PRIA Logo™
MarylandHB 06132026 Regular SessionHouse

Department of the Environment - Waivers for Living Shorelines and Nonstructural Shoreline Stabilization Measures - Regulations and Scoring System

Sponsored By: Todd B. Morgan (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyEnvironmentCalvert CountyClassifications and DesignationsClimate ResiliencyCoastal BaysConstructionContractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc.Electronic GovernmentEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEvaluations and ReviewsFlood ControlInspections -see also- Motor Vehicle InspectionIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Maps and ChartsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.NoticesOpen GovernmentOystersPlants -see also- Invasive Species; Trees; WeedsReal PropertyReportsRules and RegulationsShore ErosionSoil ConservationStandards and Best PracticesSt. Mary's CountyTimeWaiversWeights and MeasuresWetlands

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Shoreline projects must use living shorelines

The law requires most shoreline erosion projects to use a living shoreline or other nonstructural measures in areas the Department has not mapped for structural work. The Department can allow a different design only if it finds a living shoreline or nonstructural option is not feasible. The law defines “living shoreline” and “nonstructural” so owners and designers know what counts. It also makes this the single statewide rule that erosion‑protection projects must follow.

New shoreline rules start July 2026

The new shoreline rules and waiver process start on July 1, 2026.

Waivers and scoring for structural options

You can apply for a waiver when a living shoreline or other nonstructural option is not feasible. If you ask, the Department visits the site within 45 days unless you agree to another time. The local Soil Conservation District gets written notice and 15 days to recommend changes. The Department publishes a scoring system showing the factors, weights, and a minimum score, but it can still grant a waiver below that score. Waiver designs must be built to withstand at least a 10‑year storm.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Todd B. Morgan

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • H. Kevin Anderson

    Republican • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Brian M. Crosby

    Democratic • House

  • Mark N. Fisher

    Republican • House

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

  • Jefferson L. Ghrist

    Republican • House

  • Michele Guyton

    Democratic • House

  • Marvin E. Holmes

    Democratic • House

  • Thomas S. Hutchinson

    Republican • House

  • Jeffrie E. Long

    Democratic • House

  • Jay A. Jacobs

    Republican • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Matthew Morgan

    Republican • House

  • Dana Stein

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 301 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 0 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 321

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/11/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (127-0)

    4/11/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {273624/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026Senate

  10. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    3/23/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/21/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {833024/1 Adopted

    3/21/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/21/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2026House

  16. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/28/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/21/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation