Environment

passed both · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 10, 2026

HB 146: Environment - On-Site Wastewater Systems - Requirements for Inspection and Pumping Services and Implementation Dates

HB 146 requires landlords of properties with on-site wastewater systems (like septic systems) to ensure the system is inspected and pumped by a licensed professional before each new tenant moves in, starting July 1, 2028. It also mandates that real estate sales contracts for such properties include a condition requiring the buyer to confirm the system has been inspected and pumped by a licensed professional before closing. The law allows inspections and pumping services to remain valid for three years and requires property owners to notify authorities if a system fails. Exemptions include transfers between family members, refinancing, or initial construction. The bill sets deadlines for the state to adopt regulations (by 2027) and license service providers (by 2028).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires inspections/pumping of septic systems to prevent pollution, aligning with environmental protection goals by ensuring proper wastewater management.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 92: Environment - Beverage Containers Connected With Plastic Rings - Restriction on Sale

HB 92 prohibits the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of beverage containers (like 6-packs of soda or beer) connected by plastic rings unless the ring is made of biodegradable material. It directly affects retailers and beverage sellers who currently use non-biodegradable plastic rings. The bill establishes civil penalties of $500 for a first violation (increasing to $2,000 for repeat offenses) and requires the Department to adopt enforcement regulations. Penalties collected under this law will fund the Maryland Clean Water Fund, with enforcement handled by the Department rather than local governments. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits non-biodegradable plastic rings, reducing marine pollution and promoting biodegradable alternatives, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Water Quality

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 35: Local Government - Regulatory Powers - Regulation of Invasive Trees

HB 35 authorizes Maryland counties and municipalities to create local rules regulating Tree of Heaven (an invasive species), directly affecting property owners and local governments. The bill allows communities to ban the sale, planting, or growth of Tree of Heaven on private property, and requires property owners to remove it. Local governments may also establish cash reward programs to incentivize removal, and enforce rules through civil fines or requiring damage mitigation. This bill provides concrete tools for local management of the invasive tree without mandating statewide action.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRegulates invasive Tree of Heaven to protect native ecosystems, aligning with conservation and pollution control through mandatory removal and local enforcement.95% confidence

Tags Local Government

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 547: Income Tax - Enhanced Agricultural Management Equipment Subtraction Modification and Parent of a Stillborn Child Credit

HB 547 expands Maryland's income tax deduction for agricultural equipment by allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to add new equipment types through regulation. This directly affects Maryland farmers who purchase qualifying equipment, including technologies that reduce soil disturbance and nutrient runoff. The bill modifies existing tax rules (Section 10-208(d)) to include "enhanced agricultural management equipment" determined by the Secretary, beyond the current list of specific items like no-till planters or manure injection systems. Farmers must still meet standard requirements, such as owning equipment for at least three years and using it in agricultural production.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax deduction for agricultural equipment, providing tax relief to farmers under existing tax code modifications.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill incentivizes tax deductions for equipment reducing soil disturbance and nutrient runoff, directly addressing pollution control in agricultural practices.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tags Agriculture

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 702: Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund - Uses - Cooperative Housing Corporations and Condominiums (Co-Op and Condo Energy Refund Equity Act)

HB 702 directs that a portion of the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund - funded by compliance fees paid by electric companies - be used to provide energy bill refunds for members of cooperative housing corporations and condominium unit owners in 2027. These refunds specifically target residents who did not receive a similar refund in 2025 under prior legislation. The refunds must be issued to the co-op or condo board, which then distributes them to individual residents, with half paid during a peak summer month and half during a peak winter month. This ensures co-op and condo residents receive equitable energy cost relief previously available to other residential customers.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyDirects energy fund refunds to reduce utility costs for co-op/condo residents, aligning with protecting utility consumers per SUPPORT indicators.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs Strategic Energy Investment Fund (funded by electric companies) to provide energy bill refunds targeting efficiency, promoting reduced energy consumption and aligning with environmental protection goals.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides energy bill refunds to co-op/condo residents, reducing housing costs and increasing affordability for cooperative housing residents.95% confidence

