PRIA Logo™
MarylandSB 01892026 Regular SessionSenate

Municipalities - Open Drainage Inlets - Inventory and Improvements (Mason's Law)

Sponsored By: Karen Lewis Young (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

MunicipalitiesConstructionEnvironment, Department of theEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Evaluations and ReviewsFlood ControlGrantsLocal Government MandatesMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNoticesPlans and ProposalsPublic Works -see also- Brg&Tun; Hwys; PublBlgFac; etc.Revenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Safety -see also- Occupational SafetyStandards and Best PracticesState Aid -see also- Public BenefitsTimeUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.

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: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

State grants help cities fix inlets

Beginning October 1, 2026, cities may apply for state grants to share the cost of inlet improvements. To get a grant, a city must take part in the National Flood Insurance Program. In fiscal years 2029, 2030, and 2031, $250,000 each year is set aside for these municipal inlet upgrades.

New drainage inlets need safety grates

Beginning October 1, 2026, any new open drainage inlet must include an approved, secured grating system. Builders and cities must follow these safety rules when they install new inlets.

Cities must map and upgrade open drains

Beginning October 1, 2026, cities must count and map all open drainage inlets 12 inches or larger that were installed before that date. The inventory is due by July 1, 2027. By April 1, 2028, each city must adopt a plan to fix the highest‑risk inlets and must notify private owners. Upgrades can be a secured grate or a fence that blocks at least half the opening to stop people from entering. Cities must finish planned upgrades by April 1, 2031. The city pays to install the fixes on public and private existing inlets and may enter private property to do the work. After the city installs a grate on a private inlet, the owner must maintain it and the city is not liable for that upkeep. No upgrade is required if it would significantly reduce the drainage system’s capacity.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 230 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 138 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 356

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (138-0)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {533221/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/8/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  10. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/20/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/19/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {243122/1 Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

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

    3/18/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 2/03 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/14/2026Senate

  17. Pre-filed

    10/21/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation