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EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
*sb0062*
SENATE BILL 62
R2 6lr0151
(PRE–FILED) CF HB 230
By: Chair, Budget and Taxation Committee (By Request – Departmental –
Transportation)
Requested: September 26, 2025
Introduced and read first time: January 14, 2026
Assigned to: Budget and Taxation
A BILL ENTITLED
AN ACT concerning 1
Transportation – Consolidated Transportation Program – Prioritization 2
(Transportation Investment Priorities Act of 2026) 3
FOR the purpose of altering the required elements of the Consolidated Transportation 4
Program; requiring the Department of Transportation to develop a certain 5
project–based scoring system, identify certain funds available for certain purposes, 6
and solicit requests from certain entities for major surface transportation projects; 7
requiring the Department to evaluate and score certain major surface transportation 8
projects; requiring the Department to publish the scores of certain projects and list 9
of projects recommended for inclusion in the Consolidated Transportation Program; 10
providing that certain major surface transportation projects may be included in the 11
Consolidated Transportation Program only if the project has been evaluated using a 12
certain project –based scoring program; altering the makeup, chair, frequency of 13
meetings, and responsibilities of the Maryland Transportation Commission; and 14
generally relating to transportation planning and investment prioritization. 15
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 16
Article – Transportation 17
Section 2 –103.1(a), (c), (e), and (m)(1)(i)1. , 2 –103.7, 2 –203, 2 –204(a) and (b), and 18
2–205 19
Annotated Code of Maryland 20
(2020 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 21
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 22
Article – Transportation 23
Section 2–202 24
Annotated Code of Maryland 25
(2020 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 26
2 SENATE BILL 62
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 1
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 2
Article – Transportation 3
2–103.1. 4
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 5
(2) “Capital project” means: 6
(i) Any project for which funds are expended for construction, 7
reconstruction, or rehabilitation of a transportation facility by the Department or of a 8
transportation facilities project by the Maryland Transportation Authority; or 9
(ii) Capital equipment, as defined by the Secretary. 10
(3) “Construction phase” means the phase of a capital project in which the 11
project is committed and advanced from the project development phase to completion. 12
(4) “FINAL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PHASE” MEANS THE PHASE OF A 13
CAPITAL PROJECT IN W HICH THE PROJECT IS ADVANCED FROM PRELIM INARY 14
ENGINEERING THROUGH FINAL DESIGN ACTIVITIES. 15
(5) “INITIAL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PHASE” MEANS THE PHASE OF 16
A CAPITAL PROJECT IN WHICH THE PROJECT IS ADVANCED FROM EARLY PLANNING 17
AND FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS TO A LEVEL OF PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING. 18
[(4)] (6) “Major capital project” means any new, expanded, or 19
significantly improved facility or service that involves planning, environmental studies, 20
design, right –of–way, construction, or purchase of essential equipment related to the 21
facility or service. 22
[(5)] (7) “Major SURFACE transportation project” has the meaning stated 23
in § 2–103.7 of this subtitle. 24
[(6)] (8) “Minor capital project” means any project for the preservation or 25
rehabilitation of an existing facility or service, including the planning, design, 26
right–of–way, construction, or purchase of equipment essential to the facility or service, 27
and generally not requiring the preparation of an environmental impact assessment. 28
[(7)] (9) (I) “Project development phase” means the phase of a capital 29
project in which planning, engineering, and environmental studies and analyses are 30
conducted with full participation by the public, prior to [commitment to] construction. 31
SENATE BILL 62 3
(II) “PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PHASE” INCLUDES THE INITIAL 1
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PHASE OR FINAL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PHASE. 2
[(8)] (10) (i) “Proposing entity” means a government agency or political 3
subdivision that requests that a transportation project be included in the Consolidated 4
Transportation Program. 5
(ii) “Proposing entity” includes a county, a municipality, a 6
