PRIA Logo™
MarylandHB 10712026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Environment - Stormwater Management for Agritourism

Sponsored By: Linda Foley (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentAgricultureAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.AgritourismAnnotated Code of MarylandEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEvaluations and ReviewsFarmlandFlood ControlMontgomery CountyReportsRules and RegulationsSoil ConservationStandards and Best PracticesStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; Reports

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Developers face tighter stormwater design rules

Beginning October 1, 2026, developers must use environmental site design (ESD) to the maximum extent possible. You must show ESD first in your stormwater plan and use standard practices only when truly needed. Local rules are reviewed and changed to remove blocks to ESD. The rules also use the most recent rainfall data for sizing and design. These steps can raise design costs but improve flood and runoff resilience.

Farm stormwater enforcement with local input

Beginning October 1, 2026, local programs enforce stormwater rules on farms. Enforcement must follow the advice and consent of the local soil conservation district. The Stormwater Design Manual treats agriculture and on‑farm accessory uses as different from commercial development. The law allows flexibility in how stormwater rules are enforced on agricultural land. Farmers face enforceable duties, with local guidance and flexibility.

Clear stormwater guidance for agritourism sites

Beginning October 1, 2026, the state defines “agritourism” with the Agriculture Department. It considers best practices for stormwater at these sites. This includes a standard plan for temporary parking areas and using pasture, meadows, and cropland to treat runoff. This gives clearer guidance to agritourism operators and local reviewers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • David Fraser-Hidalgo

    Democratic • House

  • Anne R. Kaiser

    Democratic • House

  • Bernice Mireku-North

    Democratic • House

  • Lily Qi

    Democratic • House

  • Pam Queen

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 167 • No: 7

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 124 • No: 7 • Other: 10

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 14

    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

    3/19/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (124-7)

    3/18/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {583421/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/16/2026House

  11. Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/12/2026House

  12. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    2/10/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation