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MarylandHB 06002026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Higher fines for water rule violations

Beginning October 1, 2026, St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission can designate water and sewer code violations as civil infractions. Fines are $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, $750 for a third, and $1,000 thereafter. Each continuing day is a separate infraction and may bring another citation and a $250 fine. Taking public water without prior approval carries maximum fines of $1,000 initially and $2,000 for repeat violations. The Commission can set water-removal fines based on the amount taken and prior violations. People cited can choose a District Court trial; the court collects fines and sends them to the Commission. Administrative tools include violation notices, consent agreements, show-cause hearings, compliance orders, orders to stop violations, and emergency service suspensions. The Commission can also impose administrative fines up to $1,000 per violation per day and require repayment of enforcement costs.

Water planning reaches previously excluded communities

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Commission can study and plan water and sewer facilities in areas marked not planned for service. It must find the facilities necessary and choose locations that serve communities while keeping installation and operating costs economical. The law removes the requirement to split sanitary districts into separate water and sewer districts. This expands planning options but does not require construction or guarantee residents new service.

Higher criminal fines for utility violations

Beginning October 1, 2026, the maximum misdemeanor fine for specified Commission code violations rises from $100 to $1,000. Covered rules concern tax levies, permits, use regulations, private systems, building entry, and obstructions. A conviction can also bring up to 30 days in jail, or both penalties. The Commission can seek court orders to stop violations and civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation per day. Separate judicial penalties can reach $1,000 per violation per day and up to one year in jail.

Higher bonds protect county utility funds

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Commission treasurer and any appointed deputy must provide a bond of $250,000, up from $25,000. County Commissioners can require a higher amount and must approve the surety backing the bond. The bond protects Maryland, the Commission, and the county by guaranteeing proper duties and accounting for Commission money. Its form needs Maryland Insurance Administration and County Attorney approval, and it must be recorded with the circuit court clerk. All Commission deposits need protection through the required bond or Commission-approved securities; the law does not identify who pays bond costs.

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

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

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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