metropolitan planning organization, A TRANSIT AGENCY, and a modal administration or 7
any other agency of the Department. 8
[(9)] (11) “Purpose and need summary statement” means a brief statement 9
that specifies the underlying purpose and need for a project. 10
[(10)] (12) “Significant change” means any change that affects the size or 11
character of a project to the extent that the change: 12
(i) Substantially modifies the capacity, level of service, or cost of the 13
project; 14
(ii) Alters the function or purpose of the project; or 15
(iii) Impacts the ability of a modal administration to accomplish the 16
program priorities established by the Secretary in the State Report on Transportation. 17
[(11)] (13) “State transportation goals” means the goals described in § 18
2–103.7 of this subtitle. 19
(14) “TRANSIT AGENCY ” MEANS THE MARYLAND TRANSIT 20
ADMINISTRATION OR AN AGENCY THAT OPERATES A LOCALLY OPERATED TRANSIT 21
SYSTEM. 22
[(12)] (15) “Transportation facilities project” has the meaning stated in [§ 23
4–101(i)] § 4–101 of this article. 24
[(13)] (16) “Transportation facility” has the meaning stated in § 3 –101(l) of 25
this article. 26
(c) (1) The Consolidated Transportation Program shall: 27
(i) Be revised annually; and 28
(ii) Include: 29
1. A list of: 30
4 SENATE BILL 62
A. The State transportation goals; 1
B. Program priorities; 2
C. For projects in the [construction] PROJECT 3
DEVELOPMENT phase, the criteria used to select DIFFERENT TYPES OF major capital 4
projects for inclusion in the capital program; and 5
D. The [manner in which each major transportation project 6
was evaluated and ranked ] RESULTS OF THE EVALU ATION OF MAJOR SURFA CE 7
TRANSPORTATION PROJE CTS SELECTED FOR FUN DING under § 2 –103.7 of this 8
subtitle; 9
2. A statement of the Department’s projected annual 10
operating costs, set forth separately for the Office of the Secretary and for each modal 11
administration; 12
3. Expanded descriptions of major capital projects; 13
4. A list of major capital projects for the current year, the 14
budget request year, and the 4 successive planning years; 15
5. A list of [anticipated] ALL IDENTIFIED minor capital 16
projects[, including a specific list of anticipated special projects ] for the current year and 17
the budget request year and an estimate of the Program level for each of the 4 successive 18
planning years; 19
6. A list of major bridge work projects; 20
7. A summary of the capital and operating programs, as 21
defined by the Secretary, for the Maryland Transportation Authority; 22
8. For each listed major capital project, an indication 23
whether the revenue source anticipated to support that project consists of federal, special, 24
general, or other funds; 25
9. The Department’s estima tes of the levels and sources of 26
revenues to be used to fund the projects in the Program; 27
10. A glossary of terms; and 28
11. A cross–reference table for the information contained in 29
the various parts of the State Report on Transportation. 30
(2) In addition to the items listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the 31
Consolidated Transportation Program shall include: 32
SENATE BILL 62 5
(i) A summary of current efforts and future plans, prepared after 1
consultation with the Director of Bicycle and Pedestrian Acce ss and the Bicycle and 2
Pedestrian Advisory Committee established under § 2–606 of this title: 3
1. To develop and promote bicycle and pedestrian 4
transportation; and 5
2. Working together with local jurisdictions, to accommodate 6
in a safe and effective manner pedestrians and bicycles within a reasonable distance for 7
walking and bicycling to rail stops, light rail stops, and subway stations; 8
(ii) A listing of all bicycl e and pedestrian transportation projects 9
expected to use State or federal highway funds; and 10
(iii) Reflected under the Office of the Secretary, any 11
technology–related project to be funded from the account established under § 2–111 of this 12
subtitle, along with a description and projected cost of each. 13
(3) In addition to the items listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the 14
Consolidated Transpor tation Program shall include a summary of current efforts and 15
future plans to increase commuter access between the campuses of the University of 16
Maryland, including: 17
(i) Easing traffic congestion; and 18
(ii) Use of mass transit. 19
(4) Annually, th e Consolidated Transportation Program shall include a 20
report that: 21
(i) Identifies each major capital project for which the budget bill or 22
a supplemental budget amendment first requests funds for the project development phase 23
or for the construction phase; 24
