POLICY WATCH 2024
The 446th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly was successful, with Maryland's 188 State Representatives celebrating Sine Die. They introduced and reviewed nearly 3,500 pieces of legislation, including the budget bills. The focus was on supporting the administration through challenging budget restraints, addressing transportation funding, and implementing policies of the Department of Juvenile Services, state attorneys, and law enforcement. Additionally, measures were taken to support the environment and mitigate climate change.
MCEC staff monitored 87 pieces of legislation (50 cross-files) relevant to our mission and the adoption of clean energy products, services, and technologies. Thirty-five energy-related bills passed their chamber of origination, the opposing chamber, were returned passed and presented to the Governor for his signature. 73 failed due to sponsor withdrawal, unfavorable reports by the assigned committee, or remaining in the assigned committee. Nine cross-filed bills that failed were companions to legislation that passed.
The passing of SB0528 - Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) of 2022 required numerous reports to be presented to the legislature by the end of 2023. These reports influenced assembly members to introduce legislation addressing climate mitigation solutions to meet the State's ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals. The Governor announced the transfer of $90 M from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) in the FY 2025 budget to support the administration’s climate agenda. The funding includes at least 50% to uplift communities historically overburdened and underserved and will be used for three initiatives:
- $17 M to purchase and lease electric school buses for the state’s public school systems
- $23 M to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure in low and moderate-income communities
- $50 M to electrify hospitals, schools, multi-family housing and community buildings
Staff identified four common themes among the energy-related legislation during the 2024 legislative session: Building Energy Performance Stands and Environmental Justice, Finance and Innovation, Regulation, Renewable Energy, Utilities, and Transportation. We observed bills promoting regulation, renewable energy, and utilities moving more frequently throughout the process. Advanced clean energy, energy efficiency, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and climate action and environmental relief remain vital in supporting the goals of the CSNA.
In addition to the typical tireless work of our legislators, they worked with the Governor to pass bills addressing the Francis Scott Bridge Collapse. This legislation will assist those impacted by the tragedy. The Governor hosted a Bill Signing this afternoon that included the following:
- The Port Act
- Maryland Road Worker Protection Act
- The Protecting Election Officials Act
- The Families Serve Act
- The Time to Serve Act
- The Caring for Public Employees in Safety Professions (CAPES) Act
120 bills were signed by the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House.
Additional Bill Signings will be scheduled between now and the end of May. The Maryland Constitution requires that the Assembly present passed legislation to the Governor within twenty days of Sine Die. The Governor must sign or veto the bills presented within thirty days of Sine Die. He can elect to allow the law to be enacted without his signature.
The 2024 MCEC Legislative Tracking Sheet provides a summary designating passed and failed legislation. Bills with a chance of passing over the weekend stayed in their current position with notes allowing you to see what transpired. A number of bills passed through the assigned committee when the cross-file passed, passing the floor vote in the chamber of origin and the opposing chamber, and were returned passed on the same day. Several bills that appear to have failed were added to SB0783 - Renewable Energy - Net Energy Metering Aggregation, Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and Taxes on Solar Energy Generating Systems (Brighter Tomorrow Act).
END OF SESSION SUMMARY
- The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 mandated reports due at the end of 2023, prompting legislation addressing climate mitigation goals
- Building Performance Standards provided a repeated theme, but more legislation remains in committee than ones that passed
- Electric vehicle and EV Infrastructure legislation passed
- Finance and Innovation are critical in addressing the climate mitigation goals of Maryland
- Multiple pieces of legislation address Environmental Justice issues, with many remaining in committee
- Workforce Development is key in providing support for the advanced energy economy
- Several bills addressed concerns in the renewable energy sector
- Legislation must pass both chambers and return to the chamber of origination to be presented to the Governor for his signature and become law by midnight on Sine Die
BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
- Ten pieces of legislation address Building Energy Performance Standards and Environmental Justice
- Three crossed to opposing chamber and were Returned Passed or Passed Enrolled
- Bills that passed
- SB0258 / HB0130 - Department of General Services - State Buildings and Facilities - Energy Conservation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
- SB1033 / HB0926 - Maryland Building Performance Standards - Local Requests for Guidance - Religious Considerations
- HB0990 - Environment - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions - Manufacturers
FINANCE AND INNOVATION
- Thirteen pieces of legislation address Finance and Innovation
- Four crossed to the opposing chamber and were Returned Passed or Passed Enrolled
- Bills that passed
- SB0171 / HB0139 - Landlord and Tenant – Office of Home Energy Programs – Financial Assistance
- SB0808 / HB1466 – Anaerobic Digestion Technology – Coordination and Guidance
- SB0960 / HB1220 - Maryland Clean Energy Center - Climate Technology Founder's Fund
- HB1393 - Electric System Planning - Scope and Funding
REGULATION, RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND UTILITIES
- Twenty-six pieces of legislation address Regulation, Renewable Energy, and Utilities
- Twelve crossed to the opposing chamber and were Returned Passed or Passed Enrolled
- Bills that passed
- SB0001 / HB0269 - Electricity and Gas - Retail Supply - Regulation and Consumer Protection
- SB0206 / HB0216 - Condominiums - Common Elements - Clean Energy Equipment
- SB0337 / HB0323 – Environment – Commission on Climate Change Membership – Addition
- SB0345 / HB0344 – Transportation – Vision Zero Advisory Commission - Establishment
- SB0474 / HB0597 - Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Related Approvals - Definition of Generating Station (Critical Infrastructure Streamlining Act of 2024)
- SB0532 / HB0468 - Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland
- SB0536 / HB0680 - Environment - Nuclear Power Plants - Emergency Preparedness (Radiation and Emergency Preparedness and Protection Act)
- SB0570 / HB0397 - Public Utilities – Thermal Energy Network Systems – Authorization and Establishment (Working for Accessible Renewable Maryland Thermal Heat (WARMTH) Act)
- SB0651 / HB0882 – Business Regulation – Sale of Motor Fuel – Pricing Signage (Gas Price Gauging Act)
- SB0783 / HB1435 – Renewable Energy - Net Energy Metering Aggregation, Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and Taxes on Solar Energy Generating Systems (Brighter Tomorrow Act)
- SB1161 / HB1296 – Electricity – Offshore Wind Projects - Alterations
- HB0864 - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans
TRANSPORTATION AND WORK FORCE
- Twenty-four pieces of legislation address Transportation and Workforce
- Five crossed to opposing chamber and were Returned Passed or Passed Enrolled
- Bills that passed
- SB0298 - State Board of Electricians - Licensing - Penalties
- SB0465 / HB0159 - Common Ownership Communities - Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment (Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment Act of 2024)
- SB0553 / HB0437 - Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council - Membership
- SB0951 / HB1028 - Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Workgroup
- SB0959 / HB1256 - Electricity - Tariffs, Distributed Energy Resources, and Electric Distribution System Support Services (Distributed Renewable Integration and Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE) Act)
PASSED LEGISLATION
Synopsis: Establishing an energy salesperson license for certain persons that offer or sell electricity or gas supply agreements to customers in the State; providing for the terms of electricity supplier, energy salesperson, and gas supplier licenses issued by the Public Service Commission; establishing certain licensing and renewal requirements for certain persons; providing for certain disciplinary actions by the Commission against electricity suppliers, gas suppliers, and energy salespersons for certain acts; etc.
