02 OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

02.01.06.01, .05—.10 • 53:3 Md. R. 124 (2-6-26)

02.06.04.01—.06 • 52:6 Md. R. 270 (3-21-25)

05 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

05.24.01.01—.04 • 52:13 Md. R. 660 (6-27-25)

08 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

08.01.07.10 • 52:17 Md. R 878 (8-22-25)

• 53:6 Md. R. 294 (3-20-26)

08.01.10.01—.06 • 52:17 Md. R 878 (8-22-25)

• 53:6 Md. R. 294 (3-20-26)

08.04.09.01 • 53:4 Md. R. 188 (2-20-26)

08.07.01.25 • 52:17 Md. R 878 (8-22-25)

• 53:6 Md. R. 294 (3-20-26)

08.07.06.25 • 52:17 Md. R 878 (8-22-25)

• 53:6 Md. R. 294 (3-20-26)

08.08.05.03 • 52:7 Md. R. 326 (4-4-25)

08.18.16.02 • 53:2 Md. R. 68 (1-23-26)

08.18.20.03 • 53:2 Md. R. 69 (1-23-26)

09 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

09.03.06.02,.04 • 52:2 Md. R. 79 (1-24-25) (corr)

09.03.09.06 • 52:7 Md. R. 328 (4-4-2025)

09.08.01.01, .03, .04, .28 • 53:2 Md. R. 70 (1-23-26)

09.08.06.02 • 53:2 Md. R. 70 (1-23-26)

09.08.07.02 • 53:2 Md. R. 70 (1-23-26)

09.10.03.01-2, .01-3 • 52:24 Md. R 1206 (12-01-25)

09.10.03.09 • 53:2 Md. R. 71 (1-23-26)

09.11.01.23 • 52:24 Md. R 1207 (12-01-25)

09.11.07.01 • 52:12 Md. R. 600 (6-13-25)

• 53:6 Md. R. 295 (3-20-26)

09.11.09.02 • 52:25 Md. R. 1275 (12-12-25)

09.12.21.01, .02, .04 • 53:5 Md. R. 247 (3-06-26)

09.12.57.02 • 53:1 Md. R. 30 (1-09-26) (ibr)

09.12.66.02, .03, .09—.20 • 52:23 Md. R.1143 (11-14-25) (ibr)

09.12.66.02,.03, .09—.22 • 53:4 Md. R. 189 (2-20-26) (ibr)

09.12.81.01, .02, .06 • 52:26 Md. R. 1323 (12-26-25) (ibr)

09.14.06.16 • 53:6 Md. R. 296 (3-20-26)

09.15.05.01—.03 • 53:1 Md. R. 31 (1-09-26)

09.19.02.04 • 53:1 Md. R. 31 (1-09-26)

09.22.02.03, .05 • 52:6 Md. R. 273 (3-21-25)

• 52:16 Md. R. 850 (8-8-25)

09.30.01, .01—.10 • 52:2 Md. R 371 (4-18-25)

09.38.01.05 • 53:3 Md. R. 125 (2-6-26)

10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subtitles 01—08 (1st volume)

10.01.07.01, .02, .04—.10 • 52:24 Md.R 1207 (12-01-25) (ibr)

10.04.01.01, .04 • 53:4 Md. R. 192 (2-20-26)

10.07.01.01,.38, .39 • 52:22 Md. R. 1104 (10-31-25)

10.07.04 .02, .04, .17 • 52:26 Md. R. 1345 (12-26-25)

Subtitle 09 (2nd volume)

10.09.04.07 • 52:25 Md. R. 1276 (12-12-25)

10.09.08.01 • 53:5 Md. R. 248 (3-06-26)

10.09.11.11 • 52:24 Md. R 1209 (12-01-25)

10.09.24.02, .07, .12 • 52:24 Md. R 1209 (12-01-25)

10.09.29.01,.04 • 53:5 Md. R. 248 (3-06-26)

10.09.33.01, .04, .06—.09 • 53:1 Md. R. 32 (1-09-26)

10.09.43.10, .13 • 52:24 Md. R 1209 (12-01-25)

10.09.45.02—.04, .08 • 53:5 Md. R. 248 (3-06-26)

10.09.46, .12 • 52:25 Md. R. 1278 (12-12-25)

10.09.49.02, .07, .08 • 52:26 Md. R. 1346 (12-26-25)

10.09.53.07 • 52:12 Md. R. 605 (6-13-25)

10.09.54.04, .22 • 52:12 Md. R. 606 (6-13-25)

10.09.59.05,.06 • 53:5 Md. R. 248 (3-06-26)

10.09.89.02,.03,.05,.07,.09—.18 • 53:5 Md. R. 251 (3-06-26)

10.09.90.02, .07, .08, .11, .13 • 53:5 Md. R. 256 (3-06-26)

10.09.90.17 • 53:5 Md. R. 248 (3-06-26)

Subtitles 10—22 (3rd volume)

10.10.13.12 • 53:5 Md. R. 257 (3-06-26)

10.11.08.01, .02, .04, .06, .07 • 52:24 Md. R 1211 (12-01-25)

Subtitles 23—36 (4th volume)

10.25.10.07 • 53:6 Md. R. 296 (3-20-26)

10.26.02.02—.09 • 53:2 Md. R. 75 (1-23-26)

10.27.01.01, .05, .10 • 53:4 Md. R. 193 (2-20-26)

10.27.02.01 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)

10.27.05.07 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)

10.27.10.02 • 52:16 Md. R. 856 (8-8-25)

10.27.18.01,.02 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)

10.27.26.02 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)

10.28.05.03 • 52:7 Md. R. 334 (4-4-25)

10.28.07.02 • 52:7 Md. R. 334 (4-4-25)

10.28.08.01—.04 • 52:7 Md. R. 334 (4-4-25)

10.28.11.04 • 52:7 Md. R. 334 (4-4-25)

10.28.12.02 • 52:7 Md. R. 334 (4-4-25)

10.29.16.02 • 53:4 Md. R. 195 (2-20-26)

10.29.17.02—.04,.06,.07 • 53:4 Md. R. 195 (2-20-26)

10.29.18.02,.03,.06 • 53:4 Md. R. 195 (2-20-26)

10.29.19.01—.03,.05—.08, .10—.12 • 53:4 Md. R. 195 (2-20-26)

10.29.20.02 • 53:4 Md. R. 195 (2-20-26)

10.29.22.01 • 53:4 Md. R. 195 (2-20-26)

10.32.05.02—.06 • 52:11 Md. R. 563 (5-30-25)

10.32.25.01—.06 • 52:13 Md. R. 670 (6-27-25)

10.34.02.02,.03 • 52:24 Md. R 1215 (12-01-25)

10.34.19.01—.03, .05—.19 • 52:23 Md. R. 1164 (11-14-25)

10.35.01.01—.03, .06, .08, .11—.14, .16, .18—.20 • 53:1 Md. R. 33 (1-09-26)

10.35.02.01—.07 • 53:1 Md. R. 33 (1-09-26)

Subtitles 37—52 (5th volume)

10.39.01.01—.11 • 53:5 Md. R. 258 (3-06-26)

10.39.02.01—.11 • 53:5 Md. R. 258 (3-06-26)

10.39.03.01,.02 • 53:5 Md. R. 258 (3-06-26)

10.39.06.08, .10 • 53:4 Md. R. 200 (2-20-26)

10.42.02.02,06 • 52:14 Md. R 720 (7-11-25)

10.44.01.01—.30 • 52:17 Md. R 882 (8-22-25)

10.44.20.02 • 52:23 Md. R.1171 (11-14-25)

10.52.12.05 • 53:5 Md. R. 257 (3-06-26)

Subtitles 53—69 (6th volume)

10.65.07.02 • 52:14 Md. R 721 (7-11-25)

10.65.12.01—.05 • 52:14 Md. R 721 (7-11-25)

10.67.08.02 • 53:5 Md. R. 248 (3-06-26)

10.69.01.01—.13 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)

10.69.02.01—.06 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)

10.69.03.01—.03 • 52:12 Md. R. 609 (6-13-25)

11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Subtitles 1—10

11.03.01.01-1, .12 • 53:6 Md. R. 297 (3-20-26) (ibr)

11.03.02.01 • 53:6 Md. R. 297 (3-20-26)

11.04.15.01—.04 • 52:11 Md. R. 568 (5-30-25)

Subtitles 11—23 (MVA)

11.11.05.02—.04, .06 • 52:13 Md. R. 682 (6-27-25)

11.13.13.01—.03 • 52:2 Md. R. 126 (1-24-25) (err)

11.14.01.01—.18 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)

11.14.02.01—.29 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)

11.14.03.01—.14 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)

11.14.04.01—.23 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)

11.14.05.01—.11 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)

11.14.06.01—.07 • 52:14 Md. R 723 (7-11-25)

13A STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

13A.01.05.12,.13 • 53:6 Md. R. 298 (3-20-26)

13A.02.01.01 • 52:26 Md. R. 1350 (12-26-25)

13A.02.10.01—.16 • 53:4 Md. R. 202 (2-20-26)

13A.03.08.01—.08 • 52:14 Md. R 783 (7-11-25)

13A.05.04.01—.03 • 52:17 Md. R 889 (8-22-25)

• 53:3 Md. R. 126 (2-6-26)

13A.08.01.05 • 53:4 Md. R. 207 (2-20-26)

13A.08.01.10-1 • 53:3 Md. R. 127 (2-6-26)

13A.12.04.10 • 53:3 Md. R. 127 (2-6-26)

13A.15.01.02 • 52:23 Md. R. 1173 (11-14-25)

13A.15.04.03 • 52:23 Md. R. 1173 (11-14-25)

13A.15.16.01—.10 • 52:23 Md. R. 1173 (11-14-25)

14 INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

14.04.05.05 • 53:6 Md. R. 299 (3-20-26)

14.04.11.01,.02 • 53:6 Md. R. 299 (3-20-26)

14.22.01.05 • 52:6 Md. R. 288 (3-21-25)

14.23.01.01, .19 • 53:3 Md. R. 128 (2-6-26)

14.23.02.01 • 53:3 Md. R. 128 (2-6-26)

14.23.04.01, .10, .12 • 53:3 Md. R. 128 (2-6-26)

14.39.02.05, .08, .10, .11 • 53:2 Md. R. 80 (1-23-26)

14.39.02.06 • 52:17 Md. R 900 (8-22-25)

14.39.03.06 • 53:2 Md. R. 80 (1-23-26)

14.41.01.01— 16 • 52:10 Md. R. 472 (5-16-25)

15 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

15.01.21.02, .04—.06 • 53:4 Md. R. 208 (2-20-26)

15.06.02.06 • 53:2 Md. R. 81 (1-23-26)

15.06.04.02—.07 • 53:2 Md. R. 81 (1-23-26)

17 DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT

17.04.11.31 • 53:1 Md. R. 38 (1-09-26)

18 DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS AND TAXATION

18.02.03.05 • 53:6 Md. R. 301 (3-20-26)

19A STATE ETHICS COMMISSION

19A.06.01.01,.02 • 53:6 Md. R. 301 (3-20-26)

19A.06.02.01 • 53:6 Md. R. 301 (3-20-26)

19A.06.03.01 • 53:6 Md. R. 301 (3-20-26)

19A.06.04.01—.08 • 53:6 Md. R. 301 (3-20-26)

20 PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

20.31.01.02 • 52:6 Md. R. 290 (3-21-25)

20.31.03.04 • 52:6 Md. R. 290 (3-21-25)

22 STATE RETIREMENT AND PENSION SYSTEM

22.04.02.02—.04 • 53:1 Md. R. 42 (1-09-26)

24 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

24.05.01.06, .08, .10 • 53:1 Md. R. 42 (1-09-26)

26 DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Subtitles 01—07 (Part 1)

26.04.01.01, .01-1, .20, .31 • 53:2 Md. R. 84 (1-23-26) (ibr)

26.04.14.01—.12 • 53:3 Md. R. 129 (2-6-26)

Subtitles 08—12 (Part 2)

26.11.09.01, .07 • 52:12 Md. R. 627 (6-13-25)

Subtitles 13—18 (Part 3)

26.13.01.03—.05 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.13.02.01, .04, .04-1, .04-7, .05, .06, .07, .07-1, .11, .13, .16, .19,.23 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.13.03.01,.01-1,.02,.03-3,.03-4,.03-5,.03-7,.05,.05-4,.06 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.13.04.01 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.13.05.01, .04, .05,.14 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.13.06.01, .02, .05, .22 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.13.07.01, .02, .02-6, ,17, .20,.20-1—.20-6 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.13.09.01 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.13.10.01, .04, .06, .08, .09-1,.14, .16-1, .17, .19, .20, .25, .32—.49 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.13.11.01 • 52:10 Md. R. 478 (5-16-25)

26.16.08.05 • 52:26 Md. R. 1352 (12-26-25)

30 MARYLAND INSTITUTE FOR

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEMS (MIEMSS)

30.01.01.02 • 52:6 Md. R. 291 (3-21-25)

30.02.01.01 • 52:6 Md. R. 291 (3-21-25)

30.02.02.02—.09 • 52:6 Md. R. 291 (3-21-25)

33 STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS

33.05.01.04 • 52:13 Md. R. 690 (6-27-25)

33.07.07.01—.03 • 52:25 Md. R. 1280 (12-12-25)

33.07.10.01 • 53:3 Md. R. 138 (2-6-26)

33.07.11.01 • 52:13 Md. R. 690 (6-27-25)

33.08.05.01,.06,.08,.09 • 53:3 Md. R. 138 (2-6-26)

33.09.03.05 • 53:3 Md. R. 138 (2-6-26)

33.11.06.01 • 53:3 Md. R. 138 (2-6-26)

33.14.02.14 • 52:5 Md. R. 249 (3-7-25)

33.14.02.14 • 52:15 Md. R. 821 (7-25-25)

33.17.07.03 • 53:3 Md. R. 138 (2-6-26)

33.19.02.01 • 53:3 Md. R. 138 (2-6-26)

34 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

34.04.07.02, .03, .05 • 52:25 Md. R. 1285 (12-12-25)

36 MARYLAND STATE LOTTERY AND GAMING CONTROL AGENCY

36.03.06.01, .03 • 52:26 Md. R. 1353 (12-26-25)

36.03.10.11, .12, .43 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)

36.03.10.38 • 52:26 Md. R.1353 (12-26-25)

36.03.11.04 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)

36.05.03.04, .05 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)

36.07.04.14 • 52:26 Md. R. 1353 (12-26-25)

36.07.06.08 • 52:26 Md. R. 1353 (12-26-25)

36.08.04.01 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)

36.10.04.03 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)

36.10.10.01 • 52:26 Md. R.1353 (12-26-25)

36.10.10.03 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)

36.10.13.29, .41 • 52:26 Md. R. 1353 (12-26-25)

36.10.13.34 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)

36.10.13.39 • 52:17 Md. R 908 (8-22-25)

36.10.14.06 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)

36.10.18.04, .06 • 52:26 Md. R. 1355 (12-26-25)

The Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2026.07

Declaration of a State of Preparedness—Severe Weather

WHEREAS The State of Maryland is subject to a variety of hazards and disasters, including an impending emergency as defined in Section 14-101(c) of the Public Safety Article of the Maryland Code;

WHEREAS Pursuant to Executive Order 01.01.2023.20, the Governor may declare a State of Preparedness when he determines that there is a significant risk of a public emergency as defined in the Maryland Emergency Management Act, Md. Code, Public Safety Article § 14-301;

WHEREAS The declaration of a State of Preparedness ensures a proactive, collaborative and forward-leaning State response to potential or actual emergencies;

WHEREAS Having been advised and informed by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management that that there is significant risk for widespread damaging winds and a heightened tornado threat in all areas of Maryland beginning Monday, March 16, 2026 as a result of an impactful severe weather event;

WHEREAS Action is needed to prepare to protect the lives and property of Maryland residents and visitors that may be impacted by the severe weather event;

WHEREAS Transportation, power utility, water utility, and other critical infrastructures may be negatively affected by the impact of the severe weather event;

WHEREAS State and local government agencies may require additional resources and support to implement proactive actions and meet the public safety and welfare needs of Maryland residents who may be negatively impacted by the severe weather event;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO TITLE 14 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND CODE, AND BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, HEREBY DECLARE THAT A STATE OF PREPAREDNESS EXISTS IN THE STATE AND THAT PREPARATIONS MUST BE MADE FOR THE ANTICIPATED SEVERE WEATHER, AND HEREBY PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is hereby directed to coordinate the State preparedness and response, in accordance with the State Consequence Management Operations Plan, to the severe weather anticipated to begin on Monday, March 16, 2026.

All other appropriate State authorities are hereby authorized to activate their emergency preparedness plans and engage, deploy, use, and coordinate available resources in furtherance of those plans.

GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, this 15th Day of March 2026.

Wes Moore

Governor

ATTEST:

Susan C. Lee

Secretary of State

[26-06-15]

The General Assembly

For additional up-to-date information concerning bills introduced in the General Assembly, log on to http://mlis.state.md.us and click on Bill Information and Status. You may then enter a specific bill number for information about that bill. You may also click on Senate Synopsis or House Synopsis for the most recent synopsis list for each house, or click on Synopsis Index for a listing of all bill synopses since the beginning of the legislative session.

Title 08
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Subtitle 02 FISHERIES SERVICE

08.02.03 Blue Crabs

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§4-215 and 4-803, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-283-F]

On March 10, 2026, the Secretary of Natural Resources adopted amendments to Regulation .14 under COMAR 08.02.03 Blue Crabs. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 53:2 Md. R. 63—64 (January 23, 2026), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

JOSH KURTZ

Secretary of Natural Resources

Notice of Final Action

[25-316-F]

On March 11, 2026, the Secretary of Natural Resources adopted:

(1) Amendments to Regulation .02 under COMAR 08.02.05 Fish;

(2) Amendments to Regulations .02, .09, and .12, and the repeal of existing Regulation .10 under COMAR 08.02.15 Striped Bass; and

(3) Amendments to Regulation .03 under COMAR 08.02.25 Gear.

This action, which was proposed for adoption in 53:2 Md. R. 64—68 (January 23, 2026), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: April 1, 2026.

JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources

08.02.08 Shellfish—General

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§4-743 and 4-11A-13, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-278-F]

On March 10, 2026, the Secretary of Natural Resources adopted amendments to Regulation .01 under COMAR 08.02.08 Shellfish—General. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 53:2 Md. R. 68 (January 23, 2026), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

Attorney General’s Certification

In accordance with State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Attorney General certifies that the following changes do not differ substantively from the proposed text. The nature of the changes and the basis for this conclusion are as follows:

As originally proposed in 08.02.08.01B, the Department updated the pronoun used from “he” to “they” but did not change the verb from “obtains” to “obtain”. The correct sentence is “A person may not import or possess within the State shellfish taken from waters outside the waters of the State for planting in the waters of the State, unless they first obtain a permit from the Department.” This change does not alter the meaning of the language originally proposed. For this reason, the change is nonsubstantive, and the regulation does not need to be reproposed.

.01 Importation of Shellfish.

A. (proposed text unchanged)

B. Permit Required. A person may not import or possess within the State shellfish taken from waters outside the waters of the State for planting in the waters of the State, unless they first [[obtains]] obtain a permit from the Department. The Department shall issue a permit if presented with proof satisfactory to the Department that the shellfish will not be harmful to Maryland shellfish.

C. (proposed text unchanged)

JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources

Title 09
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Subtitle 03 COMMISSIONER OF FINANCIAL REGULATION

09.03.16 Virtual Currency Kiosks

Authority: Financial Institutions Article, §§2-105.1, and 12-1209, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-238-F]

On February 20, 2026, the Commissioner of Financial Regulation adopted new Regulations .01—.10 under new chapter, COMAR 09.03.16 Virtual Currency Kiosks. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:24 Md. R. 1201—1206 (December 1, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

ANTONIO SALAZAR
Commissioner

Subtitle 12 DIVISION OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

09.12.56 Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Standards

Authority: Public Safety Article, §§12-1203 and 12-1207(a)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-275-F-I]

On March 2, 2026, the Secretary of Labor adopted amendments to Regulations .03 and .05 under COMAR 09.12.56 Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Standards. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:25 Md. R. 1275—1276 (December 12, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

PORTIA WU

Secretary of Labor

Subtitle 34 OFFICE OF CEMETERY OVERSIGHT

Notice of Final Action

[25-292-F]

On February 10, 2026, the Office of Cemetery Oversight adopted

(1) New Regulations .01 and .02 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.34.10 Natural Organic Reduction—Definitions;

(2) New Regulations .01—.14 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.34.11 Natural Organic Reduction—Permits, Registration Process, and Fees;

(3) New Regulations .01—.06 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.34.12 Natural Organic Reduction—Inspections, Complaints, and Discipline;

(4) New Regulations .01—.13 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.34.13 Natural Organic Reduction—Procedures; and

(5) New Regulations .01 and .02 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.34.14 Natural Organic Reduction—Code of Ethics.

This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:26 Md. R. 1334—1345 (December 26, 2025), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

Attorney General’s Certification

COMAR 09.34.10.02.B(5)—(9). The purpose of these changes is to eliminate the definitions and use of the terms “compost” and “composting” because these terms do not appear in the body of these regulations. Compost and composting have specific regulatory definitions that do not apply to natural organic reduction. These changes clarify that natural organic reduction is a separate process from compost and composting through this minor, nonsubstantive language edit. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.10.02.B(21). The purpose of this change is to clarify that only an individual can act as registered reduction operator. The previous wording created the impression that a business entity could be a registered reduction operator. The Office wanted to eliminate any possible confusion through this minor, non substantive language edit. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.10.02.B(31). The purpose of this change is to clarify the type of vessel required to perform natural organic reduction. The Office received comments that most vessel manufacturers do not make stainless steel vessels. The Office agreed to clarify the vessel requirements by making the performance based instead of material based through minor, nonsubstantive language edits. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.13.03A. The purpose of this change is to clarify the type of vessel required to perform natural organic reduction, as discussed above. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.13.05D. The purpose of this change is to clarify that embalmed remains cannot undergo the natural organic reduction process by eliminating inconsistency within the Subtitle as a whole. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.13.07B. The purpose of this change is to clarify the method of mailing notices. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.13.09A. The purpose of this change is to clarify the type of vessel required to perform natural organic reduction, as discussed above. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.13.10F. The purpose of this change is to clarify the method of mailing notices. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.13.10G. The purpose of this change is to correct a typographical error. This edit is corrective in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.13.10H—I. The purpose of these changes is to clarify that the natural organic reduction process does not require the disposal of wastewater by eliminating inconsistency within the Subtitle. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.13.11A—D. The purpose of this change is to clarify what the Office is requiring in its soil remains testing requirements. The Office received comments that the regulation was confusing. The Office agreed and clarified by reordering the section, deleting duplicative language, and making minor, nonsubstantive language edits. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

COMAR 09.34.13.13D. The purpose of this change is to clarify who are authorized visitors in the reduction facility. The Office received a comment that the language used was archaic and agreed to clarify who was authorized with minor, nonsubstantive language edits. Therefore, this edit is clarifying in nature and does not change the intent or impact of the regulation.