(ii) With respect to each major capital project for which funds are 25
requested in the budget request year, states: 26
1. The amount of the funds requested; and 27
2. The total estimated cost of the project; 28
(iii) Identifies significant changes in the cost, scope, design, or 29
scheduling of major capital projects for each completed fiscal year; 30
(iv) When there is a significant change in cost, states the amount by 31
which the expenditures that have been authorized exceed the original project estimate; 32
6 SENATE BILL 62
(v) When there is a significant change, states: 1
1. The amount by which costs exceed projected costs during 2
each completed fiscal year; and 3
2. The total amount that has been expended for a major 4
capital project; 5
(vi) Provides a purpose and need summary statement that includes: 6
1. A general description and summary that describes why 7
the project is necessary and satisfies State transport ation goals, including Climate Action 8
Plan goals required by the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act of 2009 under § 9
2–1205(b) of the Environment Article; 10
2. The location of the project, including a map of the project 11
limits, project area, or transportation corridor; and 12
3. A summary of how the project meets the selection criteria 13
for inclusion in the capital program; 14
(vii) Provides the Maryland Transit Administration state of good 15
repair budget for the current fiscal year and projections for the subsequent fiscal year; and 16
(viii) Includes any other information that the Secretary believes would 17
be useful to the members of the General Assembly, the general public, or other recipients 18
of the Consolidated Transportation Program. 19
(5) The total operating and capital expenditures for the Department or for 20
the Office of the Secretary or any modal administration projected in the Consolidated 21
Transportation Program for the budget request year may not exceed the budget request for 22
the Department, Office, or modal administration for that year. 23
[(6) For a major capital project to be considered for inclusion in the 24
construction program of the Consolidated Transportation Program, a request must be 25
submitted to the Secretary by the proposing entity along with a purpose and need summary 26
statement justifying the project that includes: 27
(i) The location of the project, including a map of the project limits, 28
project area, or transportation corridor; 29
(ii) The need for the project; 30
(iii) A discussion of how the project: 31
1. Addresses State transportation goals; and 32
SENATE BILL 62 7
2. Supports local government land use plans and goals; and 1
(iv) A certification that all members of the legislative delegation of 2
the county in which the project is located have been notified. 3
(7) (i) The Department shall evaluate requests for major capital 4
projects based on the State’s transportation goals and, if applicable, using the measures 5
established under § 2–103.7 of this subtitle, and, as appropriate, criteria as determined by 6
the information submitted by the proposing entity and the availability of funding. 7
(ii) As part of the evaluation under this paragraph, the Department 8
shall acknowledge the difference between urban and rural transportation needs.] 9
(6) (I) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONS IDER REQUESTS FOR 10
PROJECTS FOR FUNDING IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION PROGRAM, 11
STATE OF GOOD REPAIR PROGRAMS, AND THE PROJECT–BASED SCORING PROGRAM. 12
(II) AS PART OF ITS CONSIDERATION OF PROJECTS REQUESTED 13
UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL: 14
1. ESTABLISH AND PUBLISH CLEAR GUIDELINES FOR A 15
PROPOSING ENTITY TO MAKE A REQ UEST FOR EACH PROGRAM , INCLUDING THE 16
FORM OF PRIORITY LETTERS, PROCESSES, AND CRITERIA THAT THE DEPARTMENT 17
WILL USE TO EVALUATE EACH REQUEST; 18
2. ESTABLISH A WEB –BASED SYSTEM FOR SUB MISSION 19
OF PROJECTS TO BE CO NSIDERED FOR INCLUSI ON IN THE CONSOLIDATED 20
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM; AND 21
3. PROVIDE RESPONSES EVERY OTHER YEAR TO EACH 22
REQUEST RECEIVED FOR THE PRIORITIZATION PROGRAM UNDER § 2–103.7 OF THIS 23
SUBTITLE, INCLUDING INFORMATIO N PERTAINING TO THE DEPARTMENT’S 24
EVALUATION OF THE REQUESTED PROJECT. 25
[(8)] (7) (i) The Department, in developing a construction or 26
improvement project involving a bridge or other transportation facility that is adjacent to 27
or crosses a waterway for inclusion in the Consolidated Transportation Program, shall 28
consider any reasonable and appropriate measures to provide or improve in the vicinity of 29
