MarylandHB 02432026 Regular SessionHouse

Land Use - Comprehensive and General Plans - Alteration of Elements

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Local Government - GenerallyAdministrative AgenciesAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Air PollutionAirportsAnimals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkAnnotated Code of MarylandApplicants and ApplicationsBicyclesBoats and ShipsBoundariesCensusChartered Counties -see also- AACo; BCo; CecilCo; etc.Civil Rights and Social EquityClimate ResiliencyCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Committees and CommissionsCommunity DevelopmentCommunity Facilities and ServicesCommutersConservation -see also- Soil ConservationCorrectional Institutions -see also- Patuxent InstitutionData -see also- Census; DemographicsDemographics -see also- Census; DataEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Emergency Medical Services -see also- Ambul; RescSqdEmergencies -see also- PandemicsEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental HealthEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFire ProtectionFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevFlood ControlForests and Parks -see also- MdNatlCapPkPlnCm; Plants; etc.Health -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.HighwaysHistorical Matters -see also- Archives; Monumts; Museum; etcHospitals -see also- Clinics; State HospitalsHousing and Community Development, Department ofHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesHuman Infrastructure -see also- WLEIndustry and ManufacturingIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Labor, Department ofLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceLegislative Services, Department ofLibraries -see also- ArchivesLocal Government MandatesLow-IncomeMaps and ChartsMass Transit -see also- Buses; RailroadsMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPedestriansPlaces of Worship -see also- ReligionPlanning, Department ofPlans and ProposalsPrivate Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HsePublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchRacial Matters -see also- Ethnic Affairs; MinoritiesRailroadsReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesSmart Growth -see also- Zoning and PlanningSports and RecreationStandards and Best PracticesState Highway AdministrationStudentsThreatsTransportation, Department ofTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcWastewaterWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.Work, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.Zoning and Planning

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Faster, more flexible development reviews

Plans must encourage flexible development rules that support cost‑saving, innovative site design and protect the environment. In growth areas, plans must promote economic development and speed up permit and subdivision reviews. These rules apply to plans adopted or amended on or after July 1, 2026.

Map land uses and plan facilities

The land element must show where different uses belong, like housing, business, industry, farms, parks, schools, and open space. It must guide growth while protecting natural and historic resources. It must also include a community facilities subelement that maps long‑term sites and service areas for schools, parks, hospitals, fire and police stations, libraries, and similar public facilities. These rules apply to plans adopted or amended on or after July 1, 2026.

Standard local plans with clear goals

Local planning commissions must include the required plan elements, such as land, housing, transportation, water resources, and more. Each plan must state clear goals, policies, standards, and strategies for balanced growth. Each element must address its subelements and be based on current and expected conditions. A planning commission can choose the plan’s format and add extra elements, as long as required ones are covered. These rules apply to plans adopted or amended on or after July 1, 2026.

State data and help for plans

Charter counties can ask the Maryland Department of Planning to coordinate state agency help during plan work. The Department must provide guidelines and best practices. It also must give charter counties the best available population and demographic data and state land use data, and help obtain related data from other agencies, to prepare the land element. This support applies to plans adopted or amended on or after July 1, 2026.

When these planning rules start

The law takes effect July 1, 2026. Its requirements apply to comprehensive plans adopted or amended on or after that date.

Protect minerals and working waterfronts

If current geological data exist, plans must include a mineral resources subelement that reserves land for future extraction and sets post‑excavation uses. The Maryland Department of the Environment reviews that subelement before plan adoption. For charter counties on tidal waters, plans must include a fisheries subelement that sets aside areas to load, unload, process seafood, and dock commercial boats, ensuring reasonable access for watermen. These rules apply to plans adopted or amended on or after July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 131 • No: 46

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 37 • No: 7 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/12/2026