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MarylandHB 06132026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Department of the Environment - Waivers for Living Shorelines and Nonstructural Shoreline Stabilization Measures - Regulations and Scoring System

Sponsored By: Todd B. Morgan (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyEnvironmentCalvert CountyClassifications and DesignationsClimate ResiliencyCoastal BaysConstructionContractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc.Electronic GovernmentEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEvaluations and ReviewsFlood ControlInspections -see also- Motor Vehicle InspectionIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Maps and ChartsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.NoticesOpen GovernmentOystersPlants -see also- Invasive Species; Trees; WeedsReal PropertyReportsRules and RegulationsShore ErosionSoil ConservationStandards and Best PracticesSt. Mary's CountyTimeWaiversWeights and MeasuresWetlands

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Waterfront owners must use living shorelines

Beginning July 1, 2026, waterfront property owners must use a living shoreline or other nonstructural method to stop erosion. The Department may allow structural work only in mapped areas or when nonstructural options are not feasible, such as heavy tides, severe erosion, or very narrow lots. Natural Resources law is updated so shoreline projects follow these same Environment rules.

Extra shoreline rules in Calvert and St. Mary's

Beginning July 1, 2026, in Calvert and St. Mary's, you must use living or nonstructural shoreline work unless you show the local soil conservation district it is not feasible. Designs must be built to handle at least a 10-year storm. If one district designed the project, the other district must review and certify it before you start work. Only a soil conservation district may set seasonal work limits. A district may waive or cut mitigation in medium- or high-energy sites if the land-water edge is kept.

Waiver steps and scoring for shoreline projects

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department must visit your site within 45 days of your waiver request, unless you agree to a different time. It must notify the local soil conservation district, which has 15 days to send advice. The Department must publish a waiver scoring system with factors, weights, and a minimum score. It consults a licensed marine contractor. The Department can still grant a waiver even if the score is below the minimum.

What counts as a living shoreline

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law defines what a "living shoreline" is and what counts as a "nonstructural" measure. A living shoreline uses natural materials and adds habitat. Nonstructural measures rely mainly on tidal wetland plants to protect the shore. These definitions decide which projects qualify for the new rules and waivers.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Todd B. Morgan

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • H. Kevin Anderson

    Republican • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Brian M. Crosby

    Democratic • House

  • Mark N. Fisher

    Republican • House

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

  • Jefferson L. Ghrist

    Republican • House

  • Michele Guyton

    Democratic • House

  • Marvin E. Holmes

    Democratic • House

  • Thomas S. Hutchinson

    Republican • House

  • Robert B. Long

    Republican • House

  • Jay A. Jacobs

    Republican • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Todd B. Morgan

    Republican • House

  • Dana Stein

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 301 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 321

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/11/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (127-0)

    4/11/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {273624/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026Senate

  10. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    3/23/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/21/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {833024/1 Adopted

    3/21/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/21/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2026House

  16. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/28/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/21/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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