the bridge or other transportation facility water access for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or 30
any other nonmotorized water dependent recreational activity. 31
(ii) The Department, in consultation with the Department of 32
Natural Resources and interested stakeholders, shall establish: 33
8 SENATE BILL 62
1. Standards and guidelines for identifying appropriate 1
bridges and other transportation facilities to be considered for the provision or 2
improvement of water access under this paragraph; and 3
2. Best practices and cost effective strategies for 4
accommodating water access under this paragraph. 5
[(9)] (8) Except as authorized by law, the Consolidated Transportation 6
Program may not include capital transportation grants for roads and highways to counties 7
or municipal corporations for any period beyond the budget request year. 8
[(10)] (9) (i) In addition to the items listed in paragraph (1) of this 9
subsection, the Consolidated Transportation Program shall include: 10
1. A table that identifies each project receiving construction 11
funds: 12
A. For the first time in the budget request year; and 13
B. For the first time in the current year if the construction 14
funds were not identified in the budget year in the Consolidated Transportation Program 15
released the previous January; and 16
2. A table that identifies each project receiving planning 17
funds: 18
A. For the first time in the budget request year; and 19
B. For the first time in the current year if the planning funds 20
were not shown in the budget request year in the Consolidated Transportation Program 21
released the previous January. 22
(ii) For each project included in a table required under subparagraph 23
(i) of this paragraph, the table shall identify: 24
1. Where the project is listed in the Consolidated 25
Transportation Program; and 26
2. By fund, the amount included in the current year bu dget 27
and the budget request year budget for the project. 28
(e) On or before November [15] 30 of each year, the Department shall visit each 29
county to give local governments and local legislative delegations information about and an 30
opportunity to comment on the [proposed Consolidated Transportation Program and the 31
proposed Maryland Transportation Plan] FOLLOWING: 32
SENATE BILL 62 9
(1) THE PROPOSED CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM; 1
(2) TRANSPORTATION PERFOR MANCE AND THE MARYLAND 2
TRANSPORTATION PLAN IN PLAN DEVELOPMENT YEARS; 3
(3) IN EVEN –NUMBERED FISCAL YEAR S, THE RESULTS OF THE 4
PROJECT–BASED SCORING SYSTEM DESCRIBED IN § 2–103.7 OF THIS SUBTITLE; AND 5
(4) IN ODD–NUMBERED FISCAL YEARS: 6
(I) METHODOLOGY AND PROGR AM COMMENTS RELATED TO 7
THE PROJECT–BASED SCORING SYSTEM; AND 8
(II) LOCAL PRIORITIES FOR TRANSPORTATION STATE OF GOOD 9
REPAIR, ASSET MANAGEMENT, AND INITIAL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT. 10
(m) (1) (i) Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article: 11
1. On or before [September 1] OCTOBER 1 of each year, the 12
Department shall submit copies of the proposed Consolidated Transportation Program and 13
the supporting financial forecast to the General Assembly; and 14
2–103.7. 15
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 16
(2) “LOCALLY MANAGED CAPITAL PROJECT” MEANS: 17
(I) A CAPITAL PROJECT PER FORMED BY A POLITICA L 18
SUBDIVISION IN A RIG HT–OF–WAY THAT IS CONTROLL ED BY THE STATE HIGHWAY 19
ADMINISTRATION, THE MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION, OR A PASSENGER 20
OR FREIGHT RAILROAD; OR 21
(II) IN THE CASE OF A POLI TICAL SUBDIVISION WI THOUT ANY 22
RIGHTS–OF–WAY CONTROLLED BY TH E STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, A 23
CAPITAL PROJECT PERFORMED BY A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION IN A RIGHT–OF–WAY 24
CONTROLLED BY THE PO LITICAL SUBDIVISION , THE MARYLAND TRANSIT 25
ADMINISTRATION, OR A PASSENGER OR FREIGHT RAILROAD. 26
(3) “Major capital project” has the meaning stated in § 2 –103.1 of this 27
subtitle. 28
10 SENATE BILL 62
[(3)] (4) (i) “Major SURFACE transportation project” means a major 1
capital project THAT IS in the State Highway Administration or the Maryland Transit 2
Administration [whose] OR THAT IS A LOCALLY MANAGED CAPITAL PROJECT: 3
1. WHOSE total cost for all phases exceeds $5,000,000 [and 4
that: 5
1. Increases highway or transit capacity; 6
2. Reduces areas of heavy traffic congestion; 7
3. Improves commute times in areas of heavy traffic 8
congestion; 9
4. Improves transit stations or station areas; or 10
5. Improves highway capacity through the use of intelligent 11
transportation systems or congestion management systems]; 12
2. THAT INCREASES THE CA PACITY OR ABILITY OF THE 13
