1. **Consolidated Transportation Program**: The bill alters the required elements of the Consolidated Transportation Program and the Maryland Transportation Plan, including the development of a project-based scoring system for major surface transportation projects.
2. **Advisory Committee**: Establishes an advisory committee to advise the Department of Transportation on the Maryland Transportation Plan.
3. **Project Evaluation**: Requires the Department to evaluate and score major surface transportation projects and make the scores public.
4. **State Highway Administration and Maryland Transit Administration**: Mandates these administrations to evaluate projects using a specific methodology.
5. **Asset Management Practices**: Requires the State Highway Administration to develop asset management practices, including a state of good repair program.
6. **Maryland Transportation Commission**: Alters the makeup, chair, frequency of meetings, and responsibilities of the Maryland Transportation Commission.

The bill aims to improve transportation planning and project prioritization in Maryland.

1. **Multimodal Transportation Program**: Requires the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a multimodal transportation program for major highway expansion projects.
2. **Impact Assessments**: Mandates the evaluation of major capital projects for their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.
3. **Offsetting Activities**: Requires funding for activities to offset the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled from major capital projects.
4. **Annual Reports**: The Department must publish annual evaluations of major capital projects' impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.
5. **Capacity Expansion Impact Assessments**: The Secretary of Transportation must establish a process for performing capacity expansion impact assessments.

The bill aims to ensure that transportation projects contribute to the state's climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.

1. **Assistant Commissioner**: Requires the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to appoint an Assistant Commissioner for Public Employees' Safety and Health.
2. **Public Employees' Safety and Health Unit**: Establishes this unit within the Division of Labor and Industry to oversee workplace safety and health for public employees.
3. **Workplace Violence Standards**: Mandates the adoption of regulations to protect public employees from workplace violence.
4. **Self-Inspection Program**: Requires public bodies to develop and maintain a self-inspection program approved and monitored by the Assistant Commissioner.
5. **Inspection Program**: Includes routine and random inspections of public workplaces, prioritizing those with the most complaints and citations.
6. **Annual Report**: The Assistant Commissioner must publish an annual report on safety and health in public bodies.
7. **Civil Penalties**: Revenues from civil penalties assessed against public bodies will be used for the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program.
8. **Workplace Violence Prevention**: Requires the Commissioner to adopt regulations to prevent workplace violence, considering recommendations from federal agencies and input from public employees.

The bill aims to enhance the safety and health of public employees in Maryland.

House Bill 213, introduced by Delegate Mangione, addresses the authorization and limitation of natural gas energy generation in Maryland. Here are the key provisions:

1. **Authorization**: The bill allows the construction, permitting, and operation of energy-generating systems that produce energy from natural gas until the state meets its goal of 100% renewable energy.

2. **Requirements**: Energy-generating systems must comply with existing laws and obtain necessary approvals, including a certificate of public convenience and necessity and approval from the Department of the Environment.

3. **Transition Plan**: Applicants must provide a transition plan outlining how the system will be decommissioned or transitioned to renewable energy once the state meets its renewable energy goal.

4. **Emissions Control**: Systems must use the best available emissions control technologies to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

5. **Decommissioning**: Once the state reaches its renewable energy goal, natural gas systems must be decommissioned or transitioned to renewable energy within ten years.

6. **Annual Report**: The Commission, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, must submit an annual report to the General Assembly on the progress toward renewable energy goals and the role of natural gas in the state's energy portfolio.

1. Energy Storage Plans: Requires electric companies to submit plans for the construction or procurement of distribution-connected energy storage devices to the Public Service Commission by certain dates.
2. Zero-Emission Credits: Establishes zero-emission credits for beneficial nuclear facilities and outlines the process for applying and receiving these credits.
3. Offshore Wind Energy: Mandates the Commission to pursue coordinated approaches to offshore wind energy transmission development.
4. Renewable Energy Credits: Alters the requirements for renewable energy credits and establishes new programs for solar and hydroelectric energy generation.
5. Procurement Processes: Introduces new processes and requirements for the procurement of front-of-the-meter transmission energy storage devices and other clean energy resources.
6. Community Benefit Agreements: Requires community benefit agreements for certain energy projects to promote local business opportunities and ensure fair labor practices.
7. Legislative Fast-Track Procurements: Authorizes certain state units to issue competitive sealed bids for projects related to climate change and energy issues.

The bill aims to enhance the development and procurement of clean energy resources in Maryland. You can find more details in the full text of the bill here.

1. **Prohibition**: The state and its units or instrumentalities are prohibited from using any appropriations for magnetic levitation transportation systems located or to be located in the state.
2. **Exception**: The prohibition does not apply to expenditures for the salaries of personnel assigned to review permits or other forms of approval for such systems.

The bill aims to restrict state funding for magnetic levitation transportation systems while allowing for administrative review processes.

