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MarylandSB 09472026 Regular SessionSenate

Maryland Transit Administration Reform Act

Sponsored By: Cory V. McCray (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; LegislativePolCmteGrantsHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesLand Records -see also- DeedsLiabilityMass Transit -see also- Buses; RailroadsNoticesOpen GovernmentProcurementPublic InformationRailroadsReal 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: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

State sets pay for key transit managers

The Maryland Transportation Commission sets qualifications, appointments, pay, and leave for up to 12 key transit management jobs. The Commission must consider pay at similar transit agencies. Before a raise for these jobs, it must notify the Budget Secretary at least 10 days in advance; if the Secretary does not advise within 10 days, the raise is treated as having no adverse fund impact. These employees are state employees who can participate in State retirement and pension systems.

Advisory board for MARC and commuter buses

The law creates a Commuter Services Advisory Board for MARC rail and MTA commuter buses. The Governor appoints residents from service areas, a rider with accessibility needs, and a unionized contractor employee; the Secretary is a nonvoting member and the Governor names the chair. The board reviews major service plans and operating and capital budget requests and advises on hiring or removal of the Deputy Administrator. It meets at least quarterly and posts an annual report for the General Assembly. Initial staggered terms begin October 1, 2026.

MTA adds staff to support new boards

The MTA must staff and support both new boards. Each board gets a Deputy Administrator and an analyst, and both share a support officer. The Administration provides office space and reallocates staff as needed.

New board to steer Baltimore transit

The law creates a Board of Directors for Baltimore Core Transit Service inside the MTA. The Governor and local leaders appoint voting members; the Transportation Secretary and MTA Administrator sit as nonvoting members, and a student rider is also nonvoting. The board must approve major service changes and operating and capital budget requests for Baltimore buses, light rail, subway, and paratransit. With a two‑thirds vote, it can block the withdrawal of certain federal grants once a project reaches FTA engineering. It meets at least quarterly, takes public comment, posts materials, and adopts bylaws within six months. Initial terms are staggered beginning October 1, 2026. The law also repeals the former Baltimore Regional Transit Commission.

Most changes start October 1, 2026

Most of this law takes effect on October 1, 2026. Some sections may start on other dates if the Act says so.

Study on a potential Maryland rail authority

MDOT must contract with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council for a study due December 1, 2026. The study reviews creating a Maryland rail authority focused on financing rail, looks at peer models, and lists next steps. It must keep current rail services under MTA and protect funding for Baltimore Core Transit Services. The Council may consult with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cory V. McCray

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 193 • No: 33

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 105 • No: 32 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 1 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/24/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 419

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (44-1)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (105-32)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {493926/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/9/2026House

  9. Rereferred to Environment and Transportation

    4/6/2026House

  10. Referred Rules and Executive Nominations

    3/25/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    3/24/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/23/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {863424/1 Adopted

    3/23/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 3/06 at 12:00 p.m. (Finance)

    3/2/2026Senate

  16. Hearing canceled (Finance)

    3/2/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m. (Finance)

    2/12/2026Senate

  18. Hearing canceled (Finance)

    2/11/2026Senate

  19. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m. (Finance)

    2/11/2026Senate

  20. First Reading Finance and Budget and Taxation

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/23/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/11/2026

    PDF

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