SB0001 Pre-Filed 10.11.23
01.10.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 1/25 at 1:30 p.m.
02.23.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.04.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.08.24 Third Reading Passed (33-14)
03.11.24 Referred Economic Matters
03.20.24 Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
03.28.23 Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
03.28.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.29.24 Third Reading Passed (99-39)
Synopsis: Requiring a landlord to accept financial assistance from the Office of Home Energy Programs in the Department of Human Services for the cost of utility services that a tenant is required to pay; requiring a landlord, under certain circumstances, to provide a tenant with utility service documentation that is necessary for the Office to determine the eligibility of the tenant for financial assistance; and authorizing the Department to impose on a landlord in violation of the Act certain administrative penalties.
SB0171 Pre-Filed 10.11.23
01.10.24 First Reading Judicial Proceedings
Hearing 1/30 at 1:00 p.m.
02.19.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
02.12.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
02.14.24 Third Reading Passed (46-0)
02.23.24 Referred Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
04.01.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
04.01.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.03.24 Third Reading Passed (99-35)
HB0139 Pre-Filed 10.03.23
01.10.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 1/30 at 2:00 p.m.
02.20.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
02.22.24 Third Reading Passed (101-37)
02.23.24 Referred Judicial Proceedings
Synopsis: Authorizing certain governing bodies of a condominium to grant certain interests affecting the common elements of the condominium for the installation and use of leased clean energy equipment.
SB0206 Pre-Filed 10.20.23
01.10.24 First Reading Judicial Proceedings
Hearing 1/30 at 1:00 p.m.
02.10.24 Motion Special Order until 2/19 (Senator Hershey) Adopted
02.14.2 Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
02.21.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
02.27.24 Third Reading Passed (38-7)
02.28.24 Referred Environment and Transportation
03.21. 24 Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
04.01.24 Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
04.01.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (99-36)
04.03.24 Returned Passed
HB0216 Pre-Filed 08.25.23
01.10.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 1/30 at 2:00 p.m.
02.07.24 Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
02.08.24 Second Reading Passed
02.13.24 Third Reading Passed (100-36)
02.14.24 Referred Judicial Proceedings
03.27.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
03.28.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.29.24 Third Reading Passed (36-9)
04.02.24 House Concurs Senate Amendment
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (100-37)
04.02.24 Passed Enrolled
Synopsis: Altering the State's goals for reducing energy consumption in State buildings; requiring the Maryland Green Building Council to update the High Performance Green Building Program to ensure that the Program aligns with certain greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals; requiring the Department of General Services to identify State-owned facilities that are potential candidates for energy performance contracts; etc.
SB0258 Pre-Filed 09.18.23
01.10.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 1/31 at 2:00 p.m.
02.26.24 Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
02.27.24 Second Reading Passed
02.29.24 Third Reading Passed (37-9)
03.01.24 Referred Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/20 at 1:00 p.m.
04.01.24 Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
04.01.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (103-34)
04.03.24 Returned Passed
Synopsis: Authorizing the State Board of Electricians to impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 instead of or in addition to reprimanding a licensee or suspending or revoking a license for certain violations; requiring the Board to consider certain factors to determine the amount of a penalty imposed under the Act; and requiring by October 1, 2024, the Board to submit to certain committees of the General Assembly a report, covering years 2018 through 2023, on the Board's practices and processes for the timely resolution of complaints against licensees.
SB0298 Pre-Filed 09.09.23
01.10.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 1/25 at 1:30 p.m.
02.26.24 Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
02.28.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.01.24 Third Reading Passed (38-6)
03.04.24 Referred Economic Matters
Hearing 3/27 at 1:00 p.m.
04.01.24 Favorable Report by Economic Matters
04.01.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (102-33)
04.03.24 Returned Passed
Synopsis: Adding the Chair of the Public Service Commission, or the Chair's designee, as a member of the Commission on Climate Change.
01.12.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/06 at 1:00 p.m.
02.12.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
02.13.2 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
02.15.24 Third Reading Passed (46-0)
02.16.24 Referred Environment and Transportation Economic Matters
Hearing 3/20 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
04.01.24 Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
04.01.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (105-32)
04.03.24 Returned Passed
01.15.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation and Economic Matters
Hearing 2/14 at 1:15 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
03.04.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
03.05.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.07.24 Third Reading Passed (113-28)
03.08.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.27.24 Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.27.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
03.28.24 Third Reading Passed (46-0)
03.29.24 Returned Passed
Synopsis: Establishing the Vision Zero Advisory Commission to develop strategies to reach a goal of zero vehicle-related deaths or serious injuries by making roadways safer for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians; requiring the Commission to advise the Department on best practices intended to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on roadways; and requiring the Department to report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31 each year on the status of Vision Zero and the recommendations of the Commission.
01.15.24 First Reading Judicial Proceedings
Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m.
03.11.24 Favorable Amendments Report by Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee
03.12.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.14.24 Third Reading Passed (46-0)
03.15.24 Referred Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/27 at 1:00 p.m.
04.03.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
04.03.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.03.24 Third Reading Passed (137-0)
Synopsis: Altering requirements for procedures relating to electric vehicle recharging equipment to include electric bicycles; establishing requirements and procedures relating to an application to the governing body of a cooperative housing corporation to install or use electric vehicle recharging equipment; and requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development to publish certain information on its common ownership community website.
01.22.24 First Reading Judicial Proceedings
Hearing 2/14 at 1:00 p.m.
03.04.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
03.05.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.07.24 Third Reading Passed (37-9)
03.08.24 Referred Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
04.01.24 Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
04.01.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
04.01.24 Third Reading Passed (105-29)
04.01.24 Returned Passed
HB0159 Pre-Filed 07.20.23
01.10.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/06 at 1:30 p.m.
