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MarylandHB 06002026 Regular SessionHouse

St. Mary's County - Metropolitan Commission

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Counties - Local LawsBonds -see also- County & Baltimore City Bonds; State BondsBoundariesCivil OffensesCommittees and CommissionsConstructionCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Fines -see also- Penalties and SentencesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPermits -see also- Building PermitsPlans and ProposalsPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HseRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)SewageSt. Mary's CountyStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Higher bond for Commission treasurer

Beginning 2026-10-01, the Treasurer and any Deputy Treasurer must post a $250,000 bond. The County Commissioners can require a larger bond. The bond must have approved surety, be approved in form by state and county reviewers, and be recorded with the Circuit Court clerk. This strengthens protection of public funds.

Stronger penalties for water system violations

Beginning 2026-10-01, the Commission uses civil citations with fixed fines: $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, $750 for a third, and $1,000 for a fourth or later. Each day a problem continues adds a separate $250 fine. Taking water from the public system without permission can be fined up to $1,000 the first time, and up to $2,000 after that; the schedule can depend on how much was taken. For certain listed violations, a misdemeanor conviction can bring up to a $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both. The Commission also has new administrative tools, including warnings, consent orders, stop orders, emergency suspensions, reimbursement of actual costs, and fines up to $1,000 per violation per day. The Commission can ask the District Court for injunctions, civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation per day, and criminal penalties up to $1,000 per violation or up to one year in jail, or both.

Studies for unserved areas now optional

Beginning 2026-10-01, the Metropolitan Commission may choose, instead of being required, to study new water or sewer facilities in areas not planned for service. The Commission must first decide the facilities are necessary and best serve community needs. This change can reduce planning for extensions into unserved areas.

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: 165 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 34 • No: 0 • Other: 13

House vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 349

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (34-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m. (Budget and Taxation)

    3/25/2026Senate

  8. Referred Budget and Taxation Judicial Proceedings

    3/23/2026Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (131-0)

    3/20/2026House

  10. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/20/2026House

  11. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/20/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/12 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/3/2026House

  13. First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

    1/28/2026House

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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