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 243: Land Use - Comprehensive and General Plans - Alteration of Elements

HB 243 modifies Maryland's requirements for local governments' comprehensive and general plans. It adds new mandatory elements like Resilience, Place, and Ecology while replacing older terms (e.g., "Water Resources" becomes "Equity"). The bill requires charter counties and other local jurisdictions to include these updated elements in their plans, detailing goals for economic, social, and environmental development. State agencies must also provide data and guidance to help local governments meet these new standards. This affects how local governments structure long-term planning for land use, housing, transportation, and community facilities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds mandatory 'Ecology' element to local plans, requiring environmental development goals. Replaces 'Water Resources' with 'Equity' but explicitly mandates ecology focus for environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 'Equity' as a core element in land use plans, requiring inclusive housing development strategies that align with affordable housing and anti-discrimination policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 28, 2026

HB 167: Gasoline-Powered Leaf Blowers - Purchase and Use - Prohibitions

HB 167 bans the State of Maryland from purchasing gasoline-powered leaf blowers starting July 1, 2026, and prohibits their use by the State or its contractors on state-owned land beginning January 1, 2031. The bill directly affects state agencies and contractors managing state property, requiring them to comply with local government standards that are at least as strict as the bill’s requirements. Exceptions include wildfire suppression, prescribed burns, firefighting, and emergency response activities. The law does not override stricter local regulations but ensures state operations follow local environmental standards for leaf blowers. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans gasoline-powered leaf blowers to reduce emissions and pollution from state operations, directly advancing environmental protection goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

Track

passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 23: Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund - Establishment

This bill creates Maryland's GREEN Loan Program, providing no-interest loans to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for solar panels, energy-efficient building upgrades (like new windows or HVAC systems), and related planning. Nonprofits must contribute 10% of project costs, with priority given to those with annual budgets under $1 million. The program is funded through state budget appropriations and transfers from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, managed by the Maryland Clean Energy Center. Loans require repayment over time with deferred payment options, and must demonstrate long-term energy cost savings exceeding the loan's total cost.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunded via state budget appropriations for nonprofit energy projects, advancing fiscal support for green initiatives through public spending.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes no-interest loans for nonprofits to install solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades, directly promoting renewable energy adoption and efficiency through state-funded program.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates no-interest loans for nonprofits to adopt solar/energy efficiency, promoting clean energy and reducing emissions. Funded by state and Clean Energy Center.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending State Budget Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Solar

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 58: Property Tax Credit - Retail Service Station Conversions

SB 58 allows Baltimore City or Maryland counties to offer property tax credits to owners who convert former gas stations into retail, residential, or mixed-use properties. The credit is specifically intended to help cover costs for removing old underground gas tanks and cleaning up soil or water contamination from those tanks. Local governments can set the credit amount and duration, and the state will reimburse them 50% of the lost property tax revenue. This directly affects property owners and developers planning to redevelop former gas station sites into other commercial or housing uses.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllows property tax credits for cleanup with 50% state reimbursement, supporting fiscal management through targeted tax relief without net budget loss.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directly funds cleanup of soil/water contamination from gas station tanks, advancing pollution remediation and environmental protection.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill incentivizes residential redevelopment of underutilized gas stations via property tax credits, removing cleanup cost barriers to increase housing supply and development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Revenue Tax Credits Water Quality Property Taxes

passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 181: Hunting - Restrictions of Venison Donation

Maryland's SB 181 requires hunters to use non-lead ammunition for all game species by specific dates: pen-raised birds by July 1, 2027; upland birds, migratory birds, and turkeys by July 1, 2028; and deer and other game by July 1, 2029. It directly affects licensed hunters using firearms for hunting in Maryland, excluding muzzleloaders and handguns if non-lead ammunition isn't commercially available. The bill defines "non-lead ammunition" as having less than 1% lead content or being federally approved as non-toxic. The Department of Natural Resources must adopt these regulations by the specified deadlines. The bill is pending approval and has not yet taken effect.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPhasing out lead ammunition reduces lead pollution in ecosystems, protecting wildlife and habitats from toxic contamination per environmental protection indicators.95% confidence

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