Lend Us Your Voice – Key Bills to Share Testimony on Next Week
As the 2026 legislative session continues, the Maryland Municipal League is actively monitoring several key bills scheduled for testimony next week. To ensure the municipal perspective is accurately represented in the record, we are inviting member cities and towns to submit written comments on the following items. These contributions are vital to documenting the local impact of proposed state policy before the committees of jurisdiction.
The specific bills and their respective hearing dates are listed below:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (testimony due Friday, February 6, 2026)
SB 342 - Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program (FAVORABLE)
Senate Bill 342 creates the Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program. Beginning in 2029, beverage containers sold in the state must have a deposit and labeling, with refund values of 10 or 15 cents depending on container size. Producers must join a stewardship organization, pay registration fees, and submit stewardship plans for approval. Retailers and redemption facilities will be required to provide convenient options for consumers to redeem containers for refunds. Unredeemed deposits will help fund recycling infrastructure and grants. The bill establishes an Advisory Council, amends existing recycling fund uses, and sets escalating performance targets, including a 90% redemption rate by 2033. Various penalties, reporting, and financial mechanisms are included to ensure compliance and program funding.
Committee: Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
MML Staff: Tyler Brice, [email protected]
SB 264 - Drinking Water Regulation and Legionella Control Act (FAVORABLE w/ AMENDMENT)
This legislation introduces stringent standards and protocols for maintaining, monitoring, and reporting disinfectant residuals in Maryland’s public water systems to minimize the growth and transmission of Legionella bacteria and other pathogens. It mandates timely public and agency notifications of system disruptions, requires the adoption of water management plans in certain buildings, and establishes investigation and reporting procedures in cases of Legionnaires’ disease. The bill also creates new regulatory authority and public education requirements, with penalties for violations dedicated to targeted health initiatives.
Committee: Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
MML Staff: Tyler Brice, [email protected]
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (testimony due Tuesday, February 9, 2026)
HB 466 - Civil Actions - Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Vulnerable Individuals - Comparative Negligence (UNFAVORABLE)
This bill creates a new legal standard for civil lawsuits involving motor vehicle accidents with 'vulnerable individuals' (such as pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.). If the plaintiff is partially negligent, any damages awarded will be reduced in proportion to their share of negligence (comparative negligence). Because the bill lowers the threshold for plaintiffs' recovery by adopting a comparative negligence standard, municipalities could face more lawsuits and higher payouts, even in cases where the injured party was partially at fault.
Committee: House Judiciary
MML Staff: Angelica Bailey Thupari, [email protected]
Thursday, February 12, 2026 (testimony due Tuesday, February 10, 2026)
HB 239 - Land Use - Zoning - Limitations (Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026) (UNFAVORABLE)
House Bill 239 would impose statewide limits on local zoning for single-family homes, prohibiting larger minimum lot sizes, certain setback and design requirements, and bans on townhouses in single-family zones. This bill would override local control, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach and restricting the ability of communities to manage growth and protect neighborhood character.
Committee: House Economic Matters
MML Staff: Angelica Bailey Thupari, [email protected]
How to submit testimony:
If you want to testify on a bill, you must sign-up online.
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You must have/create an MyMGA account
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MyMGA has a great Witness Sign Up tutorial to navigate testimony submission (Don’t forget to hit Save)
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Sign up starts 48 business hours (2 business days) before the bill hearing
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Thursday for a hearing on Monday
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Friday for a hearing on Tuesday
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Monday for a hearing on Wednesday
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Tuesday for a hearing on Thursday
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Wednesday for a hearing on Friday
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You can only sign up that day from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
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Recommendation: Include your jurisdiction, bill number, and position in the title of your PDF file you submit