09.34.10 Natural Organic Reduction—Definitions

Authority: Business Regulation Article, §5-204, Annotated Code of Maryland

.02 Definitions.

A. (proposed text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1)—(4) (proposed text unchanged)

(5) “Bulking agent” means a material added to remains to increase porosity and facilitate aeration during [[composting]] natural organic reduction and can only be organic materials and cannot include synthetic microbes, insects, or chemicals.

(6) [[“Compost” means a stabilized organic product produced by the controlled aerobic decomposition process of organic materials, other than human remains, in such a manner that the product may be handled, stored, and applied to the land or used as a soil conditioner in an environmentally acceptable manner without adversely affecting plant growth.

(7) “Composting” is the aerobic degradation of organic matter, other than human remains, to make compost.

(8)]] Consumer.

(a)—(b) (proposed text unchanged)

(c) “Consumer” includes a funeral establishment contracting with a reduction facility or the [[designated next of kin]] authorizing agent of a decedent contracting with a reduction facility.

[[(9)]] (7) Curing.

(a) “Curing” means the phase of the reduction process after:

(i) Most of the human remains have [[been decomposed]] completed natural organic reduction and stabilized; and

(ii) (proposed text unchanged)

(b) “Curing” includes periods in which the [[decomposed human]] soil remains are managed to increase maturity prior to the completion of natural organic reduction.

[[(10)]] (8)—[[(20)]] (18) (proposed text unchanged)

[[(21)]] (19) “Organic materials” means biodegradable materials such as wood chips, straw, and alfalfa added to the vessel to facilitate the natural [[decomposition]] organic reduction process and create nutrient-rich soil.

[[(22)]] (20) (proposed text unchanged)

[[(23)]] (21) “Permit” means a permit issued by the Office to allow a sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation to operate a business which engages in the operation of a reduction facility or an individual to act as a registered reduction operator.

[[(24)]] (22)—[[(32)]] (30) (proposed text unchanged)

[[(33)]] (31) “Vessel” means the chamber, container, or pod into which the remains are placed for natural organic reduction. The vessel shall:

(a) (proposed text unchanged)

(b) Be [[stainless steel]] leak-proof, durable, noncorrosive, and fully-sealed.

09.34.13 Natural Organic Reduction—Procedures

Authority: Business Regulation Article, §5-204, Annotated Code of Maryland

.03 Vessels.

Vessel requirements. The vessel shall:

A. Be leak-proof, durable, noncorrosive, and fully sealed [[, and made of stainless steel metal]];

B.—D. (proposed text unchanged)

.05 Holding Remains.

A.—C. (proposed text unchanged)

D. Whenever a registered reduction operator is unable to perform natural organic reduction services on a decedent within 48 hours of taking custody thereof due to emergency circumstances, the registered reduction operator shall maintain the human remains in a refrigerated holding facility, either on or off site, at [[40°]] 44° F or less [[, unless the remains have been embalmed]].

E. (proposed test unchanged)

.07 Natural Organic Reduction Authorization.

A. (proposed text unchanged)

B. The natural organic reduction authorization form shall:

(1) (proposed text unchanged)

(2) Contain the following information:

(a)—(j) (proposed text unchanged)

(k) The name and address of the person authorized to claim the soil remains from the reduction facility or accept the soil remains via [[registered]] certified mail;

(l)—(m) (proposed text unchanged)

(3) (proposed text unchanged)

C.—H. (proposed text unchanged

.09 Reduction Procedures and Prohibited Acts.

A. Basic Operating Requirements.

(1) (proposed text unchanged)

(2) The Registered reduction operator shall ensure:

(a) Only a vessel that is designed to promote aerobic reduction, minimizes odors and vectors, and [[made of stainless steel]] is leak-proof, durable, noncorrosive and fully sealed is used for natural organic reduction;

(b)—(e) (proposed text unchanged)

(3)—(7) (proposed text unchanged)

B. —C. (proposed text unchanged)

.10 Disposition of Soil Remains.

A.—E. (proposed text unchanged)

F. If soil remains have been in the possession of a permit holder without instructions for disposition for a period of 90 days or more from the date of reduction, the permit holder may arrange for disposition in any legal manner, provided the entity:

(1) Attempts to contact the authorizing agent for disposition instructions by [[U.S.]] certified mail to the last known address;

(2)—(5) (proposed text unchanged)

G. A permit [[holding]] holder making disposition arrangements of unclaimed soil remains will not be liable for the disposition or nonrecoverability of the soil remains.

H. Bodily fluids, blood, tissues, and waste removed from human remains must be kept with the body [[or disposed in accordance with local ordinances and other applicable laws and rules for infectious waste]] in the vessel.

I. [[A sewage system approved by local authorities may be used for the disposal of wastewater, blood, other bodily fluids, and effluent.

J.]] (proposed text unchanged)

.11 Testing of Soil Remains.

A. A permit holder shall:

(1) [[Collect material samples for analysis that are representative of each instance of natural organic reduction using a sampling method such as described in the U.S. Composting Council 2002 Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost, Method 02.01-A through E, or its successor;]] Upon initial receipt of permit from the Office, test, using a third-party laboratory, the reduction facility’s initial 20 instances of soil remains for the parameters identified in Table A, and any additional instances of soil remains necessary to achieve 20 reductions meeting the parameters identified in Table A;

(2) [[Analyze each instance of soil remains for physical contaminants. Soil remains must have less than 0.01 mg/kg dry weight of physical contaminants which include, but are not limited to, intact bone, dental fillings, and medical implants;]] After 20 soil remains meet the limits outlined in Table A, analyze, at minimum, 25 percent of a reduction facility’s monthly instances of soil remains for the parameters identified in Table A until 80 total instances have met the requirements in Table A;

(3) [[Test for arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium, and either fecal coliform or salmonella in soil remains to meet the testing parameters and limits identified in Table A;

(4) Analyze, using a third-party laboratory, the reduction facility’s soil remains according to the following schedule:

(a) The reduction facility’s initial 20 instances of soil remains for the parameters identified in Table A, and any additional instances of soil remains necessary to achieve 20 reductions meeting the limits identified in Table A; and

(b) After 20 soil remains meet the limits outlined in Table A, analyze, at minimum, 25 percent of a reduction facility’s monthly instances of soil remains for the parameters identified in Table A until 80 total instances have met the requirements in Table A;

(5) The local health authority may require tests for additional parameters under (2) and (3) of this regulation; and

(6) Not release any soil remains that exceed the limits identified in Table A.]] Ensure the third-party laboratory described under § A(1) of this regulation:

(a) Uses a sampling method such as described in the U.S. Composting Council 2002 Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost, Method 02.01-A through E, or its successor;

(b) Confirms Soil remains have less than 0.01 mg/kg dry weight of physical contaminants which include, but are not limited to, intact bone, dental fillings, and medical implants; and

(c) Tests for arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium, and either fecal coliform or salmonella in soil remains to meet the testing parameters and limits identified in Table A.

B. [[The permit holder shall prepare, maintain, and have available upon request by the Office or other State, local, or federal authority an annual report for each calendar year detailing the reduction facility’s:]] Other local, State, or Federal authorities may require tests of soil remains for additional parameters.

[[(1) Name and address;

(2) Registered reduction operator name;

(3) Calendar year covered by the report;

(4) Number of natural organic reductions completed and in progress;

(5) Results of all laboratory analyses of soil remains; and

(6) Any additional information required by the Office or other State, local or federal authorities.]]

C. A permit holder may not release any soil remains that exceed the limits identified in Table A.

D. Any soil remains that exceed the parameters identified in Table A must undergo additional pathogen treatment processes as described in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 503, Appendix B until the soil tests within the limits identified in Table A.

.13 Visitors.

A.—C. (proposed text unchanged)

D. Authorized Persons. The following are authorized persons:

(1) [[Registered]] Licensed funeral directors, [[undertakers]] morticians, [[registered residents,]] and enrolled students of mortuary science;

(2)—(8) (proposed text unchanged)

DEBORAH RAPPAZZO
Director of the Office of Cemetery Oversight

Subtitle 37 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND ADULT LEARNING

09.37.03 Grant Programs for the Public Safety Apprenticeship Program and the Apprenticeship Career Training Pilot Program for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Authority: Labor and Employment Article, §§11-603 and 11-604, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-235-F]

On March 2, 2026, the Division Of Workforce Development And Adult Learning adopted amendments to Regulations .01, .02, and .08 under COMAR 09.37.03 Grant Programs for the Public Safety Apprenticeship Program and the Apprenticeship Career Training Pilot Program for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:23 Md. R. 1146—1147 (November 14, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

PORTIA WU

Secretary

Subtitle 42 FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE PROGRAM

09.42.01 General Provisions

Authority: Labor and Employment Article, §§8.3-101, 401, 402, and 403, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-195-F]

On February 24, 2026, the Maryland Department of Labor adopted new Regulations .01—.03 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.42.01 General Provisions, under a new subtitle, Subtitle 42 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:21 Md. R. 1031—1034 (October 17, 2025), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

Attorney General’s Certification

Regulation .01B(44) After reviewing this regulatory change, it is my legal opinion that the change is not substantive as the change rectifies a typographical error.

.01 Definitions.

A. (proposed text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1)—(43) (proposed text unchanged)

(44) “Wages” has the meaning as defined in Labor and Employment Article, [[§8.3-101(q)]] §8.3-101(r), Annotated Code of Maryland.

PORTIA WU
Secretary of Labor

09.42.02 Contributions

Authority: Labor and Employment Article, §§8.3-101, 201, and 601, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-196-F]

On February 23, 2026, the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Division of the Maryland Department of Labor adopted new Regulations .01—.10 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.42.02 Contributions, under a new subtitle, Subtitle 42 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:21 Md. R. 1034—1036 (October 17, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

PORTIA WU
Secretary of Labor

09.42.03 Equivalent Private Insurance Plans

Authority: Labor and Employment Article, §§8.3-101, 403, 503, and 705, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-197-F]

On February 23, 2026, the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Division of the Maryland Department of Labor adopted new Regulations .01—.10 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.42.03 Equivalent Private Insurance Plans, under a new subtitle, Subtitle 42 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:21 Md. R. 1036—1040 (October 17, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

PORTIA WU
Secretary of Labor

09.42.04 Claims

Authority: Labor and Employment Article, §§8.3-101, 403, 701, 702, and 902, et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-198-F]

On February 23, 2026, the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Division of the Maryland Department of Labor adopted new Regulations .01—.12 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.42.04 Claims, under a new subtitle, Subtitle 42 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:22 Md. R. 1099—1104 (October 31, 2025), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

Attorney General’s Certification

In accordance with the State Government Article §§10-113, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Attorney General certifies that the following changes do not differ substantively from the proposed text. The changes could have been reasonably anticipated by interested parties, do not substantially change the intended benefits of the regulation, and do not increase the burdens of the regulations as proposed. The specific changes are as follows:

Regulation .04A. After reviewing these regulatory changes, it is my legal opinion that the changes are not substantive as these changes conform the regulations to statute.

.04 Application Process.

A. Eligibility. A covered individual experiencing a qualifying event [[is eligible to receive FAMLI benefits if they file a claim application within 60 days of taking leave that would qualify as FAMLI leave]] may file an application for benefits within 60 days before the anticipated start date of the leave for which benefits may be paid under this title, but not later than 60 days after the start date of the leave.