HIGHWAY, TRANSIT, OR RAIL SYSTEM TO MOVE PEOPLE AND GOODS; AND 14
3. WHOSE TOTAL COST ATTR IBUTABLE TO THE 15
INCREASED CAPACITY EXCEEDS $5,000,000. 16
(ii) “Major SURFACE transportation project” does not include: 17
1. Projects in the Maryland Aviation Administration, the 18
Maryland Port Administration, [or] THE MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION, THE 19
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, the Maryland Transportation Authority , OR THE 20
WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY; 21
2. Maintenance and storage facilities projects; 22
3. Water quality improvement projects; 23
4. Projects related to Maryland’s priorities for total 24
maximum daily load development; 25
5. Safety–related projects that [do not increase highway or 26
transit capacity ] RECEIVE FUNDING UNDE R 23 U.S.C. § 148 OR THAT DO NOT 27
SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE TRANSIT CAPACITY; 28
SENATE BILL 62 11
6. [Roads within ] PROJECTS FUNDED , APPROPRIATED, 1
OR APPORTIONED UNDER the Appalachian Development Highway System PROGRAM; 2
[or] 3
7. Projects that are solely for system preservation OR STATE 4
OF GOOD REPAIR PURPOSES; 5
8. PROJECTS WHERE BICYCL E OR PEDESTRI AN 6
ELEMENTS ARE ADDED A S A RESULT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S COMPLETE STREETS 7
POLICY; OR 8
9. PROJECTS FUNDED WITH FEDERAL SOURCES EXEMPT 9
FROM THE PROJECT –BASED SCORING PROCES S DUE TO EXISTING EV ALUATION 10
PROCESSES, INCLUDING: 11
A. CONGESTION MITIGATION AIR QUALITY FUNDS; 12
B. TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES FUNDS; 13
C. PROTECT PROGRAM FUNDS; 14
D. CARBON REDUCTION PROGRAM FUNDS; AND 15
E. FUNDS FROM A FEDERAL PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY 16
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER JANUARY 1, 2024, WITH SPECIFIC RULES THAT 17
SIGNIFICANTLY RESTRICT THE TYPES OR LOCA TIONS OF PROJECTS TH AT MAY BE 18
FUNDED. 19
(b) The Department shall: 20
(1) [In accordance with federal transportation requirements, develop a 21
project–based scoring system for major transportation projects using the goals and 22
measures established under subsection (c) of this section;] DEVELOP, IN CONSULTATION 23
WITH THE APPLICABLE METROPOLITAN PLANNIN G ORGANIZATIONS , A 24
PROJECT–BASED SCORING SYSTEM THAT: 25
(I) IS CONSISTENT WITH THIS SUBTITLE; 26
(II) IS DEVELOPED IN ACCOR DANCE WITH FEDERAL 27
TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS; AND 28
(III) EVALUATES THE MAJOR S URFACE TRANSPORTATIO N 29
PROJECTS USING OBJEC TIVE AND QUANTIFIABL E MEASURES FOR THE G OALS 30
12 SENATE BILL 62
ESTABLISHED UNDER SU BSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION THAT CONSIDER THE 1
BENEFITS OF A PROJECT RELATIVE TO ITS COST TO THE STATE; 2
(2) Develop the weigh ting metrics for each goal and measure established 3
under subsection (c) of this section; 4
(3) [On or before January 1, 2018, develop a model consistent with this 5
section that uses the project–based scoring system developed under this subsection to rank 6
major transportation projects being considered for inclusion in the draft and final 7
Consolidated Transportation Program; ] PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNIT Y FOR THE 8
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TO REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THE 9
GOALS, MEASURES, AND METRICS DEVELOPED; 10
(4) [Use the model developed under this subsection to rank major 11
transportation projects being considered for inclusion in the draft and final Consolidated 12
Transportation Program; and ] PUBLISH THE GUIDELINE S DEVELOPED FOR THE 13
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION; 14
(5) [Make the model developed under item (3) of this subsection and any 15
ranking under item (4) of this subsection available to the public: 16
(i) As an appendix to the Consolidat ed Transportation Program; 17
and 18
(ii) On the Department’s website ] AT LEAST EVERY 2 YEARS, IN 19
COORDINATION WITH TH E MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, REVIEW 20
AND UPDATE THE GUIDELINES, AS NECESSARY; 21
(6) IDENTIFY THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR EACH 2–YEAR 22
FUNDING CYCLE AFTER NEEDS ASSOCIATED WIT H THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN 23
CONSIDERED: 24
(I) OPERATING, ADMINISTRATION, AND MAINTENANCE COST S 25
OF THE DEPARTMENT; 26
(II) GRANTS TO OTHER ENTITIES, INCLUDING: 27
1. DISTRIBUTION OF HIGHW AY USER REVENUES TO 28
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CONSISTENT WITH TITLE 8, SUBTITLE 4 OF THIS ARTICLE; 29
2. DISTRIBUTION OF LOCALLY OPERATED TRANSIT 30
SYSTEM GRANTS; AND 31
SENATE BILL 62 13
3. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO THE WASHINGTON 1
METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY; 2
(III) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS , INCLUDING SALARIES , WAGES, 3
AND FRINGE BENEFITS , RELATED TO OVERSIGHT AND IMPLEMENTATION O F THE 4
DEPARTMENT’S CAPITAL PROGRAM; 5
(IV) CAPITAL FUNDING THAT INCLUDES: 6
1. FUNDS FOR CAPITAL PRO JECTS OF THE MARYLAND 7
AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, THE MARYLAND PORT ADMINISTRATION, THE MOTOR 8
VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION, AND THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY; 9
2. FUNDS FOR HIGHWAY SYS TEM PRESERVATION AND 10
STATE OF GOOD REPAIR; AND 11
3. FUNDS FOR THE TRANSIT PROJ ECTS WHERE THE 12
PRIMARY PURPOSE IS STATE OF GOOD REPAIR; AND 13
(V) ALL OTHER CAPITAL NEE DS FOR PROJECTS NOT SUBJECT 14
TO THE PROJECT–BASED SCORING SYSTEM FOR MAJOR SURFACE TRANSPORTATION 15
CAPITAL PROJECTS; AND 16
(7) (I) AT LEAST EVERY 2 YEARS AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE 17
FUNDING, SOLICIT REQUESTS FRO M THE DEPARTMENT, LOCAL JURISDICTIONS , 18
AND APPROPRIATE METR OPOLITAN PLANNING OR GANIZATIONS FOR MAJO R 19
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS TO BE EVALUATED; AND 20
(II) REQUIRE EACH REQUESTE R TO CERTIFY THAT AL L 21
MEMBERS OF THE LEGIS LATIVE DELEGATION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT 22
REPRESENTS THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE PROJECT IS LOCAT ED HAVE BEEN 23
NOTIFIED OF THE REQUEST. 24
(c) (1) The [State transportation goals are :] DEPARTMENT SHALL 25
EVALUATE MAJOR SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS BASED ON POLICY GOALS. 26
(2) PROJECTS SHALL BE EVALUATED ON HOW THE Y ADDRESS THE 27
FOLLOWING GOALS: 28
(i) Safety [and security]; 29
(ii) [System preservation] ACCESSIBILITY AND MOBILITY; 30
14 SENATE BILL 62
(iii) [Reducing congestion and improving commute times] CLIMATE 1
CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT; 2
(iv) [Environmental stewardship] SOCIAL EQUITY; 3
(v) [Community vitality;] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; AND 4
(vi) [Economic prosperity; 5
(vii) Equitable access to transportation; 6
(viii) Cost effectiveness and return on investment; and 7
(ix) Local priorities ] SUSTAINABLE LAND USE AND 8
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT. 9
[(2) In evaluating whether and to what extent a major transportation 10
project satisfies the goals established under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the 11
Department shall assign a score for each goal using the weighting metrics developed by the 12
Department under subsection (b)(2) of this section and the following measures: 13
(i) For safety and security: 14
1. The expected reduction in total fatalities and severe 15
injuries in all modes affected by the project; and 16
2. The extent to which the project implements the Maryland 17
State Highway Administration’s Complete Streets policies. 18
(ii) For system preservation: 19
1. The degree to which the project increases the lifespan of 20
the affected facility; 21
2. The degree to which the project increases the functionality 22
of the facility; and 23
3. The degree to which the project renders the facility more 24
resilient. 25
(iii) For reducing congestion and improving commute times: 26
1. The expected change in cumulative job accessibility within 27
an approximately 60–minute commute for highway projects or transit projects; 28
SENATE BILL 62 15
2. The degree to which the project has a positive impact on 1
travel time reliability and congestion; and 2
3. The deg ree to which the project supports connections 3
between different modes of transportation and promotes multiple transportation choices. 4
(iv) For environmental stewardship: 5
1. The potential of the project to limit or reduce harmful 6
emissions; 7
2. The degree to which the project avoids impacts on State 8
resources in the project area and adjacent areas; and 9
3. The degree to which the project advances the State 10
environmental goals. 11
(v) For community vitality: 12
1. The degree to which the project is projected to increase the 13
use of walking, biking, and transit; 14
2. The degree to which the project enhances existing 15
community assets; and 16
3. The degree to which the project furthers the affected 17
community’s and State’s plans for revitalization. 18
(vi) For economic prosperity: 19
1. The projected increase in the cumulative job accessibility 20
within an approximately 60–minute commute for projects; 21
2. The extent to which the project is projected to enhance 22
access to critical intermodal locations for the movement of goods and services; and 23
