Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 1155

Bill Title: Transportation - Consolidated Transportation Program - Evaluation and Selection of Proposed Capital Projects

Bill Sponsor(s): Dels. Lafferty, et al.

Subject: Transportation

Committee: W&M

Bill Summary: This bill alters the process under which the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) evaluates and selects capital projects to be included in the Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP). The bill also requires the Smart Growth Subcabinet to conduct an annual review of the transportation goals, benchmarks, and indicators that are used to select major capital projects for MDOT’s capital program.

History: This bill passed the General Assembly and was enacted as Chapter 725. The Senate version, SB 760 died in the House with no action.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: Although well intentioned, the bill adds another layer of regulation to an already measured process regarding transportation projects. This legislation would potentially increase costs and further delay or stop necessary projects from moving forward. There are currently sufficient tools in place to ensure that projects adhere to environmental laws. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber opposed this bill.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.