HB 870, the "Large Buildings for Tomorrow Act," requires new construction of large commercial and multifamily residential buildings (over 35,000 square feet) to meet specific energy conservation standards set by the Maryland Department of Labor. The bill defines "covered buildings" to include most large commercial structures and state-owned buildings, but excludes historic properties, schools, manufacturing facilities, and agricultural buildings. It mandates that adopted energy conservation requirements must be at least as stringent as the International Energy Conservation Code, with the state allowed to set stricter standards to improve efficiency. The law also establishes clear definitions for terms like "energy conservation measure" to guide implementation and ensure consistency.
SB 625 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to adopt regulations by January 1, 2028, for permitting carbon removal technologies and practices certified by an internationally recognized third party. It also mandates that all state agencies use available funding to support carbon removal projects using these certified technologies. The bill directly affects the Department of the Environment (which must create the regulations) and state agencies (which must redirect funding toward qualifying projects). This legislation establishes a framework for integrating carbon removal into state environmental and funding policies.
HB 1063 modifies Maryland's hunting regulations to allow the Department of Natural Resources to authorize deer population reductions on properties with documented deer damage (such as crop destruction or forest harm) through permits permitting Sunday deer hunting, while restricting it within 25 yards of designated equestrian trails. It repeals the ban on Sunday hunting for migratory game birds and allows the Department to establish county-specific Sunday hunting rules during game bird and mammal seasons, with most counties now permitting limited Sunday hunting (typically from 30 minutes before sunrise until 10:30 a.m.). The bill directly affects property owners with deer damage on 10+ acre properties, hunters in counties like Calvert, Caroline, and Worcester, and the Department of Natural Resources, which gains new authority to set hunting rules. Key provisions include standardized time limits for Sunday hunting and eliminating outdated prohibitions, focusing on practical management of wildlife impacts.
SB 223 transfers administration of the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program from the Maryland Energy Administration to the Maryland Clean Energy Center. The bill moves the program’s legal authority to the Maryland Clean Energy Center, repeals the Energy Administration’s regulatory power over the program, and updates reporting requirements for the related Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. The program itself continues to provide low-interest loans to nonprofit organizations, local governments, state agencies, and eligible businesses for energy efficiency projects that reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. This change is purely administrative and does not alter the program’s eligibility criteria, loan terms, or funding mechanisms.
SB 599 establishes two grant programs to reduce wasted food and promote organics recycling. The On-Farm Organics Diversion Grant Program (starting July 2028) provides funding for farmers, urban agricultural producers, nonprofits, and businesses to develop composting, food rescue, and wasted food prevention projects on farms. The Wasted Food Reduction Grant Program (under the Environment Department) funds infrastructure, education, and community projects statewide to redirect edible food, recover waste for animal feed, and create compost. Eligible projects must reduce food waste, support community needs, prioritize underserved areas, and create jobs with fair wages. The bill specifically prioritizes projects that minimize contamination in compost and meet U.S. composting standards.
HB 1196 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to establish a mobile home park water quality testing program by January 1, 2027. The program mandates testing 25% of parks by 2028, 50% by 2029, 75% by 2030, and 100% by 2031, prioritizing parks with ≥40% minority residents, known contamination areas, or resident complaints. Park owners must take corrective actions if water quality issues are found, and the Department must notify residents and develop a statewide action plan. This directly affects mobile home park owners, residents, and the Department of the Environment through mandated testing, reporting, and remediation requirements.
SB 523 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to create regulations protecting "qualified vernal pools" - seasonal wetlands that don't meet federal wetland criteria but support species like wood frogs and salamanders. It mandates the department to maintain a list of these pools, establish protective buffers, and require developers to avoid harming them during activities like construction. If harm is unavoidable, developers must minimize damage and provide compensation through the department. This directly affects landowners, developers, and construction projects near these pools, adding regulatory requirements similar to those for existing wetlands. The bill does not change current protections for federally recognized wetlands.
SB 638 amends Maryland law to adjust funding rules for the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. It removes previous limits on grant coverage (previously capping at 50% of project costs), allowing the Authority to fund more of certified heritage area management projects. The bill also reduces the portion of Program Open Space funds that can cover the Authority’s operating expenses from 10% to 7%, while increasing the maximum transferable funding to the Authority’s Financing Fund. This directly affects local jurisdictions, heritage area management entities, and the Authority itself by changing how they access and use state funds for preservation and development.
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.
HB 925 establishes limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sewage sludge applied to land, prohibiting use if PFAS levels exceed specific thresholds after a set date. It directly affects sewage sludge generators (like wastewater treatment facilities), industrial users discharging PFAS, and local jurisdictions managing sludge. Key provisions include mandatory PFAS monitoring in sludge, requirements for industrial pretreatment standards when PFAS levels exceed action levels, and rules allowing limited blending of sludge from multiple sources. The bill also authorizes local fees for industrial dischargers and updates regulations for safe land application practices.
