Bill > HB613

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, establishes specific requirements for shoreline stabilization in Calvert and St. Mary's Counties, Maryland, focusing on "living shorelines" and "nonstructural shoreline stabilization measures." A "living shoreline" is defined as a project that uses natural materials like wetlands, oyster reefs, and native plants, along with some structural elements, to absorb storm impacts and prevent erosion, while also maintaining or restoring natural connections between land and water. "Nonstructural shoreline stabilization measures" are erosion control methods primarily using tidal wetland vegetation to preserve the natural shoreline, minimize erosion, and create aquatic habitat, which can include marsh construction. Crucially, this bill exempts properties in Calvert and St. Mary's Counties from certain general requirements previously outlined in the Environment Article, specifically those related to the feasibility of nonstructural measures, and instead places the authority for implementing and waiving these requirements with the local Soil Conservation Districts in those counties. These districts will adopt regulations, including a waiver process if living shorelines or nonstructural measures are not feasible for a property, and will ensure projects are designed to withstand at least a 10-year storm event, with specific inter-county review processes for projects where one county's Soil Conservation District provided design services.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0613?ys=2026RS