1. **Plan Requirements**: Gas companies must include detailed descriptions, timelines, cost estimates, customer benefits, risk prioritization, cost comparisons with alternatives, and customer notification plans in their infrastructure replacement plans.
2. **Commission Findings**: The Public Service Commission must consider the necessity, safety, climate policy consistency, and cost-effectiveness of natural gas alternatives when approving infrastructure replacement plans.
3. **Cost Recovery**: Gas companies can recover costs through a fixed annual surcharge on customer bills, with specific limits and conditions.
4. **Public Hearings and Approvals**: The Commission may hold public hearings and must take final action on plans within specified timeframes.
5. **Refunds and Adjustments**: Gas companies must refund customers if actual costs are lower than collected amounts and may adjust surcharges if costs are higher, subject to Commission approval.
6. **Annual Reconciliation**: Gas companies must file annual reconciliations to adjust surcharges based on actual costs.
7. **Review and Adjustment**: The Commission can review and adjust previously approved plans if they no longer meet the required criteria.

.

- **Funding Calculation**: Modifies the calculation for the amount the Governor must include in the annual State budget to provide grants to the Washington Suburban Transit District for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) capital costs.

- **Contingency**: The Act's provisions are contingent on similar legislation being enacted by Virginia and the District of Columbia.

- **Appropriation Requirements**: Specifies the conditions under which the Governor is required to make the appropriation and details the documents WMATA must submit to the Department of Transportation.

- **Conditional Reduction**: Allows the Governor to reduce the appropriation if Virginia or the District of Columbia reduces their dedicated capital funding for WMATA.

- **Withholding and Release of Funds**: Outlines conditions under which the Governor can withhold a portion of the appropriation due to audit issues and the requirements for releasing the withheld funds.

- **Funding Adjustment**: Adjusts the base funding amount for inflation and includes an annual 3% increase to the base amount. The bill aims to ensure a consistent and equitable funding mechanism for WMATA's capital costs, contingent on similar commitments from neighboring jurisdictions.

- **License Examination Waivers**: Authorizes the State Board of Plumbing and the Secretary of Labor to waive the license examination requirement for certain individuals who have completed approved apprenticeship programs.

- **Apprenticeship Council Duties**: Alters the duties of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, including setting minimum ratios for journeymen to apprentices and authorizing deviations from these ratios.

- **Establishment of New Programs**: Establishes the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development, the Registered Apprenticeship Qualified Intermediary Program, and the Maryland Apprenticeship Incentive Program within the Maryland Department of Labor.

- **Incentive Program Fund**: Creates a special, nonlapsing fund for the Maryland Apprenticeship Incentive Program, with specific provisions for fund usage and administration.

- **Reporting Requirements**: Requires annual reporting on apprenticeship program completion rates, participant demographics, and outcomes. The bill aims to promote and expand registered apprenticeship programs in Maryland by providing waivers, establishing new programs, and creating a funding mechanism to support apprenticeships.

• To establish renewable energy generation targets for the state of Maryland.

Key Provisions:

1. Renewable Energy Generation Targets:

   • The Public Service Commission must set targets for renewable energy generation within the state.

   • The targets are:

     • 50% of all electricity sold in the state to come from renewable energy resources located within the state by 2030.

     • 70% by 2035.

     • 80% by 2040.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To require the Public Service Commission to consider the impact of overhead transmission lines on properties with existing conservation easements in their certificate of public convenience and necessity proceedings.

Key Provisions:

1. Consideration of Conservation Easements:

   • The Public Service Commission must consider the impact of proposed overhead transmission lines on properties with existing conservation easements.

   • Requires applicants to consider alternative routes that minimize the impact on these properties or alter the proposed routes.

2. Final Action Requirements:

   • The Commission must take final action on applications after considering various factors, such as:

     • Stability and reliability of the electric system

     • Economics

     • Aesthetics

     • Historic sites

     • Aviation safety

     • Air quality and water pollution (when applicable)

     • Climate change effects based on scientific information

3. Alternative Routes:

   • Applicants must provide information on alternative routes considered, including costs and reasons for rejection.

   • The Commission may require minimizing impact or changing proposed routes to protect conservation easements.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To ensure the comprehensive planning and efficient siting of electric transmission lines in Maryland, while considering the impact on local communities and existing infrastructure.

Key Provisions:

1. Comprehensive Plan Update:

   • Requires each county and Baltimore City to update their comprehensive plans to include an electric system planning element.

   • The electric system planning element must identify transmission line corridors, develop future scenarios for high-energy use transmission lines, align development with approved facility growth and electricity needs, and prioritize the siting of high-energy use facilities near identified corridors.

2. Electric Company Compliance:

   • Requires electric companies to report annually to counties on their efforts to comply with the planning element, including support for co-location of transmission lines with existing infrastructure and use of underground lines.

3. Public Service Commission (PSC) Considerations:

   • The PSC must consider county and municipal recommendations and the use of existing infrastructure and rights-of-way when evaluating applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity for new overhead transmission lines.

   • The PSC must also consider the impact on stability, reliability, economics, aesthetics, historic sites, aviation safety, air quality, water pollution, and climate change.

4. Annual Reporting:

   • Requires electric companies to submit annual reports to the PSC on how they are addressing growing electricity demand, including forecasted load growth, available resources, demand response practices, and projects requiring approval by PJM Interconnection.

Effective Date:

• July 1, 2025.

• Examine Alternatives to New Transmission Lines:

  • Broaden the criteria for the Public Service Commission to consider alternatives to constructing new transmission lines.