02.12.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
02.13.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
02.15.24 Third Reading Passed (114-23)
02.16.24 Referred Judicial Proceedings
03.27.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
03.28.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.29.24 Third Reading Passed (37-8)
04.02.24 House Concurs Senate Amendments
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (105-32)
04.02.24 Passed Enrolled
Synopsis: Altering and establishing the definition of "generating station" for the purpose of exempting the construction of certain generating facilities used to produce electricity for the purpose of onsite emergency backup and certain test and maintenance operations from the requirement to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity or certain other related approvals under certain circumstances.
01.22.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
03.11.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.11.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.14.24 Third Reading Passed (43-3)
03.08.24 Referred Economic Matters
04.01.24 Favorable Report by Economic Matters
04.01.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.03.24 Third Reading Passed (134-0)
04.05.24 Passed Enrolled
04.02.24 House Concurs Senate Amendments
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (105-32)
04.02.24 Passed Enrolled
Synopsis: Establishing the Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland; and requiring the Commission to study and make legislative, regulatory, programmatic, and other recommendations and, on or before December 1, 2025, report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly.
01.24.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
03.15.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.15.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (45-0)
03.19.24 Referred Economic Matters Environment and Transportation
04.04.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
04.04.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.04.24 Third Reading Passed (135-1)
01.22.24 First Reading Economic Matters and Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m. (Economic Matters)
03.16.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
03.18.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (136-4)
03.18.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Synopsis: Establishing the Radiation Emergency Response Program in the Department of the Environment; requiring the Department to serve as an offsite response organization and the lead State agency for all nuclear incidents within the State; requiring the Department to prepare a technical emergency radiation response plan, respond to emergencies involving a nuclear power plant, participate in a certain federal program, and procure certain specialized equipment; etc.
01.24.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.
03.15.24 Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.15.24 Second Reading Passed
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (39-6)
03.19.24 Referred Economic Matters
03.28.24 Favorable Report by Economic Matters
03.28.24 Second Reading Passed
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (137-0)
04.03.24 Returned Passed
01.25.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m
03.1.24 Favorable Report by House Economic matters Committee
03.13.24 Second Reading Passed
03.14.224 Third Reading Passed (132-0)
03.14.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
04.02.24 Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
04.02.24 Second Reading Passed
04.04.24 Third Reading Passed (40-7)
04.04.24 Returned Passed
Synopsis: Requiring each gas company to develop a plan for a pilot thermal energy network system or systems on or before October 1, 2024; requiring each gas company to submit a certain proposal or proposals to the Public Service Commission for approval on or before July 1, 2025; authorizing a municipal corporation, county, or community organization to submit neighborhoods to gas companies for consideration as part of a pilot system; etc.
01.24.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.29.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.29.24 Motion Laid Over (Senator Hershey) Adopted
04.01.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (36-7)
04.02.24 Referred Rules and Executive Nominations
01.17.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
03.07.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
03.08.2 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.12.24 Third Reading Passed (99-38)
03.13.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.29.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.29.24 Motion Laid Over (Senator Hershey) Adopted
04.01.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.01.24 Third Reading Passed (36-9)
Synopsis: Altering the maximum generating capacity authorized for certain net metered generating facilities; authorizing an eligible customer-generator participating in certain meter aggregation to receive excess generation from more than one generating system; requiring the Public Service Commission to establish a Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program to provide certain certified systems with a certain additional percentage of renewable energy credits toward meeting the renewable energy portfolio standard for solar energy; etc.
02.01.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment and Budget and Taxation
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m. (Education, Energy, and the Environment)
04.02.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
04.02.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.03.24 Third Reading Passed (45-1)
04.03.24 Referred Rules and Executive Nominations
Synopsis: Requiring the Department of Agriculture to coordinate with the Maryland Energy Administration, the Department of the Environment, the Department of Commerce, the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and certain other stakeholders to ensure anaerobic digestion technology projects are not unduly delayed; and requiring the Department, in coordination with certain State agencies, to establish certain guidance for farmers regarding the development and implementation of anaerobic digestion technology.
02.02.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.
03.15.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.15.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (45-0)
03.19.24 Referred Environment and Transportation Economic Matters
Hearing 4/03 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
04.05.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
04.05.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Synopsis: Requiring the Comptroller to adopt regulations for the retail use of electric vehicle supply equipment in the State; and requiring the Comptroller, in consultation with the Public Service Commission, to submit a report on the development and enforcement of the regulations adopted under this Act to the General Assembly on or before January 15, 2025.
02.02.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/08 at 9:00 a.m.
03.14.24 Favorable Amendments Report by Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
03.14.24 Motion Laid Over
03.14.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.15.24 Third Reading Passed (45-0)
03.16.24 Referred Economic Matters
02.05.24 First Reading Ways and Means
02.08.24 Reassigned to Economic Matters
Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.
03.16.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
03.18.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (103-38)
03.18.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
04.05.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
Synopsis: Requiring the Comptroller to adopt regulations for the retail use of electric vehicle supply equipment in the State; and requiring the Comptroller, in consultation with the Public Service Commission, to submit a report on the development and enforcement of the regulations adopted under this Act to the General Assembly on or before January 15, 2025.
02.02.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.13.24 Favorable Amendments Report by Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
03.13.24 Motion Laid Over
03.14.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.15.24 Third Reading Passed (45-0)
03.19.24 Referred Economic Matters
04.01.24 Favorable Report by Economic Matters
04.01.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (99-37)
04.03.24 Returned Passed
02.08.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 3/07 at 1:00 p.m.
03.16.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
03.16.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (100-39)
03.18.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.29.24 Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.29.24 Second Reading Passed
04.03.24 Third Reading Passed (47-0)
04.04.24 Returned Passed
Synopsis: Establishing the Climate Technology Founder's Fund in the Maryland Clean Energy Center; requiring interest earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; requiring the Maryland Energy Administration to use the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to provide at least $1,200,000 in fiscal year 2025 through 2028 to the Climate Technology Founder's Fund; authorizing the Governor to transfer on or before June 30, 2024 up to $2,200,000 from the Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses Account to the Climate Technology Founder's Fund; etc.
02.02.24 First Reading Budget and Taxation
Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
03.14.24 Favorable Amendments Report by Senate Budget and Taxation Committee
03.14.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.15.24 Third Reading Passed (45-0)
03.16.24 Referred Appropriations
Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the Maryland Department of Labor, on request of a local jurisdiction and in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to provide guidance for the implementation and enforcement of the Maryland Building Performance Standards in relation to any religious observance, practice, or belief.
02.02.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/01 at 9:00 a.m.