3. The projected increase in furthering nonspeculative local 24
and State economic development strategies in existing communities. 25
(vii) For equitable access to transportation: 26
1. The expected increase in job accessibility for 27
disadvantaged populations within an approximately 60–minute commute for projects; and 28
2. The projected economic development impact on 29
low–income communities. 30
16 SENATE BILL 62
(viii) For cost effectiveness and return on investment: 1
1. The estimated travel time savings divided by the project 2
cost; 3
2. The degree to which the project leverages additional 4
federal, State, local, and private sector transportation investment; and 5
3. The degree to which the proj ect will increase 6
transportation alternatives and redundancy. 7
(ix) For local priorities, the degree to which the project supports local 8
government transportation priorities, as specified in local government priority letters.] 9
(d) (1) The score of a m ajor SURFACE transportation project shall be based 10
solely on the PROJECT’S CAPACITY TO SATISFY THE goals [and measures] established 11
under subsection (c) of this section RELATIVE TO THE PROJECT’S COST TO THE STATE. 12
(2) [The] BY THE TIME OF THE RE LEASE OF THE DRAFT 13
CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IN EACH EVEN –NUMBERED FISCAL 14
YEAR, THE Department shall [make the scores of all projects evaluated for inclusion in the 15
Consolidated Transportation Program and assigned a score un der the model available to 16
the public: 17
(i) As an appendix to the Consolidated Transportation Program; 18
and 19
(ii) On the Department’s website] PUBLISH IN THE 20
CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM AND ON THE DEPARTMENT’S 21
WEBSITE THE SCORES OF ALL PROJECTS EVALUAT ED, THE RANKING OF ALL 22
PROJECTS EVALUATED, AND THE LIST OF PROJECTS RECOMMEN DED TO RECEIVE 23
FUNDING WITHIN AVAIL ABLE FUNDS IN THE CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORTATION 24
PROGRAM. 25
(3) AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE DRAFT CONSOLIDATED 26
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM, THE SECRETARY SHALL CONSI DER COMMENTS ON 27
EACH PROJECT’S EVALUATION IN DEVELO PING A FINAL RECOMME NDATION FOR 28
PROJECT FUNDING. 29
(4) (I) BEFORE THE RELEASE OF THE FINAL CONSOLIDATED 30
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IN EACH EVEN –NUMBERED FISCAL YEAR , THE 31
SECRETARY MAY MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE RECOMMENDED PROJECT LIST THAT 32
THE SECRETARY DETERMINES IS APPROPRIATE. 33
SENATE BILL 62 17
(II) A MODIFICATION BY THE SECRETARY MAY BE 1
INCORPORATED INTO TH E FINAL CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM 2
ONLY AFTER THE SECRETARY HAS PRESENT ED THE MODIFICATIONS TO THE 3
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR THE COMMISSION’S REVIEW. 4
(E) (1) ON THE COMPLETION OF A ROUND OF PROJECT E VALUATIONS, 5
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL UNDERTAKE A REVIEW OF THE PROJECT–BASED SCORING 6
SYSTEM AND RELATED GUIDELINES TO DETERMINE WHET HER MODIFICATIONS TO 7
THE GUIDELINES ARE NECESSARY. 8
(2) IF THE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES THAT MODIFICATIONS A RE 9
NECESSARY, THE RECOMMENDED MODI FICATIONS SHALL BE P RESENTED TO THE 10
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR REVIEW. 11
(F) (1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION, A 12
MAJOR SURFACE TRANSP ORTATION PROJECT MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE 13
CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM FOR CONSTRUCTION ONLY IF IT HAS 14
BEEN EVALUATED BY THE PROJECT–BASED SCORING PROGRAM IN THIS SUBTITLE. 15
(2) THE REQUIREMENT UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION 16
DOES NOT APPLY TO A PROJECT IF, ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 2025, THE PROJECT 17
HAS: 18
(I) PROGRESSED THROUGH 30% COMPLETION OF THE DESIGN 19
PHASE; OR 20
(II) BEEN SUBJECT TO AN AGREEMENT WITH A LOC AL 21
JURISDICTION FOR FINAL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OR CONSTRUCTION. 22
[(e)] (G) Nothing in this section may be construed to impede or alter: 23
(1) The priority letter process that outlines local transportation priorities 24
for the Department’s consideration for inclusion in the Consolidated Transportation 25
Program under § 2–103.1 of this subtitle; 26
(2) The Department’s visit to each county under § 2 –103.1(e) of this 27
subtitle; or 28
(3) The inclusion of local transportation prioriti es in the Consolidated 29
Transportation Program. 30
2–202. 31
There is a Maryland Transportation Commission in the Department. 32
18 SENATE BILL 62
