Bill > SB197

This bill updates Maryland's land use laws by renumbering existing sections and significantly altering the required elements for comprehensive and general plans. It mandates that these plans must now include specific elements such as Land, Transportation, Housing, Economy, Equity, Resilience, Place, and Ecology, replacing older requirements like "development regulations" and "sensitive areas" with more detailed and contemporary considerations. The bill also clarifies that planning commissions have the discretion to determine the format and organizational structure of these plans, provided all required elements are addressed, and allows for the inclusion of additional elements. Furthermore, it outlines the content and informational requirements for each element, emphasizing the need for plans to be informed by state plans, relevant data, and to provide goals, objectives, guidelines, standards, and strategies for balanced future development. The bill also includes provisions for the publisher of the Annotated Code of Maryland to correct cross-references and terminology, and sets an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Education

Education, Energy, and the Environment (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0197?ys=2026RS