Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 1253

Bill Title: Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Protection Program - Administrative and Enforcement Provisions

Bill Sponsor(s): The Speaker (By Request - Administration)

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: ENV

Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the Maryland Home Improvement Commission to deny, reprimand, suspend, or revoke home improvement licenses for failure to comply with specified requirements in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays; authorizes the Critical Area Commission to adopt and amend specified regulations; requires the Commission to adopt and amend specified regulations; etc.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The Critical Area Commission is asking for major regulatory authority that a typical state agency has and will be able to set their own regulations without legislation. The legislature should not give up this authority to the Commission.

The enforcement process and penalty provisions are restrictive and would allow local authorities to access property to determine if a violation has occurred or will occur. This raises the concern of due process to access without permission.

For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber opposes this legislation.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

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