MarylandHB 11962026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Environment - Water Quality Testing - Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels Action Plan

Sponsored By: Robert B. Long (Republican)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentReal PropertyCensusChemical TestsComplaintsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Environment, Department of theEnvironmental HealthEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Ethnic AffairsEvictionGrantsHazardous and Toxic Substances -see also- Asbestos; RadiatnHealth, Department ofInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestLanguage -see also- Communications; LiteracyMobile and Manufactured HomesMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPlans and ProposalsRacial Matters -see also- Ethnic Affairs; MinoritiesReportsResidential Property -see also- Apartments; CondominiumsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Standards and Best PracticesSunsetSurveys and PollsWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Water Pollution

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger water protections for park residents

When the Department finds a water problem, the park owner must tell residents within 5 days, in English, Spanish, and any language residents ask for. Results must be posted for 120 days, with interpreters if needed. Owners must give safe drinking water or approved filters for acute risks, file a cleanup plan within 120 days, and finish fixes on the Department’s schedule. Owners cannot charge residents for testing or cleanup. The Department can fine up to $10,000 per violation and $5,000 per month for ongoing violations. Evicting or threatening eviction for asking for testing or fixes is banned, and residents keep the right to sue.

Plan to enforce color, taste, odor rules

The Department makes a plan to enforce rules on water discoloration, taste, and odor for community and nontransient, noncommunity systems. The plan lists contaminants and levels, suggests enforcement steps, compares other states, weighs costs, and sets a timeline with stakeholder input. The Department reports to the General Assembly by December 1, 2026.

Statewide plan and funding for park water

By January 1, 2028, the Department creates a statewide plan to improve water in mobile home parks. The plan covers outreach to residents, a testing status and strategy, timelines, and how resident input was used. The Department also works with local housing and health agencies to find grants and other funding for repairs and enforcement.

State water testing for mobile home parks

The law creates a state water testing program for mobile home parks by January 1, 2027. It includes language help and talks with residents about their water concerns. The Department tests 25% of parks by 1/1/2028, 50% by 2029, 75% by 2030, and all by 2031, with a waitlist if demand is higher. Parks in areas with at least 40% minority residents, risky geology, resident requests or complaints, and private or community supplies go first. Qualified pros follow a Department-approved plan, and the Department sends written results within 10 days. The Department can use contractors and avoid entering homes, and may decline a specific contaminant test if data show it is not near a limit or already required.

Law runs July 2026 to July 2027

The law takes effect July 1, 2026. It lasts one year and one month and ends July 31, 2027. These dates limit how long the Department’s new authorities apply.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Robert B. Long
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Dylan Behler
Democratic • House
Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Seth A. Howard
Republican • House
Kym Taylor
Democratic • House
Jamila J. Woods
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0

House vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 129 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 287
4/28/2026
Returned Passed
4/13/2026House
Third Reading Passed (44-0)
4/13/2026Senate
Second Reading Passed
4/9/2026Senate
Favorable Adopted
4/9/2026Senate
Motion Special Order until Later Today (Senator Kagan) Adopted
4/9/2026Senate
Favorable
4/9/2026Senate
Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
4/9/2026Senate
Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
3/25/2026Senate
Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/20/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (129-0)
3/19/2026House
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/19/2026House
Favorable with Amendments {223426/1 Adopted
3/19/2026House
Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
3/19/2026House
Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
2/12/2026House
First Reading Environment and Transportation
2/11/2026House

Bill Text

Third Reading
3/19/2026
PDF
First Reading
2/12/2026
PDF

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