Key Provisions:

• Alternative Uses:

  • Alternatives include using existing transmission lines or rights-of-way, reconductoring existing lines, and undergrounding transmission lines.

  • Consideration given to economic and efficient service, preservation areas, and avoiding overlap with planned growth or residential areas.

Implementation:

• Commission's Evaluation:

  • The Commission need not consider whether the company owning an existing line has a franchise in the service area.

Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

Purpose:

• To regulate the approval process for solar energy generating stations in Maryland.

Key Provisions:

1. Local Approval Requirement:

   • The Public Service Commission (PSC) is prohibited from approving a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a solar energy generating station unless it receives written approval for the construction from each county or municipal corporation where the station is proposed to be located.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To prohibit the use of eminent domain for constructing solar energy generating stations.

Key Provisions:

1. Prohibition of Eminent Domain:

   • Prevents any person constructing a solar energy generating station from exercising a right of condemnation in connection with that construction.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To establish a distributed generation certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction and operation of certain distributed solar energy generating systems, and to create a Small Solar Siting Workgroup to review best practices and statewide policies for solar energy systems.

Key Provisions:

1. Distributed Generation Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (DGCPCN):

   • Establishes a DGCPCN for the construction and operation of distributed solar energy generating systems.

   • Requires the Power Plant Research Program to develop proposed siting and design requirements and licensing conditions by July 1, 2026.

   • Prohibits construction of distributed solar energy generating systems without a DGCPCN or certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Public Service Commission.

2. Prohibition on Local Restrictions:

   • Prohibits counties from enacting zoning laws or regulations that restrict or prohibit the construction or operation of certain ground-mounted solar systems with a capacity to produce up to 2 megawatts of alternating current.

3. Small Solar Siting Workgroup:

   • Establishes a Small Solar Siting Workgroup to review, determine, and make recommendations on best practices and statewide model policies for solar energy generating systems with capacities of up to 2 megawatts of alternating current.

   • The Workgroup consists of representatives from various state agencies, industry associations, and environmental organizations.

   • Requires the Workgroup to submit interim and final reports of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2025, and December 1, 2026, respectively.

Effective Date:

• July 1, 2025, with Sections 2 and 3 effective for a period of 2 years, expiring on June 30, 2027.

• To update the requirements and considerations for the construction of overhead transmission lines in Maryland by incorporating advanced transmission technologies and analyses.

Key Provisions:

1. Advanced Transmission Technologies:

   • Redefines "qualified generator lead line" to include infrastructure, hardware, or software that increases the capacity, efficiency, reliability, or resilience of a transmission line.

   • Requires applicants for certificates of public convenience and necessity to analyze alternatives, including advanced transmission technologies.

2. Application Requirements:

   • Applicants must include analyses of alternative transmission solutions, costs, impacts on the environment, and the use of advanced transmission technologies.

   • Requires detailed considerations of alternative routes, costs, and community engagement.

3. Public Service Commission Considerations:

   • The Commission must consider various alternatives, including those submitted by parties involved in the transmission proceedings, before issuing certificates.

   • Ensures ongoing compliance with agreements and obligations related to the operation and maintenance of transmission lines.

4. Reporting and Congestion Management:

   • Owners or operators of overhead transmission lines must submit biennial reports identifying areas of transmission congestion, costs to ratepayers, and feasibility of alternative solutions.

   • Proposes advanced transmission technology implementation plans to address congestion.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• Alter Apprenticeship Tax Credit:

  • Modify the definition of "eligible apprentice" by removing certain wage requirements.

  • Extend the termination date of the tax credit.

Key Provisions:

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • Enrolled in a registered apprenticeship training program.

  • Employed for at least 450 hours in a youth apprenticeship program or 7 full months otherwise.

  • Removes the requirement for the apprentice to receive a wage that is at least 50% of the prevailing wage.

• Tax Credit:

  • $1,000 credit for each eligible apprentice, increased to $3,000 for up to five eligible apprentices not in youth programs.

  • Limit of $15,000 in credits per taxpayer per year.

• Fund and Administration:

  • Establishes the Apprenticeship Tax Credit Reserve Fund.

  • Administered by the Maryland Department of Labor.

  • Credits issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Effective Date: June 1, 2025.

• To require the Public Service Commission to conduct a study on the electric transmission and distribution system in Maryland.

Key Provisions:

1. Study Requirement:

   • The Public Service Commission must conduct a study on the electric transmission system and the electric distribution system in the state.

2. Study Objectives:

   • Provide a comprehensive assessment of grid-enhancing technologies and advanced conductors to ensure system reliability.

   • Safeguard the cybersecurity and physical security of the electric transmission and distribution systems.

3. Study Components:

   • Identify current and future inadequacies in the electric transmission system.

   • Explore alternatives to building transmission lines, such as dynamic line rating, power flow controllers, topology optimization, and other hardware/software to reduce congestion and enhance system flexibility.

   • Assess economic, environmental, and social issues related to the identified alternatives.

   • Summarize public input, local government involvement, and other stakeholder engagement.

   • Identify necessary investments to modernize the electric transmission and distribution systems, enhancing reliability, improving security, and increasing energy conservation through technologies like two-way meters, control technologies, energy storage, microgrids, demand response, and other innovative solutions.

4. Use of Regional Information:

   • The Public Service Commission may use information and analyses from regional transmission organizations to comply with study requirements.

5. Reporting:

   • The Public Service Commission must report its findings to the Governor and relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2026.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• Maryland False Claim Act:

  • Apply to claims involving unemployment insurance.

  • Prohibit false records or statements that result in underpayment of contributions or improper payment of benefits.

  • Deposit civil penalties and damages into the Unemployment Insurance Fund and use penalties for prevailing wage violations to pay restitution to workers.

• Workplace Fraud Laws:

  • General contractors and higher-tiered contractors considered employers of misclassified workers.

  • Prohibit the waiver of workplace fraud laws by private agreement.

  • Establish the Worker Protection Unit within the Office of the Attorney General to enforce worker protection laws.

• Enforcement Mechanisms:

  • Allow the Attorney General to bring actions against employers for underpayment of wages and workplace fraud.

  • Provide mechanisms for the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to investigate and enforce compliance.

  • Impose penalties for failure to properly classify employees and obstruct investigations.

• Collaboration and Information Sharing:

  • Require state agencies to share information on suspected worker misclassification.

  • Cooperate with federal agencies for enforcement.

Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

• To provide incentives and tax exemptions for certain solar energy generating systems, including floating systems and those located on brownfields.

Key Provisions:

1. Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program:

   • Floating solar systems and systems located on brownfields are eligible for the program.

   • To be eligible, a solar system must:

     • Be located in Maryland.

     • Be eligible for the renewable energy portfolio standard.

     • Have a generating capacity of 5 megawatts or less.

     • Be placed in service between July 1, 2024, and January 1, 2028.

     • Be a rooftop, parking canopy, brownfield, or floating system.

2. Certification for Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs):

   • Systems must meet specific criteria, such as interconnection agreements and local building permit approvals.

3. Property Tax Exemption:

   • Nonresidential solar energy systems on rooftops, parking facility canopies, brownfields, or floating systems are exempt from property tax.

Effective Date:

• July 1, 2025.

• To regulate the co-location of data centers with generating stations that are not interconnected with the electric transmission or distribution systems.

Key Provisions:

1. Applicability:

   • Applies to generating stations co-located with data centers that do not interconnect with the electric transmission or distribution systems.

2. Regulations:

   • Requires the Public Service Commission to adopt regulations to implement specific policies related to the construction of such generating stations.

3. Regulation Requirements:

   • Define the generating station as an independent resource not subject to state laws and regulations related to retail electric customers or electricity suppliers.

   • Clarify that state-mandated electric distribution system fees or renewable energy portfolio standard obligations do not apply to the generating station or energy generated there.

   • Ensure the generating station includes backup sources of electricity for reliability.

   • Develop measures to ensure no interaction with the electric transmission or distribution systems.

   • Require cybersecurity safeguards.

   • Mandate demonstration of compliance with state and federal laws and contribution to state energy goals during the application process.

   • Require annual reports on energy sources, environmental impact, contributions to state energy goals, and compliance with operational standards.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To authorize the use of the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund for certain grants and loans, alter the allowed uses of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auction revenue and certain compliance fee revenue, and modify the Customer-Sited Solar Program's definition of "low to moderate income."

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions and Income Criteria:

   • Changes the definition of "low to moderate income" to a household with an annual income at or below 150% of the area median income.

2. Fund Allocation:

   • Allows the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to be used for loans and grants for building and transportation electrification, and to cover program expenses.

   • Allocates proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions and compliance fees to various energy programs, including electrification, energy efficiency, and renewable energy initiatives, with specific portions directed towards low and moderate income programs.

3. Program Adjustments:

   • Requires grants for customer-sited solar programs, electrification projects, and other renewable energy initiatives.

   • Establishes annual reporting requirements on the fund's usage and expenditures, including greenhouse gas savings and financial details on grants exceeding $10,000.

Effective Date:

• July 1, 2025.

1. **Data Dashboard**: The Commissioner must create a clear and easy-to-understand graphic data dashboard for each ongoing public work contract.
2. **Contractor Information**: The dashboard will include the names of contractors and subcontractors, prevailing wage rates, number of employees, regular and overtime wages, fringe benefits, job classifications, and any additional necessary information.
3. **Apprentice Information**: The dashboard will also include the number of apprentices, their trade, certification status, contact information for apprenticeship program sponsors, demographic data, and registration dates.
4. **Weekly Updates**: Contractors must provide the Commissioner with the required information once a week.
5. **Monthly Updates**: The Commissioner must update the data dashboard at least once a month and post it on the Maryland Department of Labor website.
6. **Cache Maintenance**: The Commissioner must maintain a cache of the information posted on the dashboard for at least the preceding 24 months.
7. **Regulations**: The Commissioner may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in public work contracts and apprenticeship programs in Maryland. You can find more details in the full text of the bill [here](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/sb/sb0003F.pdf).

1. Impact Consideration: The Public Service Commission must consider the impact of developing overhead transmission lines on properties with existing conservation easements.
2. Alternative Routes: Applicants for a certificate of public convenience and necessity must consider alternative routes for transmission lines that affect conservation easements or alter proposed routes.

The bill aims to balance the development of necessary infrastructure with the preservation of conservation easements. You can find more details in the full text of the bill here.

1. **Local Legislative Authority**: Alters the authority of local legislative bodies to regulate land use planning within a certain radius of transit stations.
2. **Special Taxes**: Exempts special taxes for the benefit of TOD from county tax limitations or bond caps.
3. **State Procurement Law**: Exempts TOD from certain provisions of state procurement law.
4. **Bond Proceeds**: Authorizes the deposit of certain bond proceeds into the Transit–Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund.
5. **Geographical Limitation**: Repeals a geographical limitation on the use of money in the Transit–Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund.
6. **Authorized Uses**: Expands the authorized uses of the Transit–Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund to include planning and financing costs.
7. **TOD Corridor Funds**: Authorizes the Maryland Department of Transportation to establish TOD corridor funds financed by revenue from county special taxing districts to benefit TOD.

The bill aims to enhance the development and support of transit-oriented development in Maryland. You can find more details in the full text of the bill [here](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/sb/sb0190F.pdf).

1. **Definition of Eligible Apprentice**: Alters the definition by removing the wage requirement for apprentices in certain employee classifications.
2. **Extension of Credit**: Extends the termination date of the credit from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2031.
3. **Credit Amounts**: Maintains the credit amounts of $1,000 for each eligible apprentice, with an increased amount of $3,000 for the first five eligible apprentices not in a youth apprenticeship program.
4. **Application Process**: Requires employers to submit applications to the Maryland Department of Labor for tax credit certificates.
5. **Annual Limit**: Limits the total amount of tax credit certificates issued to $15,000 per taxpayer per year.
6. **Reserve Fund**: Establishes the Apprenticeship Tax Credit Reserve Fund to offset revenue reductions to the General Fund.

The bill aims to support the employment of apprentices by providing tax incentives to employers. You can find more details in the full text of the bill [here](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/sb/sb0325F.pdf).

1. **Task Force Creation**: Establishes a task force to study the premature retirement of electricity generation facilities.

2. **Membership**: Includes members from the Senate, House of Delegates, Secretary of the Environment, Chair of the Public Service Commission, and representatives appointed by the Governor.

3. **Chair**: The Chair of the Public Service Commission will serve as the chair of the task force.

4. **Staffing**: The Public Service Commission will provide staff for the task force.

5. **Compensation**: Members will not receive compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for expenses.

6. **Duties**: The task force will assess cost savings, evaluate impacts on energy reliability and the environment, examine economic challenges, facilitate stakeholder collaboration, and conduct infrastructure transition analysis.

7. **Recommendations**: The task force will make recommendations to address challenges and enhance decision-making regarding the premature retirement of electricity generation facilities.

8. **Report**: The task force will report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2026.

9. **Effective Date**: The act takes effect on July 1, 2025, and remains effective until June 30, 2026.

You can find more details in the full text of the bill [here](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/sb/sb0332F.pdf).

1. **Multimodal Transportation Program**: Requires the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a multimodal transportation program for major highway expansion projects.
2. **Impact Assessments**: Mandates the evaluation of major capital projects for their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.
3. **Offsetting Activities**: Requires funding for activities to offset the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled from major capital projects.
4. **Annual Reports**: The Department must publish annual evaluations of major capital projects' impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.
5. **Capacity Expansion Impact Assessments**: The Secretary of Transportation must establish a process for performing capacity expansion impact assessments.

The bill aims to ensure that transportation projects contribute to the state's climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled. You can find more details in the full text of the bill [here](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/hb/hb0084F.pdf).

• To require risk assessment for major information technology (IT) development projects and provide terms for contracts involving these projects.

Key Provisions:

1. Risk Assessment:

   • The Secretary of Information Technology must conduct a risk assessment if a major IT development project presents exceptional risks.

   • The assessment considers sensitive or personally identifiable information.

   • Recommendations to increase the limitation of liability for contractors if risks are significant.

2. Contract Terms:

   • Contracts must include terms for indemnification and liability limits.

   • Liability may not exceed twice the contract value but can be lower by mutual agreement.

   • Certain exceptions apply, such as intentional misconduct or claims for bodily injury.

3. Procurement Process Examination:

   • The Chief Procurement Officer and Secretary of Information Technology, with stakeholders, must examine and recommend improvements to procurement processes for major IT projects.

   • A report on findings and recommendations is required by December 1, 2026.

4. Annual Reporting:

   • The Secretary must publish an annual list of recommendations and outcomes related to major IT projects starting in 2026.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To prohibit the use of eminent domain for constructing solar energy generating stations.

Key Provisions:

1. Prohibition of Eminent Domain:

   • Prevents any person constructing a solar energy generating station from exercising a right of condemnation in connection with that construction.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To require the Public Service Commission to conduct a full costs and benefits analysis of various sources of electricity generation in Maryland.

Key Provisions:

1. Cost Analysis:

   • The analysis will identify the costs of electricity to ratepayers under different generation mixes, including natural gas, nuclear energy, and offshore wind energy.