B.—D. (proposed text unchanged)

PORTIA WU
Secretary of Labor

09.42.05 Dispute Resolution

Authority: Labor and Employment Article, §§8.3-101, 403, and 906 Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-199-F]

On February 23, 2026, the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Division of the Maryland Department of Labor adopted new Regulations .01—.05 under a new chapter, COMAR 09.42.05 Dispute Resolution, under a new subtitle, Subtitle 42 Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:21 Md. R. 1040—1045 (October 17, 2025), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

Attorney General’s Certification

Regulation .03A(1)—(3). After reviewing these regulatory changes, it is my legal opinion that the changes are not substantive as these changes rectify a typographical error.

.03 Claimant and Benefit Disqualification Reconsideration and Appeals.

A. (proposed text unchanged)

(1) Manner of Filing.

(a)—(b) (proposed text unchanged)

(c) Requests shall include why the requestor believes the [[adverse]] determination to be in error.

(2) Notice of Reconsideration. When a reconsideration request is filed, the Division or EPIP administrator shall notify in a timely manner all parties to the [[adverse]] determination being reconsidered and the employer.

(3) Reconsideration shall be conducted by Division or EPIP administrator personnel, as applicable, who did not participate in the [[adverse]] determination at issue.

(4)—(6) (proposed text unchanged)

B. (proposed text unchanged)

PORTIA WU
Secretary of Labor

Title 10
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subtitle 01 PROCEDURES

10.01.15 Exemption from Self-Referral Laws

Authority: Health-General Article, §2-104(b); Health Occupations Article, §1-301 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-310-F]

On March 10, 2026, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulations .02, .03, and .05—.07 under COMAR 10.01.15 Exemption from Self-Referral Laws. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 53:2 Md. R. 72—73 (January 23, 2026), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD

Secretary of Health

Notice of Final Action

[25-311-F]

On March 10, 2026, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to:

(1) Regulation .23 under COMAR 10.07.01 Acute General Hospitals and Special Hospitals;

(2) Regulation .10 under COMAR 10.09.57 Partially Capitated Programs Authority;

(3) Regulation .02 under COMAR 10.09.79 Presumptive Eligibility for Correctional Facilities;

(4) Regulation .02 under COMAR 10.11.01 Identification of Infants;

(5) Regulation .03 under COMAR 10.11.02 Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program;

(6) Regulation .01 under COMAR 10.12.03 Cosmetic Surgical Facilities; and

(7) Regulations .03, .05, and .07 under COMAR 10.22.12 Eligibility for and Access to Community Services for Individuals with Developmental Disability.

This action, which was proposed for adoption in 53:2 Md. R. 73—75 (January 23, 2026), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

MEENA SESHAMANI, MD, PHD
Secretary of Health

Title 11
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Subtitle 12 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—LICENSING OF BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS

11.12.07 Assessment of Fines

Authority: Transportation Article, §§12-104(b), 15-110.1, 15-212, 15-315, 15-514, 15-607, 15-710, and 15-807, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-252-F]

On March 4, 2026, the Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Administration adopted amendments to Regulation .01 under COMAR 11.12.07 Assessment of Fines. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:26 Md. R. 1348 (December 26, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

CHRISTINE NIZER
Administrator

Title 12
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

Subtitle 11 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

12.11.10 Private Home Detention Monitoring Agencies

Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 20; Correctional Services Article, §§2-109 and 11-726; Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-299-F]

On March 10, 2026, the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, in cooperation with the Commissioner of Correction, Commissioner of Pretrial Detention and Services, Director of Patuxent Institution, and Executive Director of the Commission on Correctional Standards adopted amendments to Regulations .06 and .09 under COMAR 12.11.10 Private Home Detention Monitoring Agencies. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 53:2 Md. R. 79—80 (January 23, 2026), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

CAROLYN J. SCRUGGS
Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services

Title 13A
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Subtitle 03 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

13A.03.08 Students at Risk for Reading Difficulties

Authority: Education Article, §4-136(i), Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-082-F]

On February 24, 2026, the State Board of Education adopted the repeal of existing Regulations .01—.08 and new Regulations .01—.07 under COMAR 13A.03.08 Students at Risk for Reading Difficulties. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:14 Md. R. 783—785 (July 11, 2025), and reproposed for adoption in 53:1 Md. R. 36—37 (January 9, 2026), has been adopted as reproposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

CAREY M. WRIGHT, ED.D.
State Superintendent of Schools

Subtitle 04 SPECIFIC SUBJECTS

13A.04.18 Program in Comprehensive Health Education

Authority: Education Article, §§2-205(c) and (h), 4-111.2, 7-205.2, 7-401, 7-410, 7-411, 7-411.1, 7-413, 7-439, and 7-445, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-293-F]

On February 24, 2026, the State Board of Education adopted amendments to Regulation .01 under COMAR 13A.04.18 Program in Comprehensive Health Education. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 53:1 Md. R. 37—38 (January 9, 2026), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

CAREY M. WRIGHT, ED.D.
State Superintendent of Schools

Title 20
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Subtitle 50 SERVICE SUPPLIED BY ELECTRIC COMPANIES

20.50.14 Energy Storage

Authority: Public Utilities Article, §§1-101, 2-113, 2-121, 7-207, 7-216, 7-216.1, 7-219, 7–1001, and 7-1005, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-037-F-I]

On January 21, 2026, the Public Service Commission adopted new Regulations .01—.13 under a new chapter, COMAR 20.50.14 Energy Storage. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:24 Md. R. 1230—1238 (December 1, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

ANDREW S. JOHNSTON

Executive Secretary

Title 26
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Subtitle 04 REGULATION OF WATER SUPPLY, SEWAGE DISPOSAL, SOLID WASTE, AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS

26.04.01 Quality of Drinking Water in Maryland

Authority: Environment Article, Title 9, Subtitle 4, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-034-F-I]

On March 10, 2026, the Secretary of the Environment adopted amendments to Regulations .01, .01-1, and .20 and new Regulation .31 under COMAR 26.04.01 Quality of Drinking Water in Maryland. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 53:2 Md. R. 84—87 (January 23, 2026), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: July 1, 2026.

SERENA MCILWAIN
Secretary, Department of the Environment

Subtitle 09 MARYLAND CO₂ BUDGET TRADING PROGRAM

Notice of Final Action

[25-206-F-I]

On March 4, 2026, the Secretary of the Environment adopted:

(1) Amendments to Regulations .02—.04 under COMAR 26.09.01 General Administrative Provisions;

(2) Amendments to Regulations .03, .06, .07, .10, and .11 under COMAR 26.09.02 Applicability, Determining Compliance, and Allowance Distribution;

(3) The repeal of existing Regulations .01—.09 under COMAR 26.09.03 Offsets Projects; and

(4) Amendments to Regulations .03 and .06 under COMAR 26.09.04 Auctions.

This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:24 Md. R. 1239—1248 (December 1, 2025), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

Attorney General’s Certification

COMAR 26.09.02.03A(3): The revision was made after the Department identified a clerical rounding error in the published regulation establishing the 2029 annual allowance allocation. The error resulted from a discrepancy between internal spreadsheet formulas used to calculate annual state allowance allocations and final state allowance allocations issued by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) that reflected unrounded allowance quantities.

To correct this technical error and ensure consistency with finalized regional allowance allocations, the 2029 allowance amount has been revised from 9,497,527 tons to 9,497,526 tons, a reduction by one ton. The finalized regional allowance quantities were developed with stakeholder input at the regional level. No public comments were received on the proposed amendments, and the change was made solely to ensure the regulation accurately reflects the data underlying the proposal. The adjustment represents approximately 0.0000105 percent of the annual allowance cap, and regulated sources may obtain allowances from any participating RGGI state to satisfy their compliance obligations. Accordingly, the revision does not substantially affect the rights, duties, or obligations of the regulated parties or the public and does not differ substantively from the regulation as originally proposed.

26.09.02 Applicability, Determining Compliance, and Allowance Distribution

Authority: Environment Article, §§1-101, 1-404, 2-103, and 2-1002(g), Annotated Code of Maryland

.03 Distribution of CO₂ Allowances and Compliance.

A. The Maryland CO₂ Budget Trading Program consists of allowances to cover CO₂ emissions for the following:

(1)—(2) (proposed text unchanged)

(3) [[9,497,527]] 9,497,526 tons for 2029;

(4)—(11) (proposed text unchanged

B.—K. (proposed text unchanged)

SERENA MCILWAIN

Secretary of the Environment

Notice of Final Action

[25-179-F]

On March 4, 2026, the Secretary of the Environment adopted amendments to:

(1) Regulation .19 under COMAR 26.11.02 Permits, Approvals, and Registration; and

(2) Regulation .02 under COMAR 26.28.02 Benchmarking and Reporting.

This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:24 Md. R. 1248—1250 (December 1, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

SERENA MCILWAIN

Secretary of the Environment

Subtitle 11 AIR QUALITY

26.11.20 Mobile Sources

Authority: Environment Article, §§2-102, 2-103, and 2-301, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[25-029-F]

On March 4, 2026, the Secretary of the Environment adopted amendments to Regulation .02 under COMAR 26.11.20 Mobile Sources. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 52:26 Md. R. 1351—1352 (December 26, 2025), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: March 30, 2026.

SERENA MCILWAIN
Secretary of the Environment

Proposed Action on Regulations

Title 08
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Notice of Proposed Action

[25-167-R]

The Secretary of Natural Resources proposes to:

(1) Amend Regulation .10 under COMAR 08.01.07

Chesapeake Forest Lands;

(2) Adopt new Regulations .01—.06 under COMAR 08.01.10 Use of Bicycles and Electric Bicycles on Department Lands;

(3) Amend Regulation .25 under COMAR 08.07.01 State Forests; and

(4) Amend Regulation .25 under COMAR 08.07.06 Use of State Parks.

Because substantive changes have been made to the original proposal as published in 52:17 Md.R. 878—880 (August 22, 2025), this action is being reproposed at this time.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to provide clear guidelines for the use of bicycles and electric bicycles on Department lands. The proposal is designed to accomplish three goals: define where bicycles and Class 1 electric bicycles are permitted, including specific trails, roads, and areas; establish criteria for restricting access to certain trails or areas based on environmental, safety, or user conflict concerns; and provide operational rules for users.

The Department published its initial proposal on August 22, 2025. After considering public comments, particularly regarding the speed and safety of electric bicycles, the Department determined that substantive changes were necessary. These reproposed regulations allow the use of only Class 1 electric bicycles on Department lands and make other minor clarifications in response to public comments.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Recreation Director, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C4 Annapolis, MD 21401, or call 410-260-8979, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through April 20, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

Ed. Note: Pursuant to State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated Code of Maryland, if a promulgating agency substantively alters the text of regulations that have been previously proposed in the Maryland Register, the altered text must be published in the Maryland Register as though it were initially proposed. The text of regulations appearing immediately below has been altered substantively from the initially proposed text.

Symbols: Roman type indicates existing text of regulations. Italic type indicates initially proposed new text. Arial Bold Italic type indicates new text that substantively alters the text as initially proposed. [Single brackets] indicate existing text proposed for repeal. [[[Triple brackets]]] indicate text proposed for deletion which substantively alters the originally proposed text.

Subtitle 01 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

08.01.07 Chesapeake Forest Lands

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§5-209(a) and 10-808, Annotated Code of Maryland

.10 Vehicles.

