Bill > HB20

This bill reforms Maryland's transportation planning and prioritization process by making several key changes to the state's transportation law. It establishes a more structured and transparent approach to evaluating and selecting transportation projects, with a focus on creating a more objective project-based scoring system. The bill introduces new definitions for transportation projects, including "capacity enhancing projects" and "major surface transportation projects," and requires the Maryland Department of Transportation to develop a comprehensive evaluation method that considers factors such as safety, accessibility, climate change, social equity, economic development, and land use. The bill also restructures the Maryland Transportation Commission, reducing its size from 17 to 11 members and ensuring representation from both urban and rural areas. Members will now serve four-year staggered terms, and the Secretary of Transportation will serve as the Commission's chair. Additionally, the legislation mandates the development of asset management practices for state highways, including establishing performance targets for pavement and bridge conditions, and creating a transparent methodology for prioritizing maintenance and operations funding. The bill aims to improve transportation planning by making the process more data-driven, equitable, and responsive to local and state transportation needs.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations (H)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0020?ys=2025RS