The 2024 Maryland General Assembly convened on Jan. 10 and adjourned on April 8. Maryland Realtors has issued recaps of all of the pertinent legislation affecting the real estate industry. This week’s summary is covering the “Land Use, Property Rights and the Environment” related legislation that passed.

HB 449/SB 148 Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program – Funding (Effective July 1): At least 40% of the comprehensive flood management grant program will be used for projects located in or directly benefiting underserved or overburdened communities.

HB 992/SB 835 Environment - Delegated Authorities — Well and Septic Program Permits (Effective June 1): Local health departments or county governments are required to submit a schedule of review times for well and septic program permits to the Department of the Environment for approval.

HB 1101/SB 653 Standing - Environmental Protection Proceedings (Effective Oct. 1): A person with standing may bring or intervene in a civil action against a party who has made unauthorized discharges into non-tidal wetlands or ephemeral and intermittent streams.

HB 1165/SB 969 Coastal Bays Restoration and Stream and Floodplain Restoration – Funding (Effective July 1, 2025): The Whole Watershed Restoration Partnership will accelerate restoration of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and their watersheds by funding projects shown to be cost-effective.

HB 1511 Forest Conservation Act – Modifications (Effective July 1): This bill delays effective dates and adjusts implementation procedures for the 2023 Forest Conservation Act, while allowing forest mitigation banking provisions to go into effect in 2024.

HB 1512 Bay Restoration Fund — Municipal Wastewater Facilities (Effective June 1): Bay Restoration Funds may continue to be used to connect properties to existing municipal wastewater facilities.