A. The Service may restrict the use of bicycles[[[, mountain bikes,]]] and electric bicycles, subject to COMAR 08.01.10, and animals on certain forest roads and trails on Chesapeake Forest Lands.

B—C. (originally proposed text unchanged)

08.01.10 Use of Bicycles and Electric Bicycles on Department Lands

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§5-209, 5-1211, and 10-808, Annotated Code of Maryland

.02 Definitions.

A. (originally proposed text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1)—(2) (originally proposed text unchanged)

(3) “Class 1 electric bicycle” has the meaning stated in Transportation Article, §11-117.1, Annotated Code of Maryland.

[[[(3)]]] (4) — [[[(5)]]] (6) (originally proposed text unchanged)

.03 Usage.

A. [[[Subject to §§B—G of this regulation, a]]] A person may use a bicycle or an electric bicycle [[[only]]] on [[[recreational trails,]]] public roads, [[[or]] parking lots, or ORV trails on Department lands.

B. A person may [[[only]]] use a bicycle, adaptive bicycle, or Class 1 electric bicycle [[[or Class 3 electric bicycle that has a pedal-assist motor]]] only on designated trails on Department lands.

C. [[[Except for adaptive bicycles, a person is prohibited from using a Class 2 electric bicycle or an electric bicycle with a non-pedal-assist motor on Department lands.

D.]]] A person is prohibited from using a bicycle or an electric bicycle on Wildlands, as designated under Natural Resources Article, §5-1203, Annotated Code of Maryland.

[[[E.]]] D. The Secretary[[[,]]] or their designee[[[,]]] may restrict on a temporary or permanent basis the use of bicycles or electric bicycles on trails on Department lands.

[[[F.]]] E.— [[[G.]]] F. (originally proposed text unchanged)

.04 Notice.

A. The Secretary[[[,]]] or their designee[[[,]]] shall provide notice of temporary or permanent bicycle or electric bicycle restrictions by:

(1)—(3) (originally proposed text unchanged)

B. [[[When determining whether to restrict the use of bicycles and electric bicycles from Department lands, the]]] The Secretary[[[,]]] or their designee[[[, shall consider]]] may restrict the use of bicycles and electric bicycles from Department lands:

(1)—(3) (originally proposed text unchanged)

(4) If the area is designated as a wildland; [[[and]]]

(5) The safety of the trail users; or

(6) If the trail surface is unsuitable for bicycles or electric bicycles.

.05 Conduct.

A person may not operate a bicycle or electric bicycle:

A.—B. (originally proposed text unchanged)

C. While under the influence of alcohol or drugs; [[[or]]]

D. In a manner that causes damage to property, wildlife, vegetative resources, or individuals;

E. In a manner that exceeds the posted speed limits for bicycles or electric bicycles; or

F. While in a prohibited area.

Subtitle 07 FORESTS AND PARKS

08.07.01 State Forests

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §5-209, Annotated Code of Maryland

.25 Use of Trails.

The Service may restrict the use of bicycles[[[, mountain bikes,]]] and electric bicycles, subject to COMAR 08.01.10, and animals on certain trails in a State forest.

08.07.06 Use of State Parks

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §5-209, Annotated Code of Maryland

.25 Use of Trails.

The Service may restrict the use of bicycles[[[, mountain bikes,]]] and electric bicycles, subject to COMAR 08.01.10, and animals on certain trails in a State park.

JOSH KURTZ
Secretary of Natural Resources

Title 09
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Subtitle 11 REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

09.11.07 Residential Property Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement

Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, §17-208; Real Property Article, § 10-702(c)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[24-168-R]

The Maryland Real Estate Commission proposes to amend the Commission’s Real Property Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement form. This action was considered at the Commission's public meeting held on August 20, 2025. Because substantive changes have been made to the original proposal as published in 52:12 Md. R. 600 (June 13, 2025), this action is being reproposed at this time.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to update the Maryland Real Estate Commission's Real Property Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement form. In response to comments received following the publication of the original proposal, the Commission decided to modify its original proposal. In this reproposal, the Real Estate Commission has:

(1) Renumbered the questions in the Disclosure section (pages 1—3);

(2) Added question 21.A. to the Disclosure section on page 3;

(3) Deleted the second sentence from the NOTE that mentioned a right for a home inspection; and

(4) Relocated the first sentence to above the Purchaser signatures in both the Disclosure section on page 3 and Disclaimer section on page 4.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Scott Lederer, Executive Director, Maryland Real Estate Commission, 100 S. Charles St., Tower 1 3^rd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-230-6227, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through April 20, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

NOTE: The form referred to in this action appears at the end of the Proposed Action on Regulations section of this issue following page 303.

DEMETRIA SCOTT
Chair

Subtitle 14 STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION

09.14.06 Conduct of Boxing Contests

Authority: Business Regulation Article, §§4-205 and 4-310, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[26-023-P]

The Maryland State Athletic Commission proposes to amend Regulation .16 under COMAR 09.08.06 Conduct of Boxing Contests. This action was considered at the November 19, 2025 Maryland State Athletic Commission public meeting.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to increase the number of rounds permitted at a boxing contest from 40 rounds to 52 rounds.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Johnston Brown, Executive Director, Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland State Athletic Commission, 100 S. Charles Street, Tower 1 Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-230-6223, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through April 20, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

Open Meeting

Final action on the proposal will be considered by the Maryland State Athletic Commission during a public meeting to be held on April 15, 2026 at 3:00pm, at https://meet.google.com/fot-ieww-zwg or by telephone: 615-640-0148; PIN: 803 072 200#..

.16 Rounds.

A.—B. (text unchanged)

C. Unless special permission has been granted by the Commission, a promoter may not schedule less than five matches in any one event and shall schedule:

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) A maximum of [40] 52 rounds of boxing.

D.—E. (text unchanged)

DAVID J. NORMAN
Chairman

Title 10
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subtitle 25 MARYLAND HEALTH CARE COMMISSION

10.25.10 Maryland Trauma Physician Services Fund

Authority: Health-General Article, §§19-103(c), 19-130, and 19-207, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[26-006-P]

The Maryland Health Care Commission proposes to amend Regulation .07 under COMAR 10.25.10 Maryland Trauma Physician Services Fund. This action was considered by the Commission at an open meeting held on January 15, 2026, notice of which was given through publication in the Maryland Register, under General Provisions Article, §3-302(c), Annotated Code of Maryland.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to propose amendments to COMAR 10.25.10.07 Payments for Uncompensated Care Patients, which specify the information that health care practitioners must submit to the Commission to receive reimbursement from the Maryland Trauma Physicians Fund for uncompensated care. This action makes a technical correction to update outdated references to ICD-9 codes in the regulation. When ICD-10 CM codes were released, these codes were transitioned from the 800-960 code set in ICD-9 to S and T diagnosis codes, with modifiers in the V, W, X, Y, and Z series to denote cause of external injury in ICD-10. The regulations also reference “E” (800-960) codes, which were used to denote causes of external injury in ICD-9 but now refer to Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic conditions in ICD-10. Lastly, the existing regulation includes an outdated reference to CPT modifiers, which should instead refer to U1 modifiers based on current CMS and Maryland Medicaid guidance.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Alexandra Bryden, Chief of Staff, Maryland Health Care Commission, 4160 Patterson Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215, or call 410-952-1045, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through April 20, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

Open Meeting

Final action on the proposal will be considered by the Maryland Health Care Commission during a public meeting to be held on May 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm, at 4160 Patterson Avenue, Room 100.

.07 Payments for Uncompensated Care Patients.

A.—B. (text unchanged)

C. An organization billing on behalf of trauma physicians or trauma health care practitioners eligible for uncompensated care payments shall:

(1) Designate a trauma service by appropriate coding of the [CPT Modifier] U1 Modifier, or any successor modifier that includes that same data, on the electronic ANSI 837 transaction or paper CMS 1500 claim in accordance with claims submission requirements; and

(2) (text unchanged)

D. Diagnosis Code.

[(1) Except as provided in §D(2) of this regulation, a diagnosis code shall fall between 800.00 — 959.9.

(2) If a diagnosis code does not fall between 800.0 — 959.9, a supplementary classification of external causes of injury and poisoning (E800 — E999) shall appear as a secondary diagnosis code.]

(1) Coding shall be consistent with CMS ICD-10 CM guidelines, or any successor guidelines.

(2) A diagnosis code shall fall between ICD-10 CM S00 - T88 range, or successor codes indicating trauma related diagnosis.

(3) External Cause Codes.

(a) A diagnosis code may also be accompanied by a secondary code or codes indicating external cause of injury, denoted by ICD-10 CM V, W, X, Y, or Z codes, or successor codes indicating external cause of injury.

(b) External cause codes may not be sequenced as the first-listed or principal diagnosis.

E.—K. (text unchanged)

MARCIA BOYLE
Acting Chair

Maryland Health Care Commission

Title 11
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Subtitle 03 MARYLAND AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Notice of Proposed Action

[26-008-P-I]

The Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration proposes to amend:

(1) Regulations .01-1 and .12 under COMAR 11.03.01 Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport; and

(2) Regulation .10 under COMAR 11.03.02 Martin State Airport.

This action was considered the Maryland Aviation Commission in an open meeting on November 12, 2025, notice of which was given, pursuant to General Provisions Article, §3-302, Annotated Code of Maryland.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to incorporate by reference the new certified Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Noise Zone reflecting the noise contours for the new base year of 2025 and new future years of 2030 and 2035, as well as the new certified Martin State Airport (MTN) Noise Zone reflecting the noise contours for the new base year of 2025 and new future years of 2030 and 2035.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Stacey Hicks-Johnson, Regulations Coordinator , MAA, P.O. Box 8766, BWI Airport, MD 21240, or call 410-859-7351, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through April 20, 2026. A public hearing will be held on For Martin State Airport (MTN) Noise Zone, the hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 18th from 6:00-8:00pm at Martin State Airport, 701 Wilson Point Road, Middle River, MD 21220, Hanger 4. For Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Noise Zone, the hearing will be held on Thursday, March 19th from 3:00-5:00pm then from 6:00-8:00pm at Maryland Aviation Administration located at 991 Corporate Drive, Linthicum, MD 21090, Assembly Room A/B.

11.03.01 Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Authority: Transportation Article, §§5-202.1, 5-204, 5-208, 5-805, 5-806, and 5-819, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01-1 Incorporation by Reference.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Documents Incorporated.

(1)—(4) (text unchanged)

(5) The certified Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Noise Zone, consisting of the 65, 70, and 75 L_dn contours overprinted on county tax maps as indicated below:

(a)—(b) (text unchanged)

[(d) Howard County Tax Map 44.]

(6)—(8) (text unchanged)

C. (text unchanged)

.12 Certified Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Noise Zone.

A.(text unchanged)

B. BWI Noise Zone.

(1)—(2) (text unchanged)

(3) The certified Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Noise Zone consists of the 65, 70, and 75 L_dn contours overprinted on county tax maps as indicated as follows:

(a)—(b) (text unchanged)

[(d) Howard County Tax Map 44.]

(4) The noise zone is a composite of the 65, 70, and 75 L_dn noise contours for the base year of [2020] 2025 and future years of [2025] 2030 and [2030] 2035.

(5) (text unchanged)

C. (text unchanged)

11.03.02 Martin State Airport

Authority: Transportation Article, §§5-202.1, 5-204, 5-208, 5-426, 5-805, 5-806, and 5-819, Annotated Code of Maryland

.10 Certified Martin State Airport (MTN) Noise Zone.

