2026 Water Bills – Updated: 3/27/2026

Forever Chemicals

HB925/SB719 Sewage Sludge – Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances – Regulations

This bill establishes a limit on PFAS in biosolids used as fertilizer, while also addressing mitigation of upstream sources. 

  • Status: Both bills have passed through their original chamber.  Hearing in Environment & Transportation: 4/02 at 1 PM

HB1022/SB686 PFAS Chemicals – Product Phase Outs and Registration Requirements

The bill would establish regulation and ban the sale of personal care and other consumer products containing PFAS that are most likely to contribute to exposure and absorption of these chemicals to people using the products. 

  • Status: Neither bill has been voted out of committee.

Septic Systems

SB165/HB146 – On-Site Wastewater Systems -Requirements for Inspection and Pumping Services and Implementation Dates

This bill establishes requirements for septic systems at rental properties prior to new tenants occupying the property or upon the sale of a residential property be inspected and pumped out. 

  • Status: The House bill passed to the Senate.

Habitat

HB613/SB368 Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties – Living Shorelines and Nonstructural Shoreline Stabilization Measures

This bill was offered by members from the affected counties in an effort to reduce difficulties and inflexibility they have experienced with MDE’s current permitting for living shorelines. These lower shore counties note their need for differentiated natural shoreline types, not currently allowed under MDE’s regulations. Chesapeake Bay Foundation has also been working with Chesapeake Bay Trust to recommend changes in living shoreline permitting that should also address these concerns across other affected counties. 

  • Status: The House bill passed and is now in the Senate. Hearing in Education, Energy & Environment: 3/31 at 1 PM

HB701/SB523 Identification of Vernal Pools

The bill has been limited in scope from introduction and would now provide time for the Department of Natural Resources and Department of the Environment to compile a list of vernal pools in the state over their normal course of duties. This has successfully limited the bill’s fiscal note and is considered by advocates to be a good first step in bringing protection to vernal pools.

  • Status: Senate bill passed to the House. Hearing in Environment & Transportation: 4/02 at 1 PM

Oysters

HB1388/SB875 Oysters – Rotational Harvest – Pilot Program

This bill would have established a pilot program under which oysters could be commercially harvested from four oyster sanctuary reefs established in 2010. The bill raises concerns about use of oyster sanctuaries, as well as their continued sustainability. Additionally, the Oyster Advisory Commission is considering this proposal and is expected to make a recommendation on it later this year, making this legislation premature.

  • Status: Neither bill has been voted out of committee.

HB1599/SB558 Chesapeake Bay – Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund – Established

For thirty years, the Maryland Department of Transportation has financially supported oyster restoration through a transfer of funds from the Transportation Trust Fund to the Department of Natural Resources. This bill codifies this funding transfer, establishing the previously followed framework into law.  

  • Status: The House bill passed and is now in the Senate. Hearing in Environment & Transportation: 4/01 at 1 PM