Transportation (Public Transit)

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 19, 2026

HB 1113: Vehicle Laws - Bus Obstruction Monitoring Systems and Bus Stop Zones

HB 1113 updates Maryland's vehicle laws to clarify enforcement of bus stop zones. It prohibits drivers from stopping, standing, or parking in a bus stop zone when a transit vehicle is present, with two exceptions: (1) if authorized by the local jurisdiction, or (2) if actively loading/unloading passengers with hazard lights on. The bill also revises legal references from "bus lane" to "bus obstruction" monitoring systems in several transportation and court codes to align terminology. This directly affects drivers who park in bus zones and transit authorities enforcing these rules. The key change is a clearer, enforceable rule for bus stop zone access during active transit vehicle use.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationClarifies enforcement of bus stop zones to prevent obstruction, enhancing public transit safety and operational efficiency per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 20, 2026

HB 932: Maryland Transit Administration - Fifth Bus Division Facility - Construction

HB 932 requires the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to complete construction of its fifth bus division facility by June 30, 2032. The bill directly affects the MTA, mandating it to identify necessary funding in the 2027-2033 Consolidated Transportation Program to ensure the facility is operational by the deadline. Key provisions include a fixed completion date and annual funding planning requirements for the MTA’s capital budget. This bill does not alter service operations but sets a concrete timeline and funding process for a new infrastructure project.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates MTA to construct new bus facility by 2032 with required funding planning, directly advancing transit infrastructure development and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 574: Charles County - Student Bus Transportation Providers - Provider Displacement

SB 574 requires the Charles County Board of Education to provide 45 days' written notice and hold a public hearing at least 10 years before replacing a private company that currently provides student bus transportation services. The bill defines "displacement" as replacing a private provider without contractual renewal, excluding cases like contract non-renewal for cause or provider breaches. It mandates the board notify affected providers in writing and publish hearing notices in a local newspaper for two weeks prior to the hearing. The board must also give displaced providers at least two years' written notice before implementing replacement, with specific compensation options if the timeline is shortened. This bill directly affects private bus transportation companies serving Charles County students.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires 45-day notice and public hearing before replacing student bus providers, protecting continuity of transportation services and preventing abrupt displacement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 13, 2026

HB 1446: Commercial Driver's Instructional Permits - School Vehicles - Knowledge Test

HB 1446 allows school district-employed driver trainers to administer the knowledge test for commercial driver's license school bus endorsements, instead of requiring state examiners. This directly affects school bus driver applicants and trainers working for county school boards. The bill defines "School Vehicle Driver Trainer" as individuals providing classroom instruction, highway driving training, and safety standards education. It amends Maryland law to expand the pool of authorized testers to include qualified school district staff.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill streamlines school bus driver testing by allowing qualified school trainers to administer knowledge tests, directly supporting transportation safety through improved driver qualification processes.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit Roads & Highways

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 1081: Maryland Transit Administration Reform Act

HB 1081 creates a new Board of Directors for Baltimore Core Transit Service (encompassing local buses, light rail, Metro Subway, and paratransit in Baltimore) within the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). The Board, composed of 9 voting members (including 5 governor-appointed members with specific rider, accessibility, and labor representation requirements, plus city/county appointees), must approve major service plans and policies for Baltimore transit. The bill repeals the existing Baltimore Regional Transit Commission, proposes a constitutional amendment to allow MTA to use land acquisition powers for projects, and exempts MTA capital construction from certain state procurement rules. It directly affects MTA operations in Baltimore and establishes new governance structures for regional transit services.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates new governance structure for Baltimore transit with rider/accessibility representation, aiming to improve service policies and oversight per bill summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 12, 2026

HB 1019: School Bus Transition - Propane-Powered School Buses - Grant Program, Fund, and Purchase

HB 1019 creates a grant program and dedicated fund to help Maryland school districts transition from diesel school buses to either propane-powered or zero-emission buses. The program provides grants to cover the extra costs of purchasing or operating these cleaner buses, as well as for infrastructure installation (for zero-emission buses), planning, and pilot programs. Funding comes from state appropriations, interest earnings, donations, and legal settlements specifically earmarked for this purpose. The bill updates existing law to explicitly include propane-powered buses in the transition program, which previously only covered zero-emission vehicles.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates dedicated state appropriations fund for school bus transition grants, increasing public service funding through direct budget allocation90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides grants for cleaner school buses, improving school infrastructure and access through funding for transition costs, aligning with education infrastructure support indicators.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds transition to propane/zero-emission school buses, reducing diesel dependence and promoting cleaner energy infrastructure through grants and dedicated funding.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds transition to propane/zero-emission school buses, directly reducing diesel emissions and promoting cleaner transportation infrastructure per its grant program.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds transition to propane/zero-emission school buses, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure and cleaner vehicle regulations through dedicated grants and infrastructure support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement School Transportation Electric Vehicles Public Transit

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passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 936: Vehicle Laws - Bus Obstruction Monitoring Systems and Bus Stop Zones

SB 936 updates Maryland's vehicle laws to prohibit drivers from parking, stopping, or standing in a bus stop zone when a transit bus is present. This directly affects drivers who park in designated bus stop areas during bus stops. The bill adds a new rule (Section 21-1003(GG)) allowing exceptions only for authorized personnel or drivers actively loading/unloading passengers with hazard lights on. It also revises related provisions about bus obstruction monitoring systems and their use in enforcement, replacing outdated references to "bus lane" with "bus obstruction." The law aims to improve bus stop efficiency by reducing obstructions.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits parking in bus stop zones during bus stops, enhancing public transit safety and efficiency by preventing obstruction of bus operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 947: Maryland Transit Administration Reform Act

SB 947 establishes a new Board of Directors to govern Baltimore Core Transit Service (including local buses, light rail, subway, and paratransit) within the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). It replaces the existing Baltimore Regional Transit Commission with this board, which includes five governor-appointed members (requiring representation from riders, accessibility users, transit providers, and union employees), plus mayoral and county executive appointees. The board will approve major service plans and policies for Baltimore transit operations, while the MTA must contract with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to study creating a dedicated rail authority. This reform directly affects Baltimore-area transit users, MTA operations, and local government oversight of regional transit services.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationSB 947 establishes new governance board for MTA transit services with rider/worker representation, strengthening operational oversight of public transit infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 156: Railroads - Required Crew for Movement of Freight

SB 156 requires that any freight train operating in Maryland on shared rail corridors with passenger trains must have at least two crew members. It directly affects railroad companies operating freight services, excluding light rail systems, rapid transit, and specific yard/utility operations. The bill takes effect only if neighboring states (New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia) enact similar laws by October 1, 2056, with implementation set for October 1, 2026, if the condition is met. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $25,000 for the railroad company. The law aims to establish minimum crew requirements for freight train safety under Maryland’s transportation regulations.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates two crew members for freight trains on shared corridors, directly enhancing workplace safety for railroad workers per Labor & Employment standards.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires two crew members for freight trains on shared corridors with passenger trains, directly enhancing rail safety standards in transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Public Transit Rail

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

HB 110: Motor Vehicles - School Buses - Seat Belts

HB 110 requires all public schools in Maryland to include seat belt safety instruction in their safety education programs. It mandates that school buses purchased after July 1, 2030, must be equipped with 3-point seat belts for every seat. The bill also prohibits lawsuits or criminal charges against school bus operators if a passenger fails to wear a seat belt. This affects schools, bus manufacturers, and school bus operators by setting new safety standards and limiting liability for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates 3-point seat belts on school buses, enhancing vehicle safety standards per transportation regulations and public transit safety protocols.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Traffic Safety

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