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MarylandSB 02282026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Maryland Environmental Service - Authorizations and Requirements - Alterations

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentElectronic CommunicationEnvironmental Service, MarylandFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesInternet -see also- Internet AccessMobile DevicesNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.NoticesOpen GovernmentPostal ServicePrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexProcurementTimeTreasurers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More notice, tax-like liens in Service districts

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Service must give at least 60 days' notice before it sets or raises charges in a service district. It must publish notice once a week for two weeks in a local newspaper and hold a public hearing. It must also use one or more extra methods: website posting for two weeks, email or text to ratepayers who shared contact info, or mailed notice to each affected property owner and address. The published notice uses a bold, all caps headline and standard body text. Charges take effect on the date the Service sets and can become a first lien on the property with the same priority, interest, and penalties as State taxes, even without a contract.

Easier small Service contracts up to $50,000

Beginning October 1, 2026, contracts the Service estimates at $50,000 or less use a simpler small procurement process. The limit rises from $25,000 to $50,000. This streamlines bidding and can open more lower-dollar work to small vendors.

Stronger money controls at Maryland Environmental Service

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Maryland Environmental Service Treasurer keeps detailed accounts of all money, deposits funds in approved banks, and pays out only on the Treasurer's warrant. The Treasurer arranges payments on Service debt and must be covered by a surety bond or insurance set by the State Treasurer. With Board approval, the Treasurer may name an employee as Deputy Treasurer to perform these duties under set limits. The Deputy must also be bonded or insured.

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: 144 • No: 34

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 100 • No: 34 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 78

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (100-34)

    4/8/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    4/7/2026House

  6. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)

    3/30/2026House

  7. Hearing canceled (Appropriations)

    3/30/2026House

  8. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)

    3/26/2026House

  9. Referred Appropriations Environment and Transportation

    2/13/2026House

  10. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    2/12/2026Senate

  11. Second Reading Passed

    2/10/2026Senate

  12. Favorable Adopted

    2/10/2026Senate

  13. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/9/2026Senate

  14. Hearing 1/21 at 11:00 a.m.

    1/15/2026Senate

  15. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/14/2026Senate

  16. Pre-filed

    9/25/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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