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, March 10, 2026  (testimony due Friday, March 6, 2026) 

SB 733 - Land Use - Definitions and Boards of Appeals (UNFAVORABLE)  

Senate Bill 733 is a comprehensive overhaul of how appeals for zoning and land-use decisions are managed across Maryland, aiming to establish statewide consistency even if it means reducing the independence and flexibility of municipalities. The legislation introduces significant revisions to Maryland’s land use laws, particularly in the structure, authority, and procedures of local Boards of Appeals. Key changes include the standardization and clarification of land use definitions, reforms to how board members are appointed and removed, and revisions to the powers and duties of these boards. The bill formally defines "Board of Appeals" as an independent, quasi-judicial body responsible for interpreting and enforcing local zoning, licensing, and land-use ordinances. It also imposes clear rules for the appeals process, establishing specific timelines for filings and notifications, and redefines which powers Boards of Appeals hold, such as the authority to hear appeals, grant variances, and rule on special exceptions. 

Committee: Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment  

MML Staff: Angelica Bailey Thupari, angelicab@mdmunicipal.org  

Thursday, March 12, 2026  (testimony due Tuesday, March 10, 2026) 

SB 922 - Collective Bargaining - Local Government Employees and Public Employee Relations Act (UNFAVORABLE)  

Authorizes local government employees to participate in labor unions for the purpose of collectively bargaining for certain salary and benefits. The bill also sets parameters for dispute resolution and establishment of local laws. 

Committee: Senate Finance 

MML Staff: Bill Jorch, billj@mdmunicipal.org 

HB 1517 - Land Use - Qualified Project - Retaliatory Downzoning (UNFAVORABLE)  

Maryland HB1517 forces local governments to allow higher residential densities for certain affordable housing projects if those projects are targeted by local officials for downzoning after being proposed. It sharply curtails local control over zoning decisions, broadly defines prohibited 'retaliation,' and imposes substantial, long-term mandates on density and affordability.   

Committee: Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment  

MML Staff: Angelica Bailey Thupari, [email protected]