SB 432 authorizes Maryland's Attorney General to sue fossil fuel companies with over $1 billion in market capitalization for climate-related harms caused by fraudulent or deceptive practices. It establishes the Climate Crimes Accountability Fund to collect settlement money from such lawsuits. The fund finances programs addressing climate impacts like flooding, heat islands, drought, and disease spread (e.g., vectorborne pathogens), while also covering legal costs of the Attorney General's cases. The bill directly affects major energy corporations and directs state resources toward climate adaptation and mitigation.
HB 72 establishes Maryland's Edible Forests and Foraging Program within the Department of Natural Resources. It requires foragers to obtain permits for designated areas (except within established edible forests), mandates fee waivers for low-income applicants, and creates a special fund using permit fees and interest earnings to maintain edible forests on state-owned land, subject to available funding. The program regulates noncommercial personal foraging while directing funds toward cultivating edible plants for public access. This law directly affects residents foraging on state lands and sets clear fee and permit requirements.
SB 424 repeals a requirement that specific amounts from Maryland's Land Preservation Special Fund must be allocated to the General Fund for certain fiscal years (2002-2005). The bill modifies how remaining fund balances are distributed, shifting allocations away from mandatory General Fund transfers toward land preservation programs. Key provisions direct 75.15% to Program Open Space land acquisition, 17.05% to the Agricultural Land Preservation Fund, 5% to the Rural Legacy Program, and 1.8% to the Heritage Conservation Fund. This change affects state funding for conservation efforts and land preservation initiatives managed under Maryland's Natural Resources Article.
SB 116 requires Maryland state agencies to include specific climate and sustainability information when submitting certain contracts for approval by the Board of Public Works. It applies to six contract types, including construction, energy performance, and architectural services, and mandates agencies to detail how contracts support greenhouse gas reduction, climate resilience, sustainable sourcing, and adherence to green building standards. The bill also requires liaisons from the Governor’s office, Comptroller, and Treasurer to ensure compliance and ensure this information appears on the Board’s agenda. This policy change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects state agencies managing these contracts and the Board’s review process.
HB 359 amends Maryland's property tax credit for urban agricultural property, clarifying eligibility and adding procedural requirements for jurisdictions granting the credit. It defines "urban agricultural property" as land between 1/8 and 5 acres in priority areas (not assessed as agricultural) used for activities like crop production, beekeeping, environmental mitigation, community programs, or agritourism. The bill requires jurisdictions to evaluate the credit's effectiveness after 3 years and, if terminating it, must provide the public with at least one year's notice and an opportunity to comment or appeal. This directly affects Baltimore City, counties, and municipalities that administer the tax credit for qualifying urban farms and agricultural operations.
HB 331 establishes Maryland's Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program. It requires beverage producers to register, pay fees, and join a stewardship organization to manage recycling, mandates that all redeemable containers display refund information, and requires retailers to include the container's refund value in prices. Consumers receive refunds when returning containers to designated redemption facilities, while local governments can operate facilities to earn credits toward recycling targets. The bill also creates a grant program to fund public water fountains and refill stations, aiming to reduce litter and increase recycling rates.
SB 229 designates May as Maryland Native Plant Month by requiring the Governor to annually issue a proclamation. The proclamation urges educational organizations, environmental groups, and businesses to host events and activities celebrating native plants. It defines "native plant" as species naturally occurring in Maryland before colonial settlement or listed on the Maryland Plant Atlas. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and creates no new funding or regulatory requirements - only an annual recognition effort.
SB 108 authorizes Maryland's Department of the Environment to impose administrative penalties for violations of water appropriation, dam safety, and wetlands development rules. It directly affects businesses, developers, and local governments that fail to comply with environmental regulations. Key provisions allow the department to levy fines up to $5,000 per violation (capped at $100,000 total), considering factors like environmental harm and willfulness, with penalties paid into the Maryland Clean Water Fund (or Private Dam Repair Fund for dam-related issues). The bill replaces some court-based enforcement with direct administrative penalties, streamlining enforcement while requiring department consultation before suing local governments.
HB 250 authorizes Maryland's Department of the Environment to impose administrative penalties for violations of water appropriation, dam safety, and wetlands rules. It directly affects businesses, developers, and dam operators who breach these regulations. Key provisions include setting penalties up to $5,000 per violation (capped at $100,000 total), requiring consideration of factors like environmental harm and willfulness, and mandating that collected penalties fund the Maryland Clean Water Fund (except for dam safety cases, which go to a repair fund). The bill also streamlines enforcement by allowing the Department to issue immediate corrective orders and hold expedited hearings for urgent threats.
SB 59 requires Maryland’s Department of Transportation to conduct impact assessments for major highway expansion projects costing over $100 million, measuring their effects on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled. It mandates that projects include a multimodal transportation program (focusing on transit, bike paths, and pedestrian improvements) to offset emissions, with priority given to overburdened and underserved communities impacted by the project. The bill also requires the Department to evaluate all major capital projects in the Consolidated Transportation Program for climate impacts starting in 2028, aiming for net-zero or negative emissions from these projects. These requirements apply to projects not already funded or reviewed before 2026, aligning transportation planning with state climate goals.