2–203. 1
(a) The Commission consists of the following [17] members: 2
(1) [As ex officio members, the seven regional members of the State Roads 3
Commission; and 4
(2) Ten members appointed by the Governor with the advice of the 5
Secretary] THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 6
(2) EIGHT MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, WITH AT LEAST 7
FOUR MEMBERS REPRESENTING URBANIZED AREAS AND AT LEAST TWO M EMBERS 8
REPRESENTING RURAL AREAS; 9
(3) TWO MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; AND 10
(4) TWO MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE. 11
(b) An appointed member may not be [an]: 12
(1) AN officer or employee of the Department EXCEPT FOR THE 13
SECRETARY; 14
(2) A STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL; OR 15
(3) AN APPOINTED OFFICIAL OF THE STATE EXCEPT FOR THE 16
SECRETARY. 17
(C) Each appointed member shall be a resident of this State and have interest 18
and, preferably, experience in at least one of the fields under the jurisdiction of the 19
Department. 20
[(c)] (D) (1) Each appointed member serves for a term of [3] 4 years and until 21
his successor is appointed and qualifies. [The terms of appointed members shall be 22
staggered as required by the original appointments to the Commission, three of which were 23
made for a 3 –year term, four of which were made for a 2 –year term, and three of whi ch 24
were made for a 1–year term.] 25
(2) THE TERMS OF MEMBERS ARE STAGGERED AS REQUIRED BY THE 26
TERMS PROVIDED FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON JULY 1, 2026. 27
(3) EACH APPOINTED MEMBER MAY BE REAPPOINTED A T THE 28
DISCRETION OF THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY. 29
SENATE BILL 62 19
[(2)] (4) A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term serves 1
only for the remainder of that term. 2
(E) THE SECRETARY MAY APPOINT A DESIGNEE WHO SERVE S IN THE 3
SECRETARY’S CAPACITY WHEN THE SECRETARY IS NOT AVAILABLE. 4
2–204. 5
(a) The [Governor shall designate one of the appointed members of the 6
Commission as its Chairman] SECRETARY IS THE CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION. 7
(b) The Commission shall meet, at a time and place designated by the 8
Commission or its [Chairman] CHAIR: 9
(1) At least once each [month] QUARTER; and 10
(2) At any other time that the Secretary requests. 11
2–205. 12
(a) (1) The [Maryland Transportation ] Commission shall study the entire 13
transportation system of this State and regularly discuss with the Secretary any matter 14
relating to this State’s transportation system. 15
(2) [Each of the seven regional members of the State Roads Commission, 16
who serve as ex officio members of the Maryland Transportation Commission, shall: 17
(i) Conduct a continuing survey of the secondary highways, as 18
defined in § 8–101 of this article, in that member’s region; and 19
(ii) Report on the highway needs and problems of that region to the 20
Maryland Transportation Commission. 21
(3)] The [Maryland Transportation ] Commission may request of the 22
Secretary any information relating to the Department that is needed for the Commission’s 23
studies, surveys, and deliberations. 24
(b) The Commission shall [advise] HAVE THE FOLLOWING P OWERS AND 25
DUTIES: 26
(1) ADVISE and make recommendations to the Secretary and the heads of 27
the units in the Department on all matters that concern transportation policy formation 28
and program execution; 29
20 SENATE BILL 62
(2) REVIEW, ADVISE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDAT IONS TO THE 1
SECRETARY ON THE DEPARTMENT’S QUARTERLY OPERATIN G AND CAPITAL 2
BUDGET UPDATES; 3
(3) REVIEW, ADVISE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDAT IONS REGARDING 4
THE GUIDELINES TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT–BASED SCORING SYSTEM UNDER § 5
2–103.7 OF THIS TITLE; AND 6
(4) REVIEW, ADVISE, AND MAKE RECOMMENDAT IONS REGARDING 7
THE MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION PLAN. 8
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the terms of the members of 9
the Maryland Transportation Commission appointed in accordance with this Act shal l 10
expire as follows: 11
(1) of the members appointed by the Governor: 12
(i) two members in 2027; 13
(ii) two members in 2028; 14
(iii) two members in 2029; and 15
(iv) two members in 2030; 16
(2) of the members appointed by the Speaker of the House: 17
(i) one member in 2028; and 18
(ii) one member in 2029; and 19
(3) of the members appointed by the President of the Senate: 20
(i) one member in 2027; and 21
(ii) one member in 2028. 22
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 23
1, 2026. 24