03.11.24 Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.11.24 Second Reading Passed
03.14.24 Third Reading Passed (46-0)
03.14.24 Referred Environment and Transportation
Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
04.03.24 Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
04.03.24 Second Reading Passed
04.04.24 Third Reading Passed (139-0)
04.04.24 Returned Passed
02.02.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
03.04.24 Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
03.05.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
03.07.24 Third Reading Passed (140-1)
03.08.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.27.24 Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.27.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
03.28.24 Third Reading Passed (46-0)
03.29.24 Returned Passed
Synopsis: Altering the composition of the Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council to include a representative of an electric vehicle driver advocacy organization, a light-duty plug-in electric drive vehicle manufacturer, a heavy-duty plug-in electric drive vehicle manufacturer, a new vehicle dealer association in the State, the Secretary of General Services, and one additional member of the environmental community.
01.22.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/08 at 1:00 p.m.
02.26.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
02.27.24 Favorable with Amendments {503622/1 Adopted
02.27.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
02.29.24 Third Reading Passed (139-0)
03.01.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Synopsis: Requiring each electric company, each gas company, and the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop a plan for achieving certain energy efficiency, conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets through certain programs and services and superseding certain existing energy efficiency and conservation goals; requiring the Public Service Commission to encourage and promote the efficient use and conservation of energy in support of certain greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and targets; etc.
02.02.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.13.24 Favorable Amendments Report by House Economic Matters Committee
03.13.24 Second Reading Passed
03.14.24 Third Reading Passed (99-35)
03.14.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/21 at 1:00 p.m.
04.01.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
04.01.24 Motion Special Order until 4/2 (Senator Hershey) Adopted
04.02.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.03.24 Third Reading Passed (32-15)
Synopsis: Altering a signage requirement for retail service stations relating to the price of regular gasoline so that the signage prominently displays clearly and visibly the credit and debit price, if higher than the cash price, or the credit and debit price and the cash price; repealing an exemption from a certain signage requirement for retail service station dealers with not more than 3 dispensing units that combined have not more than 6 nozzles; etc.
02.02.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.14.24 Favorable Amendments Report by House Economic Matters Committee
03.14.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.15.24 Third Reading Passed (120-15)
03.18.24 Referred Finance
03.27.24 Favorable Report by Finance
03.28.24 Second Reading Passed
03.29.24 Third Reading Passed (37-8)
04.01.24 Returned Passed
Synopsis: Altering the definition of "manufacturing" for purposes of certain greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements to exclude the production of cement; altering the application of certain provisions of law regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing sector to apply only to persons that engaged in manufacturing in 2023; and altering certain prohibitions that apply to a State agency's implementation of a final plan to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions.
02.05.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation and Economic Matters
Hearing 3/01 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
03.16.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
03.18.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (103-35)
03.18.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
04.04.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environm
04.04.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Synopsis: Requiring the Public Service Commission on June 1, 2024 to open a revised Round 2 proceeding to evaluate certain offshore wind projects; authorizing certain offshore wind projects to submit certain revised plans for project schedules, sizes, or pricing, including offshore wind renewable energy credit pricing and, under certain circumstances, to seek approval from the Commission to increase the maximum amount of offshore wind renewable energy credits sold under a certain order, subject to certain limitations; etc.
02.09.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.07.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
03.08.24 Special Ordered until 03.12.24
03.12.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.13.24 Third Reading Passed (100-36)
03.14.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/21 at 1:00 p.m.
03.29.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.29.24 Motion Laid Over (Senator Hershey) Adopted
04.01.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.03.24 Third Reading Passed (34-11)
Synopsis: Altering the scope of certain policy goals with regard to energy systems; requiring the Public Service Commission to report on certain projects relating to certain goals; altering the scope of certain funds that may be used for certain projects related to the electric system; requiring the Commission to adopt regulations or issue rules to require pursuit of federal funds in a certain manner; requiring the Commission to adopt regulations to require investment in certain demand-side reliability and efficiency improvement methods; etc.
02.04.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.12.24 Favorable Report by House Economic Matters Committee
03.12.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.13.24 Third Reading Passed (116-19)
03.14.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/21 at 1:00 p.m.
FAILED / WITHDRAWN LEGISLATION
Synopsis: Finding that local governments pay electric companies large sums to light streets and are limited in how this public safety resource can be managed, the Act authorizes certain counties or municipalities to acquire certain street lighting equipment by purchase or condemnation, convert its street lighting service to a customer-owned street lighting tariff, enter into an agreement to purchase electricity, and contract with an electric company for the maintenance of the street lighting equipment; etc.
SB0037 Pre-Filed 10.25.23
01.10.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
01.15.24 Reassigned to Judicial Proceedings
Hearing 2/01 at 1:00 p.m.
01.39.24 Withdrawn by Sponsor
01.18.24 First Reading Economic Matters
02.12.24 Withdrawn by Sponsor
Synopsis: Prohibiting a restriction on land use that increases the cost of installing a solar collector system by at least 5% over a certain cost or that reduces the efficiency of the system by at least 10% under a certain energy generation level; authorizing a community association to impose certain restrictions on the installation of solar collector systems in common areas or common elements; authorizing a community association to install a solar collector system in common areas or common elements under certain circumstances; etc.
SB0049 Pre-Filed 10.25.23
01.10.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
01.15.24 Reassigned to Judicial Proceedings
Hearing 2/08 at 1:00 p.m.
01.17.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m.
02.23.24 Second Reading Passed
02.25.24 Third Reading Passed (100-38)
03.01.24 Referred Judicial Proceedings
Synopsis: Requiring the Department of the Environment to conduct a climate and environmental equity evaluation regarding the impact of issuing an approval for certain environmental permits; requiring the Department to provide opportunities for residents of the State to opt in to text, phone, e-mail, or regular mail notifications regarding any facility with a pending or final permit approval in or adjacent to the resident's census tract; altering certain reporting requirements for certain State agencies; etc.
SB0096 Pre-Filed 10.03.23
01.10.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.
HB0024 Pre-Filed 10.03.23
01.10.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation and Economic Matters
Hearing 2/21 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
03.16.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
03.16.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (102-37)
03.18.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Synopsis: Altering the definition of "Tier 1 renewable source" for purposes of excluding energy derived from waste and refuse from being eligible for inclusion in the renewable energy portfolio standard; and applying the Act to all renewable energy portfolio standard compliance years starting on or after January 1, 2024.
SB0146 Pre-Filed 09.22.23
01.10.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 1/25 at 1:30 p.m.
