HB 421 authorizes Prince George's County to install and operate point-to-point speed monitoring systems on Maryland Route 210 (Indian Head Highway) within the county. The bill modifies Maryland law to require that penalties from speed citations issued by these systems go directly to the county (not the state) for uncontested cases, and specifies that collected funds must cover system costs and be spent solely on public safety programs like pedestrian or highway safety initiatives. It adds new language to the Transportation Article to formalize this process for the specific highway segment. The bill directly affects drivers traveling on MD Route 210 in Prince George's County and the county government, which would manage the systems and allocate funds.
SB 389, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, automatically designates transit-oriented development (TOD) areas near rail stations with hourly weekday service (8 a.m.-6 p.m.) as enterprise zones - bypassing normal limits on such designations. It requires Maryland’s development corporation to prioritize loans for projects redeveloping state-owned land near rail stations and delays development taxes/fees for qualifying residential projects. The bill also adds project labor agreements as a scoring factor for TOD funding and adjusts local land-use regulations to support transit-focused development. Directly affecting developers, local governments, and communities near transit hubs, it aims to accelerate housing and infrastructure near rail corridors.
HB 437, the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026, requires Maryland’s Department of Transportation to conduct impact assessments for major highway expansion projects costing over $100 million. These assessments must evaluate greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled, and the department must develop a multimodal transportation program (including transit, biking, and pedestrian improvements) to offset emissions from the project. The program must prioritize overburdened and underserved communities affected by the project, aiming for net-zero or negative greenhouse gas emissions when combined with the highway project. This applies to projects not already funded or reviewed before June 30, 2026, and affects highway planning decisions across the state.
HB 617 authorizes the City of Frederick to use noise monitoring systems to enforce existing motor vehicle noise limits. The bill allows Frederick to deploy up to three fixed or mobile systems that automatically capture images of vehicles exceeding noise thresholds (by at least 5 decibels), along with decibel readings and license plate details. Before use, the city must post locations online and install visible signage, and vehicle owners can request reviews of issued notices. This directly affects drivers whose vehicles exceed noise limits in Frederick, with enforcement handled through the city’s designated official. The bill amends Maryland’s vehicle code to add these specific monitoring procedures for Frederick.
SB 283 authorizes Maryland to borrow $1.824 billion through a new 2026 capital bond loan, updating previous bond programs from 2015-2025. The funds will finance state construction, renovations, equipment, and grants to local governments for infrastructure projects, requiring matching local funds and strict spending deadlines. It modifies prior bond law provisions to clarify eligible uses, extend project timelines, and adjust budget allocations for ongoing capital projects. This bill primarily affects state agencies, local governments receiving grants, and public infrastructure projects across Maryland.
HB 938 authorizes Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis to use crosswalk monitoring systems that record drivers failing to yield to pedestrians. If a driver is caught on camera not stopping for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, they may receive a citation and face a civil penalty. The bill specifies that fines for uncontested violations go directly to the local jurisdiction (county or city), while contested cases send fines to the District Court. It also prohibits contractors from being paid based on the number of citations issued. This bill directly affects drivers in those two jurisdictions who violate crosswalk yielding laws.
HB 1370 authorizes the use of stop sign monitoring systems (camera systems that capture vehicles failing to stop completely at stop signs) on State highways within the Town of Rising Sun. It requires approval from the Cecil County Council for specific locations and mandates public notice through local government websites and newspapers. The bill modifies existing traffic law to clarify that these systems can only be deployed on State highways in Rising Sun with local council authorization, not in other areas. It does not create new penalties but formalizes the process for using these systems in the Town of Rising Sun. This directly affects drivers in Rising Sun who may receive citations for stop-sign violations captured by the systems.
HB 1381 prohibits drivers from stopping, standing, or parking vehicles in bike lanes or bicycle paths in Maryland, directly affecting all drivers using public roads. The bill adds a new provision (Section 21-1003(gg)) to Maryland law, allowing exceptions for emergency vehicles, transit buses, vehicles assisting people with disabilities, disabled vehicles, and delivery vehicles under specific conditions (e.g., 30-minute limit with hazard lights or a local permit). It amends existing transportation code sections to clarify these restrictions and exceptions. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and aims to improve safety for cyclists by keeping bike lanes clear of parked vehicles.
HB 386 modifies Maryland's funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) by requiring the Governor to withhold 35% of annual grants under specific conditions. It directly affects WMATA and Maryland's budget process, mandating that the Governor withhold funds if WMATA fails to submit required reports (like safety assessments and financial data) or if it doesn't develop a rail signaling workforce transition plan by July 2028. The bill also requires WMATA to provide detailed annual reports on safety, ridership, finances, and capital investments to trigger full funding. If WMATA receives a modified audit opinion without a corrective plan, or misses the workforce plan deadline, the Governor must withhold the funds until these conditions are met.
HB 1567, the "Pass Pedestrians Safely Act," requires bicycle, motor scooter, and electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD) operators to maintain at least 3 feet of distance when passing pedestrians or vehicles if practicable, and to give an audible warning (like a bell or horn) before passing pedestrians. It directly affects riders of these devices in Maryland by adding specific safety obligations to existing traffic laws. Violations are treated as secondary offenses (only enforceable if another traffic violation is suspected) and carry a $25 civil penalty. The bill amends Maryland’s vehicle code to prioritize pedestrian safety during overtaking maneuvers.