter, and electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD) operators to maintain at least 3 feet of distance when passing pedestrians or vehicles if practicable, and to give an audible warning (like a bell or horn) before passing pedestrians. It directly affects riders of these devices in Maryland by adding specific safety obligations to existing traffic laws. Violations are treated as secondary offenses (only enforceable if another traffic violation is suspected) and carry a $25 civil penalty. The bill amends Maryland’s vehicle code to prioritize pedestrian safety during overtaking maneuvers.
HB 646 requires Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to prioritize a medical provider’s report or referral - not its own assessment - as the main factor in deciding whether to issue, refuse, or cancel a driver’s license for individuals who self-report certain medical conditions. The MVA may still request additional testing for those reporting conditions, and must create an expedited process for issuing learner’s permits to people whose medical conditions have improved but who need to complete driver education or testing. This bill directly affects drivers and applicants who self-report qualifying medical conditions, such as those impacting vision, cognition, or physical ability. It shifts decision-making authority to medical professionals while maintaining MVA flexibility for safety reviews.
HB 34 requires Maryland municipalities to install approved grating systems on all open drainage inlets (with 12-inch or larger openings) that collect stormwater. These systems must prevent large debris entry while allowing water flow and be secured to prevent removal by floodwater or tools. The law applies to both new inlets (during construction) and existing inlets, mandating full installation by June 1, 2027. It directly affects all Maryland municipalities by requiring infrastructure upgrades to improve stormwater management and safety.
HB 639, the Aviation Health and Safety Act, requires the Maryland Aviation Administration to create a form for passengers traveling involuntarily or in restraint (detained individuals). The form collects medical history (allergies, conditions, medications), legal details (attorney contact, case status), and minor/guardianship information. Flight crews must distribute and collect the forms, while fixed-base operators (FBOs) must verify forms are on board before providing services like fueling. The bill also prohibits refueling an aircraft while a restrained person is aboard and mandates specific services for restrained individuals when they disembark for refueling. These requirements apply to all aircraft carrying detained individuals within Maryland's jurisdiction.
Howard County would gain authority to lower speed limits on county highways to a minimum of 15 mph after conducting a traffic and engineering study. The bill prohibits Howard County from implementing new speed monitoring systems (like cameras) to enforce these reduced limits on affected highways. This specifically applies to Howard County highways where speed limits were decreased under this law, with no changes to existing limits for other jurisdictions. The bill modifies Maryland’s transportation code to establish these requirements for Howard County only.