A. (text unchanged)

B. MTN Airport Noise Zone.

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) The noise zone is a composite of the 65, 70, and 75 L_dn noise contours for the base year of [2019] 2025 and future years of [2025] 2030 and [2030] 2035.

(5) (text unchanged)

C. (text unchanged)

SHANNETTA R. GRIFFIN
Director/CEO

Title 13A
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Subtitle 01 STATE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

13A.01.05 Appeals to the State Board of Education

Authority: Education Article, §§2-205, 4-205, 6-202, and 7-305; State Government Article, §§10-122 and 10-201 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[26-018-P]

The State Board of Education proposes to amend Regulation .12 and adopt new Regulation .13 under COMAR 13A.01.05 Appeals to the State Board of Education. The original proposal as published in 52:17 Md.R. 889 (August 22, 2025) is being withdrawn. This action was considered by the State Board at its January 27, 2026 meeting.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to add a process for request of interim relief during the period in between an individual’s submission of a request for the State Board to issue charges for removal of a local member of a board of education and when the State Board issues a final decision on the removal request.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Hannah Oakley, Deputy Director, State Board of Education, Maryland State Department of Education, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 443-386-7990, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through April 20, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

Open Meeting

Final action on the proposal will be considered by the State Board of Education during a public meeting to be held on May 28, 2026 at 9:00 am, at 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

.12 Procedures Applicable to Requests to Remove a Local Board Member.

A. Request to Issue Charges – Public Request. A request to issue charges against a local board member may be filed with the State Board by the local board, [or by] a resident of the county in which the school system is located, an employee of the local school system, or a parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the local school system if removal by the State Board is permitted by the statute governing removal of members of that local board.

B.—C. (text unchanged)

D. Time of Submission. From the date the first request to issue charges was filed, [the record] a consolidation period of 15 calendar days shall remain open to file additional requests [for 30 calendar days]. The [record] consolidation period shall close at the end of the [30-day] 15-day period[, unless the State Board extends that time period].

E. Response. The State Board shall notify the local board member of the filing of the request(s) for consistency to issue charges and provide the local board member 30 days after the close of the consolidation period to respond to the request or requests.

F. The State Board may, at its discretion, shorten or extend the time requirements of §§D and E of this regulation.

[E.] G. Factual and Legal Sufficiency of the Request.

(1) (text unchanged)

[(2) In doing so, it shall notify the local board member of the request and may provide the local board member an opportunity to respond to the request to issue charges.]

[(3)] (2)—[(5)] (4) (text unchanged)

(5) Additional Evidence. The State Board may consider additional evidence furnished by the State Superintendent of Schools, the Office of the Inspector General for Education, or other public agencies concerning the issues in a request to issue charges provided:

(1) The materiality of such evidence is demonstrated to the State Board's satisfaction; and

(2) The local board member has been provided 7 days to respond to the additional evidence.

[F.] H. (text unchanged)

I. Issuance of Charges—State Board Initiative.

(1) Authority. The State Board may, on its own initiative, issue charges for removal of a local board member on grounds set forth by the statute governing removal of members of that local board.

(2) Procedure. Prior to issuing charges, the State Board shall perform all of the following actions:

(a) Adopt, by majority vote, a proposed notice of charges setting forth the factual and legal basis for removal;

(b) Provide the local board member with the proposed notice of charges and 30 days to respond; and

(c) Adopt a final notice of charges by majority vote and send the final notice to the local board member.

(3) Hearing Request. The local board member may file a request for a hearing within 10 days of the date the final notice of charges was issued.

(4) Exclusions. §§B, C, D, E and G of this regulation do not apply to charges issued by the State Board on its own initiative.

[G.] J. (text unchanged)

[H.] K. Parties at the Hearing.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) If a resident, school system employee, or a parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the local school system has requested removal, [the resident] that individual shall present the case for removal through counsel or pro se.

(3) If the State Board has initiated removal, the Office of the Attorney General or other legal counsel shall present the case for removal.

[(3)] (4) (text unchanged)

[I.] L.—[J.] M. (text unchanged)

[K.] N. Exceptions and Oral Argument.

(1) Cases Initiated by External Requests.

[(1)] (a)—[(5)] (e) (text unchanged)

(2) Cases Initiated by the State Board. In a removal proceeding initiated by the State Board under §I of this regulation, the review of the proposed decision is governed by the following procedures:

(a) Exceptions. A local board member objecting to the administrative law judge’s proposed decision shall file exceptions with the State Board within 15 days of the date of the proposed decision.

(b) Exceptions Not Required.

(i) If the State Board objects to the administrative law judge’s proposed decision, it shall notify the local board member within 15 days of the date of the proposed decision.

(ii) The filing of exceptions is not required for the State Board to issue a final decision reversing or modifying the proposed decision.

(c) Oral Argument.

(i) If the local board member files exceptions or if the State Board objects to the administrative law judge’s proposed decision, the State Board shall provide the local board member an opportunity for oral argument before the State Board issues a final decision.

(ii) Oral argument for the local board member shall be limited to 10 minutes. The State Board, upon request or at its sole discretion, may shorten or lengthen the time period for oral argument.

(d) Final Decision. The State Board shall issue a final written decision that contains a factual background, legal analysis, and conclusion.

.13 Interim Relief for Removal of Local Board Members.

A. Motion. A party who has filed a request to issue charges under Regulation .12 of this chapter for removal may bring a separate motion to the State Board for interim relief on the grounds that the continued service of the local board member is likely to result in substantial harm to any of the following:

(1) Operations of the local school system;

(2) Safety or well-being of students or staff; or

(3) Integrity of local board governance.

B. Content. The motion shall include all of the following:

(1) A summary of the factual record to date;

(2) A statement describing the harm alleged and the urgency of the relief;

(3) A request for specific limitations on the local board member’s participation in local board activities up to and including suspension of service pending the State Board’s decision on removal; and

(4) A signed statement that includes the following language: “I solemnly affirm under the penalties of perjury that the contents of the foregoing are true to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief”.

C. Review. Within 5 days of receipt of the motion, the State Board President or designee shall take one of the following actions:

(1) Dismiss a motion that is not factually or legally sufficient, or otherwise fails to meet the requirements of this regulation; or

(2) Transmit the motion to the Office of Administrative Hearings and provide a copy of the motion to the local board member.

D. Hearing on Motion. Within 5 days of receipt of the transmittal, the Office of Administrative Hearings shall perform all of the following duties:

(1) Schedule a hearing on the motion to occur within 20 days of the motion being filed; and

(2) Provide the local board member with an opportunity to respond in writing prior to the hearing.

E. Decision. Within 7 days of the hearing, the administrative law judge shall issue final findings of fact and conclusions of law on whether interim relief is warranted, applying a balancing test that considers both of the following:

(1) Whether the harm that would result without interim relief is irreparable; and

(2) The public interest served by granting interim relief.

F. Effect. The issuance of interim relief:

(1) Remains in effect until the State Board issues a final decision on the removal request;

(2) May not affect any compensation for which the local board member is eligible; and

(3) May not be construed as a determination on the merits of the removal request.

CAREY M. WRIGHT, ED.D.
State Superintendent of Schools

Title 14
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Subtitle 04 MARYLAND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notice of Proposed Action

[25-307-P]

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation proposes to amend:

(1) Regulation .05 under COMAR 14.04.05 Seed Funds; and

(2) Regulations .01 and .02 under COMAR 14.04.11 Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to:

(1) Repeal the eligibility requirement for applicants to Seed Funds (Cybersecurity Investment Fund, GAP Fund, Life Science Investment Fund, and Technology Commercialization Fund) that the business has raised not more than $10 million of dilutive funding;

(2) Expand the definition of “Postsecondary Institution” to include any public or private college or university located within the Baltimore-Towson-Columbia MSA, and further refine the definition for the term “Student”; and

(3) Make an applicant eligible to receive a grant if at the time of the award, at least 50 percent of the applicant is owned by one or more students.

Estimate of Economic Impact

I. Summary of Economic Impact. The proposed action to amend COMAR 14.04.05.05 Seed Funds make changes to eligibility criteria for applicants to Seed Funds (Cybersecurity Investment Fund, GAP Fund, Life Science Investment Fund, and Technology Commercialization Fund) by repealing criteria that prevent businesses that have raised $10 million or more of dilutive funding from access to TEDCO’s Seed funds. The amendment of the eligibility requirement for applicants to TEDCO’s Seed Funds expands eligible applicants by repealing the criteria that the business/applicant has raised not more than $10 million of dilutive funding.

The proposed action to amend COMAR 14.04.11.01 and .02 Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program to expand the definition of “Postsecondary Institution” to include any public or private college or university located within the Baltimore-Towson-Columbia MSA, further refine the definition for the term “Student”, and make an applicant eligible to receive a grant if at the time of the award, at least 50 percent of the applicant is owned by one or more students clarifies eligibility, expanding eligible applicants.

II. Types of Economic Impact.

Impacted Entity	Revenue (R+/R-) Expenditure (E+/E-)	Magnitude
A. On issuing agency:	NONE
B. On other State agencies:	NONE
C. On local governments:	NONE
	Benefit (+) Cost (-)	Magnitude
D. On regulated industries or trade groups:	NONE
E. On other industries or trade groups:	NONE
F. Direct and indirect effects on public:
Small Businesses	(+)	Meaningful

III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number from Section II.)

F. The amendment of the eligibility requirement for applicants to TEDCO’s Seed Funds expands eligible applicants by repealing the criteria that the business/applicant has raised not more than $10 million of dilutive funding. The proposed regulation to amend COMAR 14.04.11.01 and .02 Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program to expand the definition of “Postsecondary Institution” to include any public or private college or university located within the Baltimore-Towson-Columbia MSA, further refine the definition for the term “Student”, and make an applicant eligible to receive a grant if at the time of the award, at least 50 percent of the applicant is owned by one or more students clarifies eligibility, expanding eligible applicants.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has a meaningful economic impact on small businesses. An analysis of this economic impact follows:

The proposed action to amend COMAR 14.04.05.05 Seed Funds make changes to eligibility criteria for applicants to Seed Funds (Cybersecurity Investment Fund, GAP Fund, Life Science Investment Fund, and Technology Commercialization Fund) by repealing criteria that prevent businesses that have raised $10 million or more of dilutive funding from access to TEDCO’s Seed funds. The amendment of the eligibility requirement for applicants to TEDCO’s Seed Funds expands eligible applicants by repealing the criteria that the business/applicant has raised not more than $10 million of dilutive funding. The proposed action to amend COMAR 14.04.11.01 and .02 Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program to expand the definition of “Postsecondary Institution” to include any public or private college or university located within the Baltimore-Towson-Columbia MSA, further refine the definition for the term “Student”, and make an applicant eligible to receive a grant if at the time of the award, at least 50 percent of the applicant is owned by one or more students clarifies eligibility, expanding eligible applicants.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Alex Choi , Executive Director, Government Program Development, Affairs and Research, Maryland Technology Development Corporation, 10960 Grantchester Way, Suite 120 Columbia, MD 21044, or call 410-715-4192, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through April 20, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

14.04.05 Seed Funds

Authority: Economic Development Article, §10-409, Annotated Code of Maryland

.05 Eligibility.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Eligibility for Specific Seed Funds.

(1) For Technology Commercialization Fund investments, at the time of the application and initial investment, the business[:], employs not more than 30 employees.

[(a) Has raised not more than $10,000,000 of dilutive funding, not including the investment; and

(b) Employs not more than 30 employees.]

(2) For Cybersecurity Investment Fund investments, the business:

(a) (text unchanged)

(b) At the time of the application and initial investment[:], employs not more than 30 employees.