HB0166 Pre-Filed 09.05.23
01.10.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 3/07 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing the Green and Renewable Energy for Nonprofit Organizations Loan Program in the Maryland Energy Administration to provide financial assistance in the form of no-interest loans to nonprofit organizations for the planning, purchase, and installation of qualifying energy systems; establishing the Green and Renewable Energy for Nonprofit Organizations Loan Fund; authorizing, in fiscal year 2026, the Governor to include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $5,000,000 for the Fund; etc.
SB0169 Pre-Filed 10.05.23
01.10.24 First Reading Budget and Taxation
Hearing 1/17 at 1:00 p.m.
02.08.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation
02.06.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
02.08.24 Third Reading Passed (44-0)
02.14.24 Referred Economic Matters Appropriations
01.10.24 First Reading Economic Matters and Appropriations
Hearing 2/08 at 1:00 p.m. (Economic Matters)
Synopsis: Establishing the Carbon Capture Opportunity Program in the Maryland Energy Administration to assist nonprofit and for-profit businesses engaged in carbon capture projects or carbon capture research; and requiring the Administration to establish application procedures, provide technical assistance to participating businesses, assist participants in applying for federal and private grant funding, and publicize the availability of the Program.
01.17.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m
HB0155 Pre-Filed 10.10.23
01.10.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/08 at 1:00 p.m.
03.12.24 Favorable Amendments Report by House Economic Matters Committee
03.12.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.13.24 Third Reading Passed (102-35)
03.14.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Synopsis: Requiring a utility owner to submit to the Department of Transportation and the Maryland Transportation Authority, within 60 days after completion, certain information pertaining to the installation or relocation of facilities, infrastructure, or appurtenances associated with a utility service within or on certain property; and authorizing the Department or the Authority to take certain actions if a utility owner does not comply with the requirements of the Act.
01.18.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/15 at 1:00 p.m
02.02.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/15 at 1:00 p.m.
03.16.24 Referred to interim study by Economic Matters
Synopsis: Requiring the Department of the Environment, on or before October 1, 2025, to develop outdoor lighting standards that consider the impact of outdoor lighting on energy consumption, the environment, and public health and safety; requiring the Department of the Environment to consult with the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Energy Administration, and the State Highway Administration in developing the standards; etc.
01.18.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/20 at 1:00 p.m
01.15.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/14 at 1:00 p.m
Synopsis: Establishing the Customer-Sited Solar Program within the Maryland Energy Administration for the purpose of increasing deployment of customer-sited solar energy generating system and providing grants to eligible customer-generators for certain solar energy generating systems; authorizing a third party to apply for a grant on behalf of an eligible customer-generator under certain circumstances; and providing for the funding of Program grants from certain compliance fee and allowance proceeds in the Strategic Energy Investment Fund.
01.18.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/08 at 1:00 p.m.
03.13.24 Favorable Amendments Report by Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
03.13.24 Motion Laid Over
03.14.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.15.24 Third Reading Passed (35-10)
03.16.24 Referred Economic Matters
01.12.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Altering the required contents of a certain plan that a gas company may file with the Public Service Commission for proposed eligible infrastructure replacement projects to include certain descriptions, demonstrations, analyses, and notifications; and altering the required findings of the Commission in considering whether to approve a certain infrastructure replacement plan.
01.25.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/15 at 1:00 p.m.
01.29.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.12.24 Unfavorable Report by Economic Matters
Synopsis: Altering the composition of the Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council to include a representative of an electric vehicle driver advocacy organization, a light-duty plug-in electric drive vehicle manufacturer, a heavy-duty plug-in electric drive vehicle manufacturer, a new vehicle dealer association in the State, the Secretary of General Services, and one additional member of the environmental community.
01.24.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m.
0.2.26.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment'
02.27.24 Favorable with Amendments {173025/1 Adopted
02.27.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
02.29.24 Third Reading Passed (46-0)
03.01.24 Referred Environment and Transportation
Hearing 4/03 at 1:00 p.m.
04.05.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
04.05.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Synopsis: Applying certain prevailing wage requirements for contractors and subcontractors working on certain projects involving, and traffic control activities related to, any underground gas or electric infrastructure of an investor-owned gas company, electric company, or combination gas and electric company to any gas or electric infrastructure project of the company.
01.25.24 First Reading Finance
Hearing 2/16 at 1:00 p.m.
01.24.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/08 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Prohibiting the sale, offer for sale, transfer, or distribution of corrugated stainless steel tubing that does not meet a certain International Code Council standard; requiring certain tubing used in the construction of fuel gas piping systems in certain buildings to meet a certain standard; and providing a civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a violation of the Act.
01.25.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m.
01.24.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Increasing, from 2 megawatts to 5 megawatts, the limitation on the generating capacity for certain community solar energy generating systems that are exempt from personal property taxes.
01.29.23 First Reading Budget and Taxation
Hearing 2/14 at 1:00 p.m.
02.14.24 Withdrawn by Sponsor
01.17.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Synopsis: Altering a signage requirement for retail service stations relating to the price of regular gasoline so that the signage prominently displays clearly and visibly the credit and debit price, if higher than the cash price, or the credit and debit price and the cash price; repealing an exemption from a certain signage requirement for retail service station dealers with not more than 3 dispensing units that combined have not more than 6 nozzles; etc.
01.29.24 First Reading Finance
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.15.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance
03.15.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (35-8)
03.19.24 Referred Economic Matters
Synopsis: Requiring the Department of Transportation to establish a process for performing major highway capacity expansion project impact assessments; requiring the Department and a metropolitan planning organization to perform an impact assessment under certain circumstances; requiring the Department to use the impact assessment to determine whether a project meets certain requirements; requiring the Department and a metropolitan planning organization to develop a certain mitigation plan under certain circumstances; etc.
01.29.24 First Reading Finance and Budget and Taxation
Hearing 2/28 at 1:00 p.m. (Finance)
01.31.24 First Reading Appropriations and Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)
03.16.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations
03.16.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (101-37)
03.18.24 Referred Finance Budget and Taxation
Synopsis: Prohibiting public service companies from recovering through rates certain costs; requiring certain public service companies to submit an annual report to the Public Service Commission regarding costs related to certain activities; requiring each electric company to be a member of a regional transmission organization; and requiring each electric company to submit a report by February 1 each year, to the Commission regarding certain votes cast by the electric company and any of its affiliates at a meeting of the regional transmission organization.