2. Reliability and Intermittency:

   • The analysis will also include the additional costs required to address reliability issues and the intermittency of offshore wind energy.

3. Levelized Full System Cost of Electricity Model:

   • This model will be used to analyze the costs of meeting the state's electricity needs from different sources, such as natural gas, nuclear energy, and offshore wind, including the use of energy storage to offset reliability and intermittency issues.

4. Policy Recommendations:

   • The analysis will include recommendations for policy changes to support the development of the energy sources with the lowest costs and greatest benefits to ratepayers.

5. Report:

   • The Public Service Commission must report its findings and recommendations to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Economic Matters Committee by December 1, 2026.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025

• Building Performance Standards:

  • Enhance the Maryland Building Performance Standards to promote energy conservation and fossil fuel reduction.

Key Provisions:

• Fossil Fuel Reduction:

  • New buildings and significant improvements must meet laundry, water, and space heating demands without fossil fuels by October 1, 2025.

  • Allow waivers for specific uses, such as emergency backup power systems, commercial food establishments, and laboratories, with certain conditions.

• Energy Efficiency:

  • Define energy efficiency and electric-ready standards.

  • Establish average energy efficiency requirements for new residential buildings and all buildings.

• Solar-Ready:

  • Require solar-ready standards for new buildings and significant improvements with at least 20,000 square feet of roof space.

  • Allow waivers based on incident solar radiation or shadow studies.

• Local Jurisdiction Authority:

  • Permit local jurisdictions to adopt stricter energy conservation requirements and prohibit fossil fuel use in buildings.

• To limit the construction of overhead transmission lines in certain circumstances and ensure the use of existing transmission line rights-of-way.

Key Provisions:

1. Restriction on New Overhead Transmission Lines:

   • Prohibits the Public Service Commission (PSC) from authorizing, and a person from undertaking, the construction of an overhead transmission line that does not utilize an existing transmission line right-of-way unless it is adequately demonstrated that existing rights-of-way are insufficient.

   • If the PSC determines that existing rights-of-way are insufficient, it may authorize construction of a new overhead transmission line within 0.25 miles of an existing overhead transmission line.

2. Local Authority:

   • Clarifies that counties or municipal corporations have the authority to approve or deny any local permits required under a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the PSC, provided that approvals are made within a reasonable time and in accordance with local laws not preempted by state law.

Effective Date:

• July 1, 2025.

• To establish an expedited certificate of public convenience and necessity review process for certain co-located energy generation projects and to provide sales and use tax exemptions for qualified data centers.

Key Provisions:

1. Fast Track Pass:

   • Establishes an expedited review process for certificates of public convenience and necessity for co-located energy generation projects with data centers that have received a Fast Track Pass.

   • Creates a Data Center Fast Track Advisory Committee to facilitate the application and review process.

2. Eligibility for Tax Exemption:

   • Alters the requirements for qualified data center personal property to be eligible for sales and use tax exemptions.

   • Authorizes the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to limit the sales and use tax exemption under certain circumstances.

3. Criteria for Fast Track Pass:

   • Establishes criteria for selecting projects to receive a Fast Track Pass, including energy generation technology, power usage effectiveness, green building standards, land use, water usage, community impact, and environmental justice considerations.

Effective Date:

• July 1, 2025.

• To establish the Affordable Grid Act, which aims to improve the planning and efficiency of Maryland's electric distribution system.

Key Provisions:

1. Electric Distribution System Plan:

   • Requires electric companies to develop an electric distribution system plan every three years, subject to approval by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

   • Electric companies must provide annual progress reports to the PSC.

2. Regulatory Requirements:

   • Mandates the PSC to adopt regulations or issue orders by December 31, 2025, for electric system planning, including metrics for monitoring progress, public comment opportunities, and information-sharing frameworks.

3. Planning Elements:

   • Electric companies must include forecasts for distributed energy resources and load, scenario analyses, hosting capacity, load-serving capacity, and non-wires solutions.

   • Plans must address innovations and technologies to increase reliability and resilience, such as automated electric vehicle load management, clean microgrids, and virtual power plants.

4. Public Participation:

   • Electric companies must provide specific opportunities for public and stakeholder participation during the drafting process, including public meetings and written feedback.

5. Approval Criteria:

   • The PSC must find that the plan strategically benefits state policy goals, cost-effectively advances state policy, and incorporates non-wires solutions.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To amend the Public Utilities Article to include new requirements and considerations for the construction and operation of solar energy generating stations and energy storage devices, as well as for the sale, lease, and installation of residential rooftop solar energy generating systems.

Key Provisions:

1. Solar Energy Generating Stations:

   • Establishes siting and boundary requirements for solar energy generating stations with a capacity to produce more than 2 megawatts of electricity.

   • Prohibits local jurisdictions from adopting laws that restrict the construction or operation of these solar stations, and mandates expedited review and approval of site development plans.

   • Includes requirements for public notifications, public meetings, fencing, landscaping buffers, soil integrity, and decommissioning agreements.

2. Energy Storage Devices:

   • Applies similar approval and siting requirements to energy storage devices as those for solar energy generating stations.

