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MarylandHB 02272026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Maryland Environmental Service - Authorizations and Requirements - Alterations

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentElectronic CommunicationEnvironmental Service, MarylandFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesInternet -see also- Internet AccessMobile DevicesNoticesOpen GovernmentPostal ServicePrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexProcurementTimeTreasurers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More notice, stronger liens for service districts

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Maryland Environmental Service must give 60 days’ notice before setting or changing district charges. It must publish notice once a week for 2 weeks in a local newspaper and hold a public hearing. It must also either post the proposal on its homepage for 2 weeks, send weekly email or text for 2 weeks to ratepayers who shared contact info for changes in an existing district, or mail notice to each affected owner and address. Newspaper notices must be at least 1/4 page, use 18‑point type, have a bold all‑caps headline, not run with legal or classified ads, and use mixed‑case body text. The Board can set the effective date. By resolution, charges can be a first lien on the property, with the same priority, interest, penalties, and enforcement as State taxes. The Service may bill and collect even without a contract.

Simpler bids for small Environmental Service contracts

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Maryland Environmental Service can use the small‑procurement process for purchases of $50,000 or less. The old limit was $25,000. This lets more small contracts use simpler bidding, which can cut paperwork for vendors.

Stronger finance roles at Maryland Environmental Service

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Service formalizes four officer roles: Executive Director, Deputy Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Treasurer receives and deposits Service funds, keeps detailed accounts, pays debt service, and disburses money only on a warrant. With Board approval, the Treasurer can name a Deputy Treasurer to carry out these duties. The Treasurer and any Deputy must have a surety bond or insurance under State Government § 5‑108. These steps improve financial controls and keep operations moving if the Treasurer is unavailable.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 35

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/26/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 101 • No: 35

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 77

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/27/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (101-35)

    2/26/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed

    2/24/2026House

  9. Favorable Adopted

    2/24/2026House

  10. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    2/23/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)

    2/9/2026House

  12. First Reading Appropriations and Environment and Transportation

    1/14/2026House

  13. Pre-filed

    9/25/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/24/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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