HB 1599 establishes Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program within the Department of Natural Resources. The program provides $2 million annually (starting fiscal year 2028) from the Transportation Trust Fund to fund oyster propagation and replenishment projects. These projects specifically mitigate harm to the state's oyster population caused by transportation projects at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, including dredging, pier/bridge construction, and channel maintenance. The law requires the Governor to include this funding in the annual budget bill, directly affecting oyster restoration groups and transportation project developers needing to offset environmental impacts.
SB 558 establishes Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program within the Department of Natural Resources. The program provides $2 million annually (starting fiscal year 2028) from the Transportation Trust Fund to fund oyster propagation and replenishment projects. These projects specifically offset damage to the state's oyster population caused by transportation activities at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, including dredging, pier/bridge construction, and shipping channel maintenance. The funding must be included in the governor's annual budget bill. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 1081 creates a new Board of Directors for Baltimore Core Transit Service (encompassing local buses, light rail, Metro Subway, and paratransit in Baltimore) within the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). The Board, composed of 9 voting members (including 5 governor-appointed members with specific rider, accessibility, and labor representation requirements, plus city/county appointees), must approve major service plans and policies for Baltimore transit. The bill repeals the existing Baltimore Regional Transit Commission, proposes a constitutional amendment to allow MTA to use land acquisition powers for projects, and exempts MTA capital construction from certain state procurement rules. It directly affects MTA operations in Baltimore and establishes new governance structures for regional transit services.
SB 947 establishes a new Board of Directors to govern Baltimore Core Transit Service (including local buses, light rail, subway, and paratransit) within the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). It replaces the existing Baltimore Regional Transit Commission with this board, which includes five governor-appointed members (requiring representation from riders, accessibility users, transit providers, and union employees), plus mayoral and county executive appointees. The board will approve major service plans and policies for Baltimore transit operations, while the MTA must contract with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to study creating a dedicated rail authority. This reform directly affects Baltimore-area transit users, MTA operations, and local government oversight of regional transit services.
This bill requires Maryland's State Highway Administration to approve, deny, or return speed monitoring system applications within 90 days. If the Administration fails to act within this timeframe, the application is automatically approved. It directly affects counties seeking to install speed monitoring systems on state highways within municipal areas, mandating they first obtain the Administration's approval and notify local municipalities. The bill also defines "speed monitoring systems" as devices capturing images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by at least 12 mph. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
This bill amends existing state debt authorizations to update grant details for various community projects across Maryland. It directly affects multiple local organizations and municipalities that have received state funding for construction, renovation, and infrastructure improvements. The key provision allows the state to change grantee names, modify authorized project uses, and extend termination dates for several grants without requiring new legislation for each change. Specific projects include facilities for the National Road Museum, Harford Crisis Center, Imagination Stage, and various community centers, with funding amounts and deadlines being adjusted accordingly.
SB 473 requires new applicants for taxicab, for-hire driver, or transportation network operator (e.g., Uber/Lyft) licenses in Maryland to submit proof they completed human trafficking awareness training. This includes either the U.S. Department of Transportation’s "Leaders Against Human Trafficking" program or another nationally recognized training program. The bill also protects licensed drivers from civil or criminal liability when reporting suspected trafficking in good faith. These requirements apply specifically to new license applicants, not current license holders, and are designed to help identify and prevent trafficking through driver training and reporting.
HB 927 authorizes Carroll County to borrow up to $27 million through general obligation bonds to fund public infrastructure projects, including water and sewer systems, volunteer fire department equipment/buildings, and other facilities like parks, roads, and agricultural land preservation. The bonds would be tax-exempt at state and local levels, with annual property taxes levied to repay them. This bill directly affects Carroll County residents through future tax-funded projects and volunteer fire departments receiving loan access for equipment and facilities. The county retains full discretion over bond terms, including interest rates, maturity dates (up to 30 years), and specific project allocations within the $27 million limit.
HB 833 reestablishes Maryland's Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety with updated membership and a focused mandate. The commission, composed of 27+ members including state agencies, fire departments, battery manufacturers, recyclers, and industry representatives, will study key safety issues like preventing fires in consumer/transportation applications, recycling standards, port/rail risks, and insurance impacts. It must submit an interim report by December 1, 2026, with recommendations on best practices, training, and regulatory approaches. This bill directly affects state agencies, first responders, and industries handling lithium-ion batteries, but does not enact new laws - only directs the commission to study and advise.
SB 395 clarifies insurance requirements for peer-to-peer car sharing programs (like Turo) in Maryland. It makes the program's liability insurance primary coverage for drivers using shared vehicles, rather than secondary, and prevents insurers from canceling a vehicle owner's personal insurance solely because the car is shared. The bill also stops the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund from covering drivers for non-replacement vehicles used in sharing programs and allows programs to charge drivers for tolls or fines incurred during trips. These changes aim to standardize liability rules and reduce insurance complications for both sharing platforms and users.
