Bill > HB613

This bill, concerning shoreline stabilization in Maryland, aims to promote the use of "living shorelines" – projects that use natural materials like plants, oyster reefs, and submerged aquatic vegetation to absorb storm impacts and prevent erosion, while also allowing for some approved structural elements if necessary. It clarifies that these measures, along with other "nonstructural shoreline stabilization measures" (which are primarily tidal wetland vegetation designed to preserve the natural shoreline and create habitat), should be prioritized for shoreline stabilization projects, particularly in areas not designated for traditional structural stabilization. The bill introduces a waiver process for property owners who can demonstrate that living shorelines or nonstructural measures are not feasible for their specific property, requiring the Department of the Environment (DOE) to visit the site within 45 days of a waiver request and notify local soil conservation districts for recommendations. Furthermore, the DOE will develop a scoring system to evaluate waiver requests, outlining the factors considered, their weight, and the minimum score needed to prove infeasibility, though the DOE retains discretion to grant waivers even if a project doesn't meet the minimum score. The bill also mandates stakeholder engagement to address challenges in high-energy environments and improve waiver process transparency, with a report due to legislative committees by December 1, 2026, and the act taking effect on July 1, 2026.