01.29.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
03.29.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.29.24 Motion Laid Over (Senator Hershey) Adopted
04.01.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (43-0)
04.02.24 Referred Rules and Executive Nominations
01.24.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
03.16.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
03.16.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (99-38)
03.18.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.29.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
03.29.24 Motion Laid Over (Senator Hershey) Adopted
04.01.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (40-5)
Synopsis: Authorizing the use of land that is acquired or developed with funds available under Program Open Space to be used for the generation of electricity from a solar or wind source and the storage of electricity in certain energy storage devices.
01.29.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing the Covered Electronic Device Recycling Program in the Department of the Environment; repealing certain provisions of law relating to existing covered electronic takeback programs; repealing a certain provision of law authorizing a county to address methods for the separate collection and recycling of covered electronic devices in a certain recycling plan; requiring a separate covered electronic device recycling account within the State Recycling Trust Fund; altering the uses of the Trust Fund; etc.
01.29.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/20 at 1:00 p.m.
01.31.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/21 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the construction of new multifamily residential buildings with separate garages, carports, or driveways for each residential unit to include certain parking spaces for electric vehicle charging; requiring certain significant renovations of housing units with separate garages, carports, or driveways for each residential unit to include certain parking spaces for electric vehicle recharging; etc.
01.29.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/4 at 1:00 p.m.
01.29.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/23 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the developer of a covered project, on the approval of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of a certain generating station or qualified generator lead line or approval for the construction of a certain generating station, to meet certain labor standards and reporting requirements; establishing certain labor standards and certain certification, reporting, and record-keeping requirements related to the construction of a covered project; etc.
01.29.24 First Reading Finance
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
Hearing canceled
03.04.24 Withdrawn by Sponsor
Synopsis: Authorizing the Board of Public Works to temporarily suspend an increase in certain motor fuel tax rates based on the Consumer Price Index under certain circumstances.
01.29.24 First Reading Budget and Taxation
Hearing 2/21 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing the Battery Storage and Solar Arrays Safety Training Grant Program in the Maryland Energy Administration to provide grants to the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to train local fire departments on certain safety aspects associated with lithium-ion battery storage systems installed with solar arrays; requiring the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to consult with certain entities in determining how to meet the purpose of the Program with the grants awarded under the Program; etc.
01.29.24 First Reading Budget and Taxation
Hearing 2/21 at 1:00 p.m.
02.08.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation and Economic Matters
Hearing 3/08 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
Synopsis: Establishing the Nuclear Energy Development Task Force to study and make recommendations on the deployment of nuclear power generation resources and other related technologies in the State and the establishment of a permanent nuclear energy commission in the State; and requiring the Task Force to report by December 30, 2025, on its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly.
01.29.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
02.08.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Altering the definition of "qualified offshore wind project" for purposes of the renewable energy portfolio standard and the development of offshore wind in the State.
01.29.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/07 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Repealing a requirement that certain motor fuel tax rates be adjusted in future years based on growth in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers; prohibiting the State or a local jurisdiction from imposing or levying a vehicle-miles-traveled tax or certain other similar fees, tolls, or taxes; requiring that the Maryland Transit Administration achieve a certain farebox recovery requirement for certain transit services; etc.
01.29.24 First Reading Budget and Taxation
Hearing 2/28 at 1:00 p.m.
01.29.24 First Reading Ways and Means and Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Extending for 2 years the termination date for a credit against the State income tax for the installation of energy storage systems in the State; and delaying for 2 years the establishment of the Energy Storage System Grant Program in the Maryland Energy Administration.
02.02.24 First Reading Budget and Taxation
Hearing 2/21 at 1:00 p.m.
03.08.24 Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation
03.11.24 Second Reading Passed
03.14.24 Third Reading Passed (46-0)
03.14.24 Referred Economic Matters
02.08.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 3/07 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the owner of a plug-in electric drive vehicle or fuel cell electric vehicle to pay a $100 annual surcharge in addition to the annual registration fee; authorizing the surcharge to be paid in installments; requiring the proceeds collected from the surcharge to be deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund and, under certain circumstances, used for certain purposes; and requiring the Motor Vehicle Administration to refuse to register or renew or transfer the registration of a motor vehicle for failure to pay the surcharge.
02.02.24 First Reading Budget and Taxation
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.1.24 Favorable Amendments Report by Senate Budget and Taxation Committee
03.14.24 Laid Over
03.14.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.15.24 Third Reading Passed (44-1)
03.16.24 Referred Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the Comptroller to distribute to the Transportation Trust Fund revenue from the sales and use tax that is attributable to the sale of electricity used to charge an electric vehicle at an electric vehicle charging station or used to charge an electric vehicle and is not sold under a residential or domestic rate schedule on file with the Public Service Commission; etc.
02.02.24 First Reading Budget and Taxation
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
03.18.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation
03.18.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (45-0)
03.19.24 Referred Ways and Means Economic Matters
03.19.24 Hearing 3/28 at 1:00 p.m. (Ways and Means)
02.08.24 First Reading Ways and Means and Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m. (Ways and Means)
Synopsis: Authorizing a county to enact a local law creating a conservation and restoration fund for a certain purpose; establishing the Utility-Scale Solar Design and Siting Commission in the Power Plant Research Program to provide recommendations related to solar energy development and land conservation and preservation; requiring the owner or operator of a certain solar energy generating station to plant and maintain a certain cover crop on certain land and submit a certain vegetation management plan to a certain entity; etc.
02.02.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment and Budget and Taxation
Hearing 3/07 at 1:00 p.m. (Education, Energy, and the Environment)
02.09.24 First Reading Economic Matters and Appropriations
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m. (Economic Matters)
Synopsis: Requiring the Public Service Commission to adopt certain regulations to oversee electric distribution system planning in the State on or before December 31, 2025; requiring electric companies in the State to submit to the Commission certain plans to upgrade certain parts of the electric distribution system in the State on or before January 1, 2026; and establishing the Electric Distribution System Make-Ready Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund administered by the Maryland Energy Administration.
02.02.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/07 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Authorizing judicial review of certain environmental permitting and license decisions by the Department of the Environment at the request of certain persons who meet certain federal standing requirements under certain circumstances; requiring a person applying for a certain permit from the Department to request an EJ Score from the Department for the census tract where the applicant is seeking the permit for purposes of including the score in the permit application; etc.
02.02.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Authorizing a resident of a local jurisdiction or an overburdened and underserved community in the State to submit an application to the Department of the Environment to request the designation of a certain area as an environmental justice district in a certain manner; requiring the Department to publish the application process and criteria used for evaluating an application on or before December 1, 2024; requiring the Department to hold a certain hearing on a certain permit application under certain circumstances; etc.
