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 107 establishes a pilot program requiring drivers whose licenses face suspension or revocation for specific traffic violations (like speeding or reckless driving) to install and use an intelligent speed assistance system (which monitors and limits vehicle speed) during their suspension period. Participants receive a restricted license mandating the system's use, with fees required unless the driver qualifies as indigent. The program requires the Motor Vehicle Administration to certify service providers, set standards for the systems, and monitor compliance, with failure to participate resulting in continued license suspension. This pilot program applies only to drivers accumulating points for violations listed in the bill, such as speeding or failing to yield.
SB 366 establishes a pilot program requiring drivers facing license suspension for specific speeding violations (listed in § 16-402(A)(3), (17), (24), (27), (33), or (45)) to use an intelligent speed assistance system (a device that alerts drivers when exceeding speed limits). The Motor Vehicle Administration would issue restrictive licenses mandating this system for participants, who must complete the 1-year program. Failure to participate or complete the program results in license suspension. The bill creates new requirements for certified service providers to install and monitor the systems, and it amends existing law to allow this restriction.
SB 698 prohibits operating or towing any vehicle in Maryland if snow or ice remains on specified exposed surfaces - including the hood, windshield, roof, windows, trunk, truck cab, or trailer top - when that accumulation poses a threat to people or property. It imposes tiered fines: $25-$200 for non-commercial vehicles (with escalating penalties for repeat offenses) and $75-$1,000 for commercial vehicles. The law also increases penalties to $200-$1,000 for non-commercial or $500-$1,500 for commercial vehicles if the snow/ice violation contributes to an accident causing property damage, injury, or death. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and defines "exposed surfaces" to cover all relevant vehicle areas where snow/ice could fall or obstruct vision.
SB 198 requires Prince George’s Community College to establish an Aerospace Technology Studies Program by December 2026, in collaboration with Maryland’s Higher Education Commission, Department of Commerce, and local economic development groups. The program must include training in aerospace systems, avionics, advanced manufacturing, and AI applications, with industry internships and a clear high school-to-college career pathway. It mandates formal partnerships with local aerospace employers and requires annual reports on progress and student outcomes to state and county officials. The bill directly affects students seeking aerospace careers and local employers needing skilled workers, focusing on workforce development without specifying funding or cost.
HB 474, the "Clear Before You Drive Act," prohibits drivers in Maryland from operating or towing vehicles with accumulated snow or ice on exposed surfaces - including windshields, roofs, windows, and truck trailers - that poses a safety threat. It directly affects all vehicle operators, requiring snow/ice removal before driving, with fines starting at $25 for first-time noncommercial vehicle violations and escalating to $200 for repeated offenses. The bill also imposes higher penalties - $200-$1,000 for noncommercial or $500-$1,500 for commercial vehicles - if snow/ice contributes to accidents causing property damage, injury, or death. Key provisions mandate pre-drive snow removal and establish tiered fines based on vehicle type and offense history.
SB 292 repeals the sunset provisions (automatic expiration dates) for two 2021 laws that allow county boards of education to provide student transportation using non-standard vehicles under specific circumstances. It specifically removes the June 30, 2026, termination dates from Sections 3 of Chapter 197 and Chapter 198 of the 2021 Acts. This change makes the existing student transportation rules permanent, ensuring county boards can continue using non-standard vehicles for certain student transport without needing new legislation. The bill directly affects county school districts and their transportation policies.
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.
HB 1504 requires Maryland's State Highway Administration to prioritize funding for sidewalk and bicycle pathway construction/reconstruction on highways with "complete streets" policies or Vision Zero programs. It mandates that local governments request such projects through annual funding letters, with costs typically shared 50-50 between state and local governments unless the project is in a sustainable community (100% state-funded) or addresses a public safety risk (100% state-funded). The bill specifically applies to urban highways defined as those in urban areas with high pedestrian traffic, curb/gutter systems, or within municipal boundaries. This directly affects local governments seeking infrastructure funding and the State Highway Administration managing transportation budgets.
SB 825 creates a Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch within Maryland’s Coordination and Analysis Center to strengthen state-level security for essential systems. The branch will identify threats, prioritize critical infrastructure (like utilities, hospitals, and transportation), and coordinate responses with state agencies and private owners. It requires the Department of Emergency Management to act during infrastructure attacks and mandates the Department of Information Technology to let critical infrastructure owners join the Maryland Information Sharing and Analysis Center while meeting specific cybersecurity reporting standards. This bill directly affects infrastructure operators (e.g., power companies, hospitals) and state agencies responsible for emergency response and cybersecurity.
