All Roll Calls
Yes: 133 • No: 48
MarylandSB 01302026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Environment - Water - Individual Submeters
Sponsored By: Shaneka Henson (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
EnvironmentReal PropertyApartmentsCommittees and CommissionsCondominiumsConsumer ProtectionCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.DisclosureEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Fees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesHousing and Community Development, Department ofHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesLandlords and TenantsLeases and RentMobile and Manufactured HomesNoticesPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexPublic Works, Board ofRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsSewageTimeUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterWashington Suburban Sanitary DistrictWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Weights and Measures
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Stronger renter protections on water bills
Beginning October 1, 2026, unpaid submeter water bills cannot be treated as unpaid rent for eviction. Owners must keep submeter and billing records and let you inspect them during reasonable business hours. You can file complaints where the property is located with a local landlord‑tenant board, a county or city consumer agency, the state Consumer Protection Division, or in court.
Clear rules for third party water billing
Beginning October 1, 2026, if you must pay a third party for submetered water or sewer, the lease must say so in writing. The landlord must give you a copy of the bill at least 20 days before it is due and, before you sign, show two years of past costs or a comparable unit’s totals. A landlord who does not follow the law’s submeter rules cannot require third‑party payments.
Fairer split of building water bills
Beginning October 1, 2026, if your building is on one bulk meter and uses submeters, the owner may only pass through the utility’s actual charges. The bill must be split by each unit’s actual water use. Owners cannot charge you for their leaks, poor maintenance, common areas, or any non‑residential space.
Small $1 monthly submeter admin fee
Beginning October 1, 2026, the owner may add an administrative charge up to $1 per unit per month for submeter billing. They may charge less, but not more than $1.
Billing rules when your meter fails
Beginning October 1, 2026, if a submeter does not give accurate data, the owner may bill using the average of your last three months of actual use. If there are no such records, they may use three months of estimated use from similar units. If the submeter is not fixed or replaced for two straight billing cycles, the owner may not bill you until it is repaired or replaced.
New rules for water submeters in rentals
Beginning October 1, 2026, local housing authorities may install unit water submeters with state and board approvals. Owners or their contractors may add submeters in units that are not directly metered. The state sets accuracy, testing, and recordkeeping rules at least as strict as utility meters. Each submeter must have a leak detector, and you can inspect the detector from time to time.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Shaneka Henson
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/7/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 100 • No: 37 • Other: 4
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 33 • No: 11
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 261
4/28/2026Returned Passed
4/8/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (100-37)
4/7/2026HouseFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/3/2026HouseFavorable Report by Environment and Transportation
4/3/2026HouseHearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
3/25/2026HouseReferred Environment and Transportation
3/23/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (33-11)
3/23/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/20/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {903321/1 Adopted
3/20/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/20/2026SenateHearing 2/03 at 1:00 p.m.
1/16/2026SenateFirst Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
1/14/2026SenatePre-filed
10/30/2025Senate
Bill Text
Third Reading
3/20/2026
First Reading
1/14/2026
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