Bill > HB779

This bill mandates that beginning July 1, 2028, state and local capital projects that receive at least 50% of their funding from the state and cost $500,000 or more must comply with new riverine siting and design criteria. These criteria, which will be established by the Coast Smart Council (a body composed of various state secretaries and appointed members) by July 1, 2027, will specifically address the impacts of a 500-year flood event on these projects. The criteria will include how to define a 500-year flood, guidelines for planning and construction, requirements for structures to withstand or avoid inundation from such floods, and a process for obtaining waivers from these requirements. The Coast Smart Council will also be responsible for reviewing and updating these criteria every five years, with the Department reporting on these reviews to legislative committees.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0779?ys=2026RS