[(i) Has raised not more than $10,000,000 of dilutive funding, not including the investment; and

(ii) Employs not more than 30 employees.]

(3) For GAP Fund investments, the business:

(a)—(c) (text unchanged)

(d) At the time of application and initial investment[:], employs not more than 30 employees.

[(i) Has raised not more than $10,000,000 of dilutive funding, not including the investment; and

(ii) Shall employ not more than 30 employees.]

(4) For Life Science Investment Fund investments:

(a)—(b) (text unchanged)

[(i) Has raised not more than $10,000,000 of dilutive funding, not including the investment; and

(ii) Employs not more than 30 employees.]

14.04.11 Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program

Authority: Economic Development Article, §10-462, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Definitions.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1)—(4) (text unchanged)

(5) “Postsecondary institution located in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA” means universities and colleges stated in §10-462.1 of the Act or any public or private college or university located within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA.

(6) (text unchanged)

(7) “Student” means an individual enrolled in a minimum of 3 semester credits at a postsecondary institution at the time of the award.

(a) “Student” includes an individual who has enrolled in fewer than 3 semester credits if the individual is graduating from a postsecondary institution at the end of the current semester and has provided written verification thereof.

(b) “Student” also includes an individual who has graduated from a postsecondary institution not more than 180 days before the date of the award and has provided written verification thereof.

.02 Eligibility.

A. Eligibility Criteria. TEDCO may make an award to an applicant, if TEDCO determines the applicant meets all of the following criteria:

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) [The founder of the applicant are students] At the time of the award, at least 50 percent of the applicant is owned by one or more students of a postsecondary institution located in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA;

(3)—(4) (text unchanged)

B. (text unchanged)

JIGITA PATEL
Assistant Attorney General

Title 18
DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENTS AND TAXATION

Subtitle 02 REAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS

18.02.03 Agricultural Use Assessments

Authority: Tax-Property Article, §§2-201, 2-202, and 8-209, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[26-020-P]

The Department of Assessments and Taxation proposes to amend Regulation .05 under COMAR 18.02.03 Agricultural Use Assessments.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to clarify the requirements for a real property agricultural use assessment for parcels of fewer than 20 acres. Specifically, this regulation clarifies that the 5-acre minimum for eligible woodland parcels to qualify applies to all properties as intended by Maryland statute.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Adam Lewis, State Supervisor, Real Property Assessments, Department of Assessments and Taxation, 700 E Pratt St, Suite 2100, Baltimore, MD 21202, or call 410-767-1199, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through April 20, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

.05 Parcels of Less Than 20 Acres—Use Test vs. Income Test.

A. (text unchanged)

B. A parcel of land or ALU of less than 3 acres excluding the homesite shall receive the agricultural use assessment if it meets one of the following tests:

(1) Gross income from the approved agricultural activity on the land:

(a) Generates a minimum of $2500; and

(b) Amounts to at least 51 percent of the owner’s total gross income:

(i) The owner’s total gross income shall include all sources of income for the calendar year that immediately precedes the taxable year, whether or not the income is included in the definition of gross income for federal or State tax purposes;

(ii) This income shall include any benefit under the Social Security Act or Railroad Retirement Act;

(iii) No more than 2 parcels of land may qualify under the same ownership;

(2) A family farm unit as defined in Tax Property Article, §8-209(g)(1)(iv), Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(3) A parcel of land under the same ownership and contiguous to a parcel of land receiving agricultural use assessment and is actively used. No more than 2 parcels of land may qualify under the same ownership.

[B.] C. Different approved agricultural activities may be combined to meet the requirements of [§A] §§A and B of this regulation.

[C.] D.—[E.] F. (text unchanged)

VINCENT GUIDA
Assistant Attorney General

Title 19A
STATE ETHICS COMMISSION

Subtitle 06 BLIND TRUSTS

Notice of Proposed Action

[26-015-P]

The State Ethics Commission proposes to amend:

(1) Amend Regulations .01 and .02 under COMAR 19A.06.01 General Provisions;

(2) Amend Regulation .01 under COMAR 19A.06.02 Criteria for Certification;

(3) Amend Regulation .01 under COMAR 19A.06.03 Procedural Requirements; and

(4) Adopt new Regulations .01—.08 under a new chapter, COMAR 19A.06.04 Governor’s Blind Trust.

This action was considered On January 15, 2026

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to conform to requirements concerning the Governor's Blind Trust detailed in HB0932T passed in 2025.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Jennifer Allgair, Executive Director, State Ethics Commission, 45 Calvert St., Third Floor Annapolis , MD 21401, or call 410-260-7770, or email to [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through April 20, 2026. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

19A.06.01 General Provisions

Authority: General Provisions Article, §§5-206, 5-501, 5-502, and 5-608, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Purpose and Scope.

A. (text unchanged)

B. The purpose of this subtitle is to define the circumstances under which a certified blind trust [or an excepted blind trust] would be viewed by the Commission as meeting the statutory criteria for exception from these conflict of interest provisions. An underlying concept is that, in situations where a trust is created by an independent third party or there are diversified holdings in a trust created by a government official or employee, and where the official or employee does not know the identity of the financial interests and does not control these interests, then his or her official actions would not be influenced or appear to be influenced by private interests. Thus, the general public policy goal to be achieved through reliance on a blind trust is an actual "blindness" or lack of knowledge or control by the official or employee with respect to the interests held in trust.

C. This subtitle sets forth additional blind trust obligations for the Governor or Governor-elect. This subtitle requires the Governor or Governor-elect to consult with the State Ethics Commission to establish a certified blind trust or divest certain interests within a specified period of time, requires the Governor to enter into a nonparticipation agreement with the State Ethics Commission for any interests not included in a blind trust, and requires annual compliance certifications related to the Governor’s blind trust and nonparticipation agreements.

D. This subtitle requires the State Ethics Commission to post the Governor’s approved certified blind trust with supporting documents and nonparticipation agreement on its website. The State Ethics Commission is also required to provide copies of the Governor’s nonparticipation agreement to specified entities.

.02 Applicability and Definitions.

A. (text unchanged)

B. The regulations in this subtitle set forth additional requirements for the Governor and Governor-elect in 19A.06.04.

[B] C. In addition to [C-----H] §§D—H of this regulation, the definitions set forth in COMAR 19A.01.02.02 have the meanings indicated where they appear in this subtitle.

[C] D. “Certified blind trust” means a blind trust arrangement for the management of interests held by an official or employee that is determined by the Commission to meet the criteria for certification under COMAR 19A.06.02.

[D. “Excepted blind trust” means a trust that is determined by the Commission to qualify for exception pursuant to COMAR 19A.06.02.05.]

E.—H. (text unchanged)

19A.06.02 Criteria for Certification

Authority: General Provisions Article, §§5-206, 5-501, 5-502, and 5-608, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Substantive Requirements for Certification.

A.—B. (text unchanged)

C. In addition to the criteria for certification in this chapter, the Governor and Governor-elect have additional requirements under this subtitle in COMAR 19A.06.04.

19A.06.03 Procedural Requirements

Authority: General Provisions Article, §§5-206, 5-501, 5-502, and 5-608, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Compliance with Procedural Requirements for Certified Blind Trusts.

A. For a trust to receive and retain certification as a certified blind trust in accordance with this subtitle, the trust shall be presented for certification in accordance with the procedures set forth in Regulations .02—06 of this chapter. Interested parties and the trustee shall comply with the continuing monitoring and compliance requirements of this chapter.

B. In addition to the procedural requirements in this chapter, the Governor and Governor-elect have additional requirements under COMAR 19A.06.04.

19A.06.04 Governor’s Blind Trust

Authority: General Provisions Article, §§5-101(t), 5-206, 5-501, 5-501.1, 5-502, 5-608, and State Government Article §3-204,
Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Applicability.

This chapter applies to the Governor and, where applicable, the Governor-elect.

.02 Consultation with the State Ethics Commission.

A. The Governor-elect shall consult with the State Ethics Commission to begin the process of establishing a certified blind trust to divesting of private interests in accordance with General Provisions Article, §5-501.1, Annotated Code of Maryland.

B. The Governor shall consult with the State Ethics Commission to comply with the certified blind trust, divestment of interests, nonparticipation agreement, and other requirements in accordance with General Provisions Article, §5-501.1, Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR 19A.06.

.03 Governor’s Blind Trust Obligations.

A. Within 6 months after taking the oath of office the Governor shall:

(1) Except as provided in this chapter, place all of the Governor’s interests into a certified blind trust approved by the State Ethics Commission and operated in accordance with COMAR 19A.06; or

(2) Divest any interests the State Ethics Commission determines is necessary to resolve likely or potential conflicts of interest with the Governor’s public duties.

B. For good cause shown, the State Ethics Commission may extend the deadline to complete the establishment of the certified blind trust or divestiture by a reasonable amount of time.

C. The Governor may not fail to include any interest in a blind trust without the written approval of the State Ethics Commission.

.04 Governor’s Trustee.

A. The Governor shall appoint as the trustee of the blind trust a financial institution or an organization that has a minimum of 2 years of experience in trust management activities.

B. In addition to the requirement in §A of this regulation, the Governor’s trustee must also meet all qualifications and trustee obligations in COMAR 19A.06.02.03.

C. Except as provided in §D of this regulation, the Governor may not receive from the trustee communications regarding management of or income from the blind trust as a trustor or beneficiary of the blind trust at any time during the Governor’s term in office.

D. The Governor may receive from a trustee communications necessary to prepare and file the Governor’s personal income tax returns.

.05 Interests Exempt from Inclusion in the Governor’s Blind Trust.

A. Any residence of the Governor from which no income was derived in the immediately preceding year is not considered an interest for the purposes of inclusion in the Governor’s blind trust.

B. The State Ethics Commission may grant an exemption to the requirement to place an interest in the Governor’s blind trust under General Provisions Article, §5-501.1, Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR 19A.06.

C. In granting an exemption under §B of this regulation, the State Ethics Commission may consider any issues it deems appropriate to prevent conflicts of interest, including whether an interest:

(1) Involves a closely held corporation or family business;

(2) Is readily marketable;

(3) Has an impact unique to the Governor; or

(4) Is subject to any restrictions or encumbrances.

.06 Nonparticipation Agreements.

A. The Governor shall enter into a nonparticipation agreement with the State Ethics Commission that prohibits the Governor from participating in any way in a matter, including a matter before the Board of Public Works, that involves any interests not included in the Governor’s blind trust due to a specific, written approval or exemption from the State Ethics Commission under Regulation .05 of this chapter.

B. The Governor shall consult with the State Ethics Commission and update the Governor’s nonparticipation agreement to include any new interests that were not included in the Governor’s blind trust.

.07 Certifications and Disclosures Required.

A. The Governor shall certify annually by January 31st to the State Ethics Commission that the Governor has:

(1) Obtained no new interests in the immediately preceding year that are not included in the Governor’s blind trust; or

(2) Entered into a nonparticipation agreement with the State Ethics Commission for any new interests obtained in the immediately preceding year that were not included in the Governor’s blind trust.

B. The State Ethics Commission is required to provide certain disclosures related to the Governor’s blind trust and required nonparticipation agreement under General Provisions Article, §5-501.1, Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR 19A.06.

C. The State Ethics Commission shall:

(1) Post on its website any approved certified blind trust and supporting documents for the Governor’s blind trust;

(2) Post on its website any nonparticipation agreement entered into with the Governor; and

(3) Provide a copy of any nonparticipation agreement entered into with the Governor to:

(a) The presiding officers of the General Assembly;

(b) The Joint Ethics Committee;

(c) The Executive Secretary of the Board of Public Works; and

(d) The General Counsel of the Board of Public Works.

