Bill > SB973

This bill modifies Maryland's aviation oversight laws, primarily focusing on the Maryland Aviation Commission's role and responsibilities. The bill shifts several key powers from the Maryland Aviation Administration's Executive Director to the Commission, including the ability to directly adopt (rather than just approve) regulations for state-owned airports. The Commission will now be required to meet at least 10 times per year, with four of those potentially being subcommittee meetings. The bill also introduces a new requirement that contracts exceeding $1 million must be approved by the Commission in a public meeting. For Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive master plan process, requiring at least two public hearings, public distribution of proposed plans, and updates at least every 10 years. Additionally, the bill changes the composition of the Commission, clarifies its oversight responsibilities, and requires more transparency in airport operations, such as annual briefings on noise abatement plans. These changes aim to increase public involvement, enhance oversight, and improve the governance of Maryland's aviation infrastructure. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0973?ys=2025RS