   • Prohibits local jurisdictions from restricting the construction or operation of energy storage devices and requires expedited review and approval of site development plans.

3. Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Generating Systems:

   • Imposes requirements on sellers and lessors, including a 5-year full warranty on installations, disclosure of weather-adjusted energy production expectations, and certification of compliance with legal standards.

   • Mandates the development of technical safety standards and minimum qualifications for installers by the Public Service Commission and the Maryland Energy Administration.

4. Community Solar Energy Generating Systems:

   • Allows local governments to establish automatic enrollment programs for community solar projects, with requirements for public notice and opt-out options.

   • Ensures at least 51% of automatic enrollment subscribers are low-to-moderate income (LMI) subscribers.

5. Study on Electricity Generation Partnerships:

   • Requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a study on establishing partnerships between electric companies and electricity suppliers for new electricity generation projects, with a focus on resource adequacy and minimal impact on customer rates.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To require risk assessment for major information technology (IT) development projects and provide terms for contracts involving these projects.

Key Provisions:

1. Risk Assessment:

   • The Secretary of Information Technology must conduct a risk assessment if a major IT development project presents exceptional risks.

   • The assessment considers sensitive or personally identifiable information.

   • Recommendations to increase the limitation of liability for contractors if risks are significant.

2. Contract Terms:

   • Contracts must include terms for indemnification and liability limits.

   • Liability may not exceed twice the contract value but can be lower by mutual agreement.

   • Certain exceptions apply, such as intentional misconduct or claims for bodily injury.

3. Procurement Process Examination:

   • The Chief Procurement Officer and Secretary of Information Technology, with stakeholders, must examine and recommend improvements to procurement processes for major IT projects.

   • A report on findings and recommendations is required by December 1, 2026.

4. Annual Reporting:

   • The Secretary must publish an annual list of recommendations and outcomes related to major IT projects starting in 2026.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• Automated Expungement:

  • Streamline the expungement process for certain criminal records, especially focusing on cannabis-related charges.

Key Provisions:

• Expungement Procedures:

  • Repeal the requirement for expungement of cannabis possession cases by July 1, 2024.

  • Establish procedures for the automated expungement of eligible cases by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Judiciary.

• Criteria for Expungement:

  • Expunge cases where all charges are eligible under certain sections if specific time periods have passed since the case disposition.

  • Regular monthly identification and notification of newly eligible cases for expungement.

Implementation:

• Deadlines:

  • Begin monthly identification of eligible cases starting August 1, 2027.

  • Complete expungement within 30 days of notification.

Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

• To regulate the construction and operation of generating stations co-located with data centers but not interconnected with the electric transmission or distribution systems.

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions:

   • Defines key terms such as "construction," "data center," and "generating station."

2. Applicability:

   • Applies to generating stations co-located with data centers that do not connect to the electric transmission or distribution systems.

3. Regulations:

   • The Public Service Commission must adopt regulations to implement specific policies related to the construction of these generating stations.

   • Generating stations are considered independent resources not subject to state laws related to retail electric customers or electricity suppliers.

   • State-mandated electric distribution system fees or renewable energy portfolio standard obligations do not apply to these generating stations.

   • Must include backup sources of electricity for reliability, robust protective measures to prevent interaction with electric systems, and cybersecurity safeguards.

   • Applicants must demonstrate compliance with state and federal laws, contribution to state energy goals, and the independent nature of the generating station.

4. Annual Reporting:

   • Owners or operators of generating stations must submit annual reports detailing energy sources, environmental impact, contributions to state energy goals, and compliance with operational standards.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To authorize the construction, permitting, and operation of natural gas generating facilities in Maryland until the state meets a certain percentage of its energy needs from renewable energy resources.

Key Provisions:

1. Authorization for Natural Gas Facilities:

   • Allows the construction, permitting, and operation of natural gas generating facilities in Maryland until the state meets 50% of its energy needs from renewable energy resources, including nuclear energy.

2. Certification Requirements:

   • Requires any person constructing a natural gas generating facility to obtain either a certificate of public convenience and necessity under Section 7-207 or approval from the Public Service Commission under Section 7-207.1.

3. Transition to Renewable Energy:

   • Once Maryland meets 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources, the Maryland Energy Administration will work with natural gas facility owners and operators to decrease energy production from natural gas as renewable energy production increases.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To authorize investor-owned electric companies to construct, acquire, or lease, and operate their own generating and transmission facilities in Maryland.

Key Provisions:

1. Authorization for Investor-Owned Electric Companies:

   • Permits investor-owned electric companies to construct, acquire, or lease, and operate their own generating facilities.

   • Allows these companies to construct, acquire, or lease, and operate their own transmission facilities necessary to interconnect generating facilities with the electric system.

2. Role of the Public Service Commission:

   • Repeals the authority of the Public Service Commission to allow or require investor-owned electric companies to construct, acquire, or lease, and operate their own generating or transmission facilities under certain circumstances.

   • Establishes that investor-owned electric companies can proceed with these activities subject to the requirements of Subtitle 2 of the Public Utilities title.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To enhance the evaluation criteria for constructing overhead transmission lines by considering the use of advanced grid-enhancing technologies.