02.02.24 First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the Public Service Commission on June 1, 2024 to open a revised Round 2 proceeding to evaluate certain offshore wind projects; authorizing certain offshore wind projects to submit certain revised plans for project schedules, sizes, or pricing, including offshore wind renewable energy credit pricing and, under certain circumstances, to seek approval from the Commission to increase the maximum amount of offshore wind renewable energy credits sold under a certain order, subject to certain limitations; etc.
02.09.24 First Reading Senate Rules
03.21.24 Rereferred to Education, Energy, and the Environment
Synopsis: Altering eligibility for the vehicle excise tax credit for the purchase of certain electric vehicles to include certain vehicles purchased used and titled on or after July 1, 2024, but before July 1, 2027.
HB0064 Pre-Filed 10.13.23
01.10.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/01 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Prohibiting the State from purchasing fossil fuel-powered lawn and garden care equipment beginning January 1, 2025, under certain circumstances; prohibiting the State from entering into or renewing a contract under which the contractor, or a subcontractor employed by the contractor, uses fossil fuel-powered lawn and garden care equipment beginning January 1, 2025, under certain circumstances; and prohibiting the State from using any fossil fuel-powered lawn and garden care equipment beginning January 1, 2030.
HB0091 Pre-Filed 10.30.23
01.10.24 First Reading Health and Government Operations
Hearing 1/23 at 1:00 p.m.
Withdrawn by Sponsor
Synopsis: Altering the State's goals for reducing energy consumption in State buildings; requiring the Maryland Green Building Council to update the High Performance Green Building Program to ensure that the Program aligns with certain greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals; requiring the Department of General Services to identify State-owned facilities that are potential candidates for energy performance contracts; etc.
HB0130 Pre-Filed 09.18.23
01.10.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 1/31 at 2:30 p.m.
04.01.24 Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
04.01.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
04.02.24 Third Reading Passed (102-34)
04.03.24 Referred Rules
Synopsis: Establishing a recurring fee on each motor vehicle registered in the State that is granted a waiver from, exempted from, or not subject to the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program and on certain diesel vehicles; requiring the fee to be deposited in the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund and used to provide incentives to expand electric vehicle ownership and to expand electric vehicle infrastructure; etc.
HB0150 Pre-Filed 10.31.23
01.10.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/01 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing the Electric Bicycle Rebate and Voucher Program to provide rebates and vouchers for qualified individuals who purchase electric bicycles and related items; requiring the Governor to include in the budget bill an appropriation of $100,000 for the Program; and requiring a report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2026 and each December 31 thereafter on demographic, geographic, and income data on individuals receiving a rebate or voucher, information on participating retailers and a breakdown of covered items.
HB0156 Pre-Filed 10.27.23
01.10.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/08 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the Maryland Department of Labor to adopt, on or before January 1, 2025, and as part of the Maryland Building Performance Standards, a requirement that new buildings meet all energy demands of the building without the use of fossil fuels and an electric-ready standard for certain buildings.
HB0210 Pre-Filed 08.14.23
01.10.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation and Economic Matters
Hearing 2/14 at 1:15 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
Synopsis: Requiring the Public Service Commission to adopt regulations or orders regarding the marketing of and contracting for certain electricity supply.
HB0236 Pre-Filed 09.13.23
01.10.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/15 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing an energy salesperson license for certain persons that offer or sell electricity or gas supply agreements to customers in the State; providing for the terms of electricity supplier, energy salesperson, and gas supplier licenses issued by the Public Service Commission; establishing certain licensing and renewal requirements for certain persons; providing for certain disciplinary actions by the Commission against electricity suppliers, gas suppliers, and energy salespersons for certain acts; etc.
01.12.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/15 at 1:00 p.m
Synopsis: Establishing the Vision Zero Advisory Commission to develop strategies to reach a goal of zero vehicle-related deaths or serious injuries by making roadways safer for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians; requiring the Commission to advise the Department on best practices intended to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on roadways; and requiring the Department to report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31 each year on the status of Vision Zero and the recommendations of the Commission.
01.17.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/08 at 1:00 p.m.
04.03.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
04.03.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04.03.24 Third Reading Passed (135-0)
04.03.24 Referred Rules
Synopsis: Finding that local governments pay electric companies large sums to light streets and are limited in how this public safety resource can be managed, the Act authorizes certain counties or municipalities to acquire certain street lighting equipment by purchase or condemnation, convert its street lighting service to a customer-owned street lighting tariff, enter into an agreement to purchase electricity, and contract with an electric company for the maintenance of the street lighting equipment; etc.
01.18.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Withdrawn by Sponsor
Synopsis: Altering and establishing the definition of "generating station" for the purpose of exempting the construction of certain generating facilities used to produce electricity for the purpose of onsite emergency backup and certain test and maintenance operations from the requirement to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity or certain other related approvals under certain circumstances.
01.24.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the developer of a covered project, on the approval of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of a certain generating station or qualified generator lead line or approval for the construction of a certain generating station, to meet certain labor standards and reporting requirements; establishing certain labor standards and certain certification, reporting, and record-keeping requirements related to the construction of a covered project; etc.
01.25.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/15 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Repealing the electric vehicle excise tax credit; establishing the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program; establishing certain maximum income requirements for an individual to receive an electric vehicle rebate; requiring the Motor Vehicle Administration to establish a website to administer the rebate program; requiring a participating dealer to provide a rebate to an eligible buyer at the time the buyer purchases an eligible vehicle; requiring the Administration to reimburse a dealer for rebates provided by the dealer; etc.
01.25.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/15 at 1:00 p.m.
03.16.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
03.16.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (103-36)
03.18.24 Referred Budget and Taxation
Hearing 3/26 at 12:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Altering the fee charged by the Motor Vehicle Administration for the issuance of a certificate of title for zero-emission plug-in electric drive vehicles to $200.
01.31.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing the Covered Electronic Device Recycling Program in the Department of the Environment; repealing certain provisions of law relating to existing covered electronic takeback programs; repealing a certain provision of law authorizing a county to address methods for the separate collection and recycling of covered electronic devices in a certain recycling plan; requiring a separate covered electronic device recycling account within the State Recycling Trust Fund; altering the uses of the Trust Fund; etc.
01.31.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/21 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring a State agency, in administering certain federal funds, to allocate 40% of those funds to infrastructure construction projects in overburdened communities and underserved communities and an additional 40% of those funds to infrastructure construction projects in communities of color and communities with a high percentage of low- to moderate-income households in the State; establishing the Justice40 Committee; etc.
