HB 806 creates a formal certification process for facilities conducting vehicle emissions inspections in Maryland. It requires the Motor Vehicle Administration and Environment Secretary to establish application rules and standards to certify these facilities, replacing previous provisions. The bill directly affects auto repair shops and inspection stations seeking to legally perform emissions tests under the state program. Key provisions include defining "Certified Emissions Inspection Facility" and mandating that all such facilities must meet the new certification requirements. This changes how facilities qualify to operate, without altering emissions standards or testing procedures themselves.
SB 552 establishes the Suitland Development Authority in Prince George's County to revitalize the Suitland Road and Silver Hill Road corridor, directly affecting residents and businesses in that specific neighborhood area. The authority must coordinate with local residents to develop a neighborhood revitalization plan, can adjust boundaries with a vote, and receives tax exemptions for its operations. It requires the Authority to manage finances responsibly and become self-sustaining by 2036, aiming to boost housing, commerce, and property tax revenue through economic development. The bill creates a dedicated government agency focused on improving conditions in a historically underdeveloped corridor, with no direct impact beyond the defined target area.
HB 862 requires railroad companies operating freight trains on tracks shared with passenger or commuter trains in Maryland to maintain a minimum crew of two people. This applies to most freight movement but excludes hostler service and yard operations for utility employees. Violations carry civil penalties up to $25,000 per incident, with railroad companies held solely responsible for employee violations. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, contingent on similar legislation passing in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
HB 1242 modifies requirements for transportation network companies (TNCs), like ride-sharing services, that contract with Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to provide transit specifically for people with disabilities. The bill removes two existing requirements: mandatory national criminal history checks (including sex offender registry and nationwide database searches) and a required employee training course on disability accommodations. Instead, it mandates that these TNCs conduct annual background screenings for all drivers providing disability transit services. This change directly affects TNCs under MTA contracts facilitating disability transportation, while maintaining background screening obligations.
HB 932 requires the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to complete construction of its fifth bus division facility by June 30, 2032. The bill directly affects the MTA, mandating it to identify necessary funding in the 2027-2033 Consolidated Transportation Program to ensure the facility is operational by the deadline. Key provisions include a fixed completion date and annual funding planning requirements for the MTA’s capital budget. This bill does not alter service operations but sets a concrete timeline and funding process for a new infrastructure project.
HB 1622 prohibits counties and cities in Maryland from imposing taxes, fees, or charges on ride-hailing services (like Uber or Lyft) during passenger transport. It repeals existing rules allowing local governments to levy per-ride assessments and eliminates the Transportation Network Assessment Fund. The bill also prevents airports and local governments from setting separate fees for ride-hailing services at airport facilities. This applies specifically to commercial ride-hailing services, excluding traditional taxis, volunteer carpooling, and nonprofit transportation.
SB 877 authorizes Baltimore City to pilot stop sign monitoring systems (cameras that capture violations) in the Mt. Washington neighborhood school zones, specifically within the 41st legislative district. It requires that 50% of fines collected from violations caught by these systems be directed to Baltimore City's local management board for youth programming and services exclusively for youth living in or attending schools within the 41st district. The bill also aligns Baltimore City's rules with existing Maryland law for similar programs in Prince George’s County and Takoma Park. This pilot program is limited to specific school zones and mandates dedicated funding for local youth services.
SB 743 establishes a temporary workgroup to study Maryland's current laws governing electric bicycles. The workgroup, including transportation officials, law enforcement representatives (rural, suburban, urban), county and municipal leaders, will review existing road rules, safety data from studies, and consider other micro-mobility devices like e-scooters. Its goal is to make recommendations to improve public safety for electric bike riders, pedestrians, and drivers by 2028. The bill expires automatically after the workgroup submits its report on January 1, 2028, with no new laws enacted by this bill itself.
HB 1374 replaces the existing annual surcharge for zero-emission and plug-in electric vehicles with a new annual highway use fee for owners of alternative fuel vehicles, fuel-efficient vehicles (25+ MPG), and plug-in electric drive vehicles. It requires these owners to pay the annual fee instead of the previous $100-$125 surcharge, with fees deposited into a dedicated Highway Use Fee Account. The bill also establishes a voluntary mileage-based user fee program administered by the Department of Transportation, allowing vehicle owners to opt into this program instead of paying the annual fee. All funds in the Highway Use Fee Account must be used solely for Maryland’s regional commuter rail service, with strict rules prohibiting diversion to the general fund or other departmental purposes.
HB 1227 authorizes Prince George’s County to install crosswalk monitoring systems in school zones to detect drivers failing to yield to pedestrians. It establishes that drivers recorded violating this rule may receive citations and face civil penalties, with fines collected directly by the county for uncontested cases. The bill also prohibits contractors administering these systems from being paid based on violation counts and specifies that penalties for violations recorded by crosswalk systems follow the same procedures as other traffic monitoring systems under Maryland law. This applies specifically to school zone crosswalks in Prince George’s County.