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions:

   • Adds "grid enhancing technologies" to the existing definitions, including high-performance conductors and storage used as transmission.

2. Public Service Commission Considerations:

   • Requires the Public Service Commission to consider the use of grid-enhancing technologies as an alternative to constructing new transmission lines.

   • Mandates ongoing compliance with relevant agreements and obligations for the operation and maintenance of overhead transmission lines.

3. Site Identification:

   • Applicants must identify if the proposed transmission line is to be constructed on existing brownfields sites, properties with existing easements, or sites with existing transmission line support structures.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To establish the Task Force to Develop a Realistic Electricity Plan for Maryland and to impose a moratorium on the construction and expansion of transmission lines during a specified period.

Key Provisions:

1. Task Force Creation:

   • Establishes a Task Force with members from the Senate, House of Delegates, state agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders.

   • The Task Force will study and make recommendations on the State's current and future electricity needs under various scenarios.

2. Task Force Responsibilities:

   • Study realistic forecasts, electricity import estimates, and electricity cost projections for 2026, 2030, 2035, and 2040.

   • Consider policy options and make recommendations for legislation to ensure the State imports no more than 25% of its electricity by 2030, 2035, and 2040.

   • Address the reliability and adequacy of electricity for Maryland ratepayers and businesses through 2040.

   • Examine options such as expanding nuclear and renewable energy, prioritizing energy storage facilities, and upgrading transmission systems.

3. Report:

   • The Task Force must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2025.

4. Moratorium on Transmission Lines:

   • Prohibits the Public Service Commission from approving the construction or expansion of transmission lines in the State from July 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026.

Effective Date:

• July 1, 2025, with the Act expiring on June 30, 2026.

• To regulate the use of eminent domain in the construction of overhead transmission lines, particularly on properties with conservation easements.

Key Provisions:

1. Prohibition on Eminent Domain:

   • Prohibits a person constructing an overhead transmission line from exercising a right of condemnation to acquire property encumbered by a conservation easement.

   • Defines "conservation easement" to include various types of easements owned by environmental trusts, agricultural land preservation foundations, state departments, and other land trusts.

2. Legal Actions and Damages:

   • Authorizes property owners to bring actions for damages incurred due to the devaluation of their property resulting from nearby condemnation proceedings related to overhead transmission lines.

   • Includes provisions for awarding reasonable attorney's fees to defendants and charging court costs to plaintiffs if the assessed property value is determined to be higher than the appraised value by the condemning authority.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.

• To establish a Distributed Generation Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (DGCPCN) for the construction and operation of certain distributed solar energy generating systems, and to create a Small Solar Siting Workgroup to review best practices and statewide policies for solar energy systems.

Key Provisions:

1. Distributed Generation Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (DGCPCN):

   • Establishes a DGCPCN for the construction and operation of distributed solar energy generating systems.

   • Requires the Power Plant Research Program to develop proposed siting and design requirements and licensing conditions by July 1, 2026.

   • Prohibits construction of distributed solar energy generating systems without a DGCPCN or certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Public Service Commission.

2. Prohibition on Local Restrictions:

   • Prohibits counties from enacting zoning laws or regulations that restrict or prohibit the construction or operation of certain ground-mounted solar systems with a capacity to produce up to 2 megawatts of alternating current.

3. Small Solar Siting Workgroup:

   • Establishes a Small Solar Siting Workgroup to review, determine, and make recommendations on best practices and statewide model policies for solar energy generating systems with capacities of up to 2 megawatts of alternating current.

   • The Workgroup consists of representatives from various state agencies, industry associations, and environmental organizations.

   • Requires the Workgroup to submit interim and final reports of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2025, and December 1, 2026, respectively.

Effective Date:

• July 1, 2025, with Sections 2 and 3 effective for a period of 2 years, expiring on June 30, 2027.

• To alter the requirements and considerations for natural gas infrastructure replacement projects proposed by gas companies.

Key Provisions:

1. Plan Requirements:

   • Gas companies must include detailed descriptions, timelines, cost estimates, and benefits for each eligible infrastructure replacement project in their plans.

   • Plans must prioritize projects based on risk and cost-effectiveness and compare the costs with alternatives such as leak detection, repair, and electrification.

   • A plan for notifying customers affected by proposed projects at least 2 years in advance to allow them the opportunity to electrify.

2. Commission Findings:

   • The Public Service Commission can approve plans if investments and costs are reasonable, prudent, improve safety, align with state climate policy, and consider natural gas alternatives.

3. Cost Recovery:

   • Approved plans allow gas companies to recover costs through a fixed annual surcharge on customer bills.

   • The surcharge is capped at $2 per month for residential customers and proportional for nonresidential customers.

4. Public Hearings and Final Action:

   • The Commission may hold public hearings and must approve or deny plans within specified timeframes.

5. Refunds and Adjustments:

   • Gas companies must refund customers if actual costs are lower than collected amounts and adjust surcharges if costs are higher, subject to Commission approval.

6. Annual Reconciliation:

   • Gas companies must annually reconcile actual plan costs with collected surcharge amounts.

Effective Date:

• October 1, 2025.