01.31.24 First Reading Appropriations and Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)
Synopsis: Requiring the owner of a motor vehicle to pay a certain annual surcharge in addition to the annual registration fee; authorizing the surcharge to be paid in installment payments; requiring the proceeds collected from the surcharge to be deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund and, under certain circumstances, used for certain purposes; and requiring the Motor Vehicle Administration to refuse to register or renew or transfer the registration of a motor vehicle for failure to pay the surcharge or installments.
02.02.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing the Baltimore Region, Capital Region, and Southern Maryland Region transportation authorities to develop and implement certain congestion relief plans; establishing the Baltimore Region, Capital Region, and Southern Maryland Region congestion relief funds as special, nonlapsing funds; requiring the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Comptroller, to study and report on the feasibility of creating local-option transportation revenues to fund the regional transportation authorities; etc.
02.02.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation and Appropriations
Hearing 3/01 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
Synopsis: Increasing the vehicle excise tax rate from 6% to 6.5%.
02.02.24 First Reading Ways and Means
Hearing 2/20 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the Governor annually to proclaim the first week of April as Maryland Climate Education Week; and requiring the proclamation to urge residents of all ages to participate in educational activities that promote awareness of climate change and take action toward the State's climate commitments.
02.05.24 First Reading Health and Government Operations
Hearing 3/14 at 1:00 p.m.
03.15.24 Favorable Report by Health and Government Operations
03.15.24 Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (100-33)
03.18.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/28 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Repealing a requirement that certain motor fuel tax rates be adjusted in future years based on growth in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers.
02.02.24 First Reading Ways and Means
Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Imposing a fossil fuel transportation fee on a person that transports a fossil fuel in the State; providing that the rate of the fossil fuel transportation fee is 30 cents per million British thermal units of fossil fuels transported in the State; providing the fee does not apply to the transportation of a fossil fuel that is solely for use on a farm and the carrier does not otherwise use or sell the fossil fuel; establishing the Fossil Fuel Mitigation Fund to support activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the State; etc.
02.05.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation and Economic Matters
Hearing 3/01 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
Synopsis: Providing that provisions of the governing documents of a condominium or homeowners association prohibiting or unreasonably restricting the governing body from installing or authorizing the installation of electric vehicle recharging equipment are void and unenforceable; and authorizing the governing body of a condominium or homeowners association to grant a license for up to 3 years on any common element necessary for the installation of equipment or for the supply of electricity to any electric vehicle recharging equipment.
02.05.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 2/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Providing that the sales and use tax does not apply to a sale of a certain electric bicycle or a certain electric low speed scooter from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029; and requiring, on or before December 31 each year, the Comptroller to submit a report to the General Assembly on the amount of forgone sales and use tax revenue attributable to the exemption.
02.07.24 First Reading Ways and Means
Hearing 2/22 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing the Small Business Climate Change Coordinator in the Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs in the Executive Department to support the State's small, minority, and women-owned business community on matters related to climate change; and requiring, on request, the Coordinator to advise the Governor and the General Assembly on the impact of climate change on small businesses and the effect of a transition to advanced clean energy on small businesses in the State.
02.07.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.
03.14.24 Unfavorable Report by House Economic Matters Committee
Synopsis: Requiring the Public Service Commission to determine whether the deployment of energy storage devices could help to avoid or limit a reliability-must-run agreement with an energy generating system or facility in the State under certain circumstances; requiring the Commission to facilitate the acquisition of energy storage devices under certain circumstances; and subjecting certain contracts entered into under the Act to a certain project labor agreement.
02.07.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 3/07 at 1:00 p.m.
03.16.24 Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters
03.16.24 Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03.18.24 Third Reading Passed (101-37)
03.18.24 Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing the Climate Technology Founder's Fund in the Maryland Clean Energy Center; requiring interest earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; requiring the Maryland Energy Administration to use the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to provide at least $1,200,000 in fiscal year 2025 through 2028 to the Climate Technology Founder's Fund; authorizing the Governor to transfer on or before June 30, 2024 up to $2,200,000 from the Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses Account to the Climate Technology Founder's Fund; etc.
02.08.24 First Reading Appropriations
Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Prohibiting the Department of the Environment, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and the governing body of a county or municipality from prohibiting the use or installation of natural gas- and propane-powered appliances in a home that is under construction or undergoing a 50% remodel or renovation; prohibiting the Motor Vehicle Administration from charging or collecting fees and charges for a certificate of title or vehicle registration based on a vehicle's use of gasoline; etc.
02.08.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the Department of the Environment, in collaboration with the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, to develop a cap-and-invest program that reduces climate-altering emissions in the State on or before December 31, 2024.
02.08.24 First Reading Economic Matters and Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the Public Service Commission to consider certain factors before authorizing or approving any agreement related to the premature retirement of an electricity generation facility; establishing a rebuttable presumption that an electricity generation facility should not be prematurely retired; and prohibiting the Commission from authorizing or approving an agreement related to the premature retirement of an electricity generation facility under certain circumstances.
02.09.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 3/07 at 1:00 p.m.
03.14.24 Unfavorable Report by Economic Matters
Synopsis: Altering certain provisions of law relating to funding and grants to transition to zero-emission vehicle school buses to include propane-powered school buses; and authorizing a county board of education, beginning in fiscal year 2030, to enter into a new contract for the purchase of school buses that are propane-powered.
02.09.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
03.05.24 Hearing 3/12 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring a person to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Public Service Commission before beginning construction of an energy storage device with a minimum energy storage capacity of 1 megawatt; and applying the Act prospectively.
02.09.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Requiring the Department of the Environment to submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before December 31, 2024, relating to the identification of overburdened and underserved communities, the percentage of spending for certain investments that benefited overburdened and underserved communities during the prior fiscal year within certain governmental entities, and certain recommendations on improving the identification of and provision of assistance to overburdened and underserved communities.
02.09.24 First Reading Environment and Transportation
Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.
Withdrawn by Sponsor
Synopsis: Prohibiting counties from establishing zoning laws or other regulations that restrict or prohibit the construction or operation of Tier 1 renewable source generating systems or facilities; requiring the Public Service Commission to study the electricity demand in each county and determine the amount of capacity of, and energy generation from, Tier 1 renewable sources needed in each county for the State to meet certain renewable energy portfolio standard requirements; etc.
02.09.24 First Reading Economic Matters
Hearing 2/29 at 1:00 p.m.
Synopsis: Establishing the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Safety Commission to develop policy recommendations to increase safety for vehicle owners and passengers and reduce violent crime and theft at electric vehicle charging stations; and requiring the Commission, beginning by December 31, 2025, to annually submit recommendations to the General Assembly.
02.09.24 First Reading Judiciary
Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.