Transportation

SB 389, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, automatically designates transit-oriented development (TOD) areas near rail stations with hourly weekday service (8 a.m.-6 p.m.) as enterprise zones - bypassing normal limits on such designations. It requires Maryland’s development corporation to prioritize loans for projects redeveloping state-owned land near rail stations and delays development taxes/fees for qualifying residential projects. The bill also adds project labor agreements as a scoring factor for TOD funding and adjusts local land-use regulations to support transit-focused development. Directly affecting developers, local governments, and communities near transit hubs, it aims to accelerate housing and infrastructure near rail corridors.

SB 789 requires automotive repair facilities performing advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) recalibrations - such as those needed after windshield replacement - to obtain a license from Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration. It mandates that facilities inform customers if ADAS recalibration is required, provide written confirmation that work meets manufacturer specs, and prohibits facilities from charging for unperformed services. The bill also bans insurance companies from withholding ADAS repair information in estimates and makes violations of these rules unfair trade practices under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act. This directly affects repair shops, insurance providers, and vehicle owners by standardizing ADAS recalibration procedures and increasing transparency in repair costs.

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.