Bill > HB731

This bill establishes the Maryland Connectivity Coalition, a collaborative group aimed at protecting endangered and threatened wildlife by addressing habitat fragmentation and reducing vehicle-wildlife collisions. The coalition will consist of representatives from state and federal agencies, including the Secretary of Natural Resources, the State Highway Administrator, legislators, and other stakeholders. The coalition's primary objectives include protecting wildlife species from habitat fragmentation, safeguarding motorists by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, and facilitating the sharing of resources and expertise related to wildlife habitat connectivity. The State Highway Administration will have final decision-making authority regarding wildlife crossing placement, funding, and design. The coalition will develop criteria for prioritizing wildlife connectivity projects, considering factors such as collision rates, habitat division, and equitable distribution across the state. Additionally, the bill requires charter counties and local jurisdictions to consider wildlife movement and habitat connectivity when developing land use plans, and mandates that the Department of Planning coordinate with relevant agencies to provide updated information on habitat connectivity and wildlife crossings. The bill removes provisions for a previously proposed Wildlife Connectivity Fund and instead focuses on the collaborative approach of the coalition. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0731?ys=2025RS