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MarylandHB 10812026 Regular SessionHouse

Maryland Transit Administration Reform Act

Sponsored By: Marc Korman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Transportation - GenerallyArchivesBaltimore CityBaltimore Metropolitan CouncilBudget and Management, Department ofBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsBuses -see also- School BusesCapital BudgetsCommercial PropertyCommittees and CommissionsCondemnationConstitutional AmendmentsConstructionDamagesElectronic DocumentsElectronic GovernmentEthicsGeneral Assembly -see also- AELR Cmte; LegislativePolCmteGeneral Services, Department ofGrantsHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesLand Records -see also- DeedsLiabilityMass Transit -see also- Buses; RailroadsNoticesOpen GovernmentProcurementPublic InformationPublic Works -see also- Brg&Tun; Hwys; PublBlgFac; etc.Public Works, Board ofRailroadsReal PropertyRecordationRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRecruitment and HiringReferendumReportsRetirement -see also- Mandatory RetirementSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesState EmployeesState Highway AdministrationStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsTorts -see also-Med Malp; Wrongful DeathTransportation, Department ofUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; Water

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New procurement rules; small transit contracts exempt

The Board of Public Works now sets statewide buying rules and can control agency procurements. It may adopt rules and require prior approval for some purchases. For Maryland Transit Administration fixed‑guideway work, maintenance or capital contracts under $500,000 do not use Division II procurement rules. This cuts paperwork and can speed small jobs for qualified contractors.

State commission sets pay for transit managers

The Maryland Transportation Commission sets qualifications, appointments, pay, and leave for up to 12 transit management positions. Pay changes must be sent to the Budget Secretary at least 10 days before they take effect; the Secretary has 10 days to flag any special‑fund impact. These employees are State employees and join the State retirement and pension systems.

Transit injury claims follow federal law

State transit tort limits cannot override the federal liability rule at 49 U.S.C. § 28103 or agreements made under it. This preserves federal protections for claims and keeps the Transit Administration’s federal obligations in place.

New boards guide Baltimore transit

The law creates boards to oversee Baltimore core transit service and to advise on MARC and commuter buses. The Baltimore board approves major service plans and operating and capital budget requests on a set timeline; requests are approved if the board does not act in time. It takes a two‑thirds vote to withdraw a federal New Starts grant once a project is in engineering. Both boards meet at least quarterly, take public comment, issue annual reports, and start with staggered terms on October 1, 2026. The Transit Administration must staff the boards, including deputy administrators and analysts.

Start dates depend on 2026 actions

Section 1 takes effect on October 1, 2026 only if H.B. 587 does not become law in 2026. If H.B. 587 takes effect, Section 1 is null and void. If Section 1 takes effect, Section 2 is abrogated and has no further effect.

Property buying and taking rules change

Before the State signs a land purchase, the Secretary of General Services must review it and the Board of Public Works must approve it. Counties and cities get at least 40 days’ notice and 30 days to comment; this notice rule does not cover capital spending by the Aviation, Port, or Transit Administrations. The Board may condemn property under existing Title 12 rules, and the State must set a uniform method to value life estate discounts. The law also puts a 2026 constitutional amendment before voters; if approved and proclaimed, the General Assembly can let the Transit Administration take needed property right away after paying its estimated fair value, with a jury able to award more later.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marc Korman

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Nick Allen

    Democratic • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Mark Edelson

    Democratic • House

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

  • Michele Guyton

    Democratic • House

  • Anne Healey

    Democratic • House

  • Marvin E. Holmes

    Democratic • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Darrell Odom

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Stein

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 280 • No: 170

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 1 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 101 • No: 35 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/18/2026

Floor Amendment {523627/1 (Delegate Mangione) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 98 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 97 • No: 36 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 420

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (101-35)

    4/13/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/13/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (45-1)

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {133724/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Referred Finance Budget and Taxation

    3/19/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (97-36)

    3/18/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026House

  12. Floor Amendment {523627/1 (Delegate Mangione) Rejected (37-98)

    3/18/2026House

  13. Motion Special Order until 03/18 (Delegate Mangione) Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments {813726/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  15. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/16/2026House

  16. Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/12/2026House

  17. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    2/10/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

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