Bill > HB1196

This bill establishes a Mobile Home Park Water Quality Testing Program, requiring the Department of the Environment to develop and implement this program by January 1, 2027. The program mandates that the Department conduct water quality testing at a progressively increasing percentage of mobile home parks, reaching 100% by January 1, 2031, with priority given to parks in areas with minority populations, known geological contamination, or those with resident complaints. The bill defines key terms such as "finished water" (water supplied for human consumption within a mobile home park), "remediation" (resolving water quality issues to ensure safety), and "water quality issue" (when water fails to meet standards or poses a health risk). If a water quality issue is found, the Department must notify the park owner and local health departments, and the park owner is then required to inform residents, provide guidance, and submit a remediation plan for approval, with the costs of compliance not being passed on to residents. The Department will also develop a Statewide Action Plan by January 1, 2028, to address and improve water quality in these parks, and has enforcement powers including issuing notices of violation, penalties, and enforcement orders, with a prohibition against retaliating against residents who report issues.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1196?ys=2026RS