Budget & Taxes (State Budget)

SB 281 modifies Maryland's funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) by requiring the Governor to withhold 35% of annual capital grants under specific conditions. It directly affects WMATA, the Washington Suburban Transit District, and collective bargaining units, mandating WMATA to submit detailed safety, financial, and ridership reports annually. Key provisions include withholding funds if WMATA receives a modified audit opinion without a corrective plan, fails to develop a rail signaling transition plan by July 2028, or terminates rail operators due to automation. The bill also requires the Governor to include specific appropriations for WMATA's capital costs and Metrorail subsidies in the state budget. This legislation is contingent on Virginia and D.C. enacting similar funding measures.