.08 Sanctions.

The State Ethics Commission may impose a fine not exceeding $5,000 for each violation if it determines that the Governor has violated a provision of General Provisions Article, §5-501.1, Annotated Code of Maryland.

WILLIAM COLQUHOUN
General Counsel

Special Documents

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

FISHING AND BOATING SERVICES

Modification to the 2025-2026 Commercial Oyster Season—Effective 2/23/2026 Public Notice

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces an extension of the 2025-2026 commercial oyster season for all gear types. Effective 12:01 a.m. February 23, 2026, the commercial oyster season for all gear types is open through April 14, 2026. The season is closed on all other dates. All other rules described in the notice 2025-2026 Commercial Oyster Rules — Effective 7/4/2025 remain in place.

WHERE THESE RULES APPLY

All open oyster harvest areas. Oyster harvest areas are submerged ground where an individual is allowed to catch oysters. “Oyster harvest area” does not include an area leased for aquaculture, restricted by the Maryland Department of the Environment, or designated as a submerged aquatic vegetation protection zone, harvest reserve area, or sanctuary.

WHY THIS ACTION IS BEING TAKEN

This extension is intended to help address the loss of fishing opportunity and income to the commercial fleet due to the extreme cold temperatures and ice on the Chesapeake Bay. It was requested by the Statewide Oyster Committee in order to implement the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Oyster Management Plan.

WHO THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

Anyone who catches oysters for commercial purposes. These rules do not apply to individuals legally harvesting oysters from an aquaculture lease.

AUTHORITY

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.04.11G

JOSH KURTZ

Secretary of Natural Resources

[26-06-03]

2026 Chesapeake Bay Commercial Striped Bass Drift Gill Net Season Modification—Effective 2/23/2026 Public Notice

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces a modification to the 2026 Chesapeake Bay commercial striped bass drift gill net season. Effective 12:01 a.m. February 23, 2026, the season is extended through 6 p.m. March 14, 2026.

WHERE THESE RULES APPLY

This extension applies only to waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries that are not defined as striped bass spawning rivers and areas, and so does not apply to certain rivers and the Upper Bay. Pursuant to COMAR 08.02.15.03B, the following waters are defined as striped bass spawning rivers and areas: all waters of the Choptank, Nanticoke, Patuxent, Wicomico, Blackwater, Pocomoke, Transquaking, Chester, Manokin, and Potomac rivers, in addition to the Chesapeake Bay and all of its tributaries upstream of a line from Abbey Point to Worton Point.

WHY THIS ACTION IS BEING TAKEN

This extension is intended to help address the loss of fishing opportunity and income to the commercial fleet due to the extreme cold temperatures and ice on the Chesapeake Bay. This extension poses little to no risk to the conservation and sustainability of the striped bass resource. A commercial striped bass permit holder in the Chesapeake Bay Individual Transferrable Quota fishery is limited to the quota assigned to their striped bass permit. The statewide quota is set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and this action will allow permittees to harvest their assigned quota. All other rules and restrictions remain in effect.

WHO THIS NOTICE AFFECTS

All Chesapeake Bay commercial striped bass permit holders who use drift gill nets.

AUTHORITY

Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.15.12H

JOSH KURTZ

Secretary of Natural Resources

[26-06-04]

Regional Acute Psychiatric Hospital Bed Utilization Projections for Calendar Year 2031

In accordance with the requirements in the State Health Plan (SHP) chapter for Acute Psychiatric Services, COMAR 10.24.21.05B(2), the Maryland Health Care Commission (Commission) publishes the following notice regarding the projected regional acute psychiatric hospital utilization for child (ages 0-12), adolescent (ages 13-17), adult (ages 18-64), and geriatric (ages 64+) populations. These projections are final and will apply to Certificate of Need (CON) applications acted on by the Commission after the date of publication. Published utilization projections remain in effect until new projections are published in the Maryland Register.

An applicant for a CON for acute psychiatric services must address the need for its proposed project within the context of these regional utilization projections. However, these projections do not place a cap on available beds.

Table A summarizes the regional utilization projections for calendar year (CY) 2031 for all populations as possible net bed shortages.

Table A. Net Projected Bed Utilization in CY 2031 in Relation to Current Bed Inventory

Health Planning Region (County of Residence)	Children	Adolescents	Adults	Geriatrics
Baltimore Upper Shore	--	--	--	Possible shortage of 0-20 beds
Lower Eastern Shore	--	--	Possible shortage of 2-6 beds	Possible shortage of 1-3 beds
Montgomery	Possible shortage of 1-4 beds	--	--	Possible shortage of 1-7 beds
Southern Maryland	Possible shortage of 0-5 beds	Possible shortage of 9-23 beds	Possible shortage of 0-21 beds	Possible shortage of 0-11 beds
Western Maryland	--	--	--	Possible shortage of 4-6 beds

Note: Cells with -- indicates no projected bed shortage for that population and health planning region.

Tables B through E show detailed calculations leading to the final possible net bed shortage for each population in each region of the State, according to the methodology found in the SHP. The most recent data available was for CY 2024, which was used as the base year in calculations.

Table B. Acute Psychiatric Utilization Projections for Children in CY 2031

	Historical (CY20-CY24)		Current CY 2026	Projected (CY 2031)
HPR (County of Residence)	Avg Annual Discharges	Avg Annual Patient Days	Licensed Beds	Including In/Out Migration				Occupancy	Min Gross Beds	Max Gross Beds	Min Net Beds	Max Net Beds
HPR (County of Residence)	Avg Annual Discharges	Avg Annual Patient Days	Licensed Beds	Min Discharges	Max Discharges	Min Patient Days	Max Patient Days	Occupancy	Min Gross Beds	Max Gross Beds	Min Net Beds	Max Net Beds
Baltimore Upper Shore	675	8,643	48	751	948	9,391	11,852	70%	37	46	-11	-2
Lower Eastern Shore	41	567	5	12	20	152	250	70%	1	1	-4	-4
Montgomery	150	1,752	0	19	84	232	1,046	70%	1	4	1	4
Southern MD	141	1,652	0	*	93	*	1,164	70%	0	5	0	5
Western MD	172	2,131	14	176	255	2,201	3,193	70%	9	12	-5	-2

*= 10 or fewer patients

Table C. Acute Psychiatric Utilization Projections for Adolescents in CY 2031

	Historical (CY20-CY24)		Current CY 2026	Projected (CY 2031)
HPR (County of Residence)	Avg Annual Discharges	Avg Annual Patient Days	Licensed Beds	Including In/Out Migration				Occupancy	Min Gross Beds	Max Gross Beds	Min Net Beds	Max Net Beds
HPR (County of Residence)	Avg Annual Discharges	Avg Annual Patient Days	Licensed Beds	Min Discharges	Max Discharges	Min Patient Days	Max Patient Days	Occupancy	Min Gross Beds	Max Gross Beds	Min Net Beds	Max Net Beds
Baltimore Upper Shore	2,062	26,068	154	2,289	2,563	27,152	30,84	76.8%	97	107	-57	-47
Lower Eastern Shore	81	1,381	10	77	146	915	1,734	70.0%	4	7	-6	-3
Montgomery	802	8,305	27	563	628	6,683	7,455	74.4%	25	27	-2	0
Southern MD	605	6,080	0	201	506	2,389	5,997	70.0%	9	23	9	23
Western MD	465	5,831	24	469	559	5,555	6,631	75.0%	20	24	-4	0

Table D. Acute Psychiatric Utilization Projections for Adults in CY 2031

	Historical (CY20-CY24)		Current CY 2026	Projected (CY 2031)
HPR (County of Residence)	Avg Annual Discharges	Avg Annual Patient Days	Licensed Beds	Including In/Out Migration				Occupancy	Min Gross Beds	Max Gross Beds	Min Net Beds	Max Net Beds
HPR (County of Residence)	Avg Annual Discharges	Avg Annual Patient Days	Licensed Beds	Min Discharges	Max Discharges	Min Patient Days	Max Patient Days	Occupancy	Min Gross Beds	Max Gross Beds	Min Net Beds	Max Net Beds
Baltimore Upper Shore	13,495	125,245	628	15,514	17,211	132,157	146,619	77.0%	470	522	-158	-106
Lower Eastern Shore	752	5,316	13	450	571	3,832	4,867	70.0%	15	19	2	6
Montgomery	3,682	32,609	134	3,581	4,252	30,508	36,226	78.1%	107	127	-27	-7
Southern MD	4,066	29,669	95	2,737	3,614	23,320	30,791	72.7%	88	116	-7	21
Western MD	2,362	14,643	74	1,893	2,049	16,124	17,452	71.4%	62	67	-12	-7

Table E. Acute Psychiatric Utilization Projections for Geriatrics in CY 2031

	Historical (CY20-CY24)		Current CY 2026	Projected (CY 2031)
HPR (County of Residence)	Avg Annual Discharges	Avg Annual Patient Days	Licensed Beds	Including In/Out Migration				Occupancy	Min Gross Beds	Max Gross Beds
HPR (County of Residence)	Avg Annual Discharges	Avg Annual Patient Days	Licensed Beds	Min Discharges	Max Discharges	Min Patient Days	Max Patient Days	Occupancy	Min Gross Beds	Max Gross Beds
Baltimore Upper Shore	1,847	30,061	33	1,951	2,393	28,682	35,183	70%	-5	20
Lower Eastern Shore	89	784	0	66	105	974	1,550	70%	1	3
Montgomery	444	5,930	0	413	517	6,067	7,602	70%	1	7
Southern MD	363	3,784	0	192	456	2,819	6,704	70%	-4	11
Western MD	261	2,935	0	273	299	4,015	4,398	70%	4	6

Note: Net Bed Need is not shown in this Table as the methodology for projecting geriatric utilization differs from other populations, by directly comparing population growth to base year (2024) discharges and bypassing current bed inventory in accordance with the SHP.

Notes for all Utilization Projections:

Acute psychiatric discharges include all discharges from Maryland general hospitals with major diagnosis category (MDC) 19 according to Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) discharge data and all discharges from special psychiatric hospitals in Maryland.

The following health planning regions (HPRs) are defined in the SHP: Baltimore Upper Shore includes Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties, as well as Baltimore City; the Lower Eastern Shore includes Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties; Montgomery includes only Montgomery County; Southern Maryland includes Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties; and Western Maryland includes Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties.

The current inventory of licensed beds reflects the current number of licensed beds devoted to that population in each HPR for fiscal year (FY) 2026. This number includes any beds approved through the CON process, which has not yet been established.

The occupancy level reflects a weighted average of the minimum average occupancy level for each facility with acute psychiatric beds in an HPR. The minimum average occupancy rate for a facility is defined in the SHP.

The minimum and maximum net bed numbers indicate the possible shortage or surplus of beds that are possible in CY 2031, if past utilization patterns continue.

Needs Determination for Acute Psychiatric Hospital Beds for Historically Underserved Populations

In accordance with the requirements in the SHP, the Commission publishes the following notice regarding the needs determination for historically underserved populations. This needs determination for acute psychiatric beds by population and health planning region is final and will apply to Certificate of Need (CON) applications acted on by the Commission after the date of publication. Published needs determinations remain in effect until new determinations are published in the Maryland Register.

Historically underserved populations are defined in the SHP as the following patient populations: children (ages 0-12); adolescents (13-17); patients with mental disorders and one or more developmental disabilities; and patients with mental disorders and a secondary diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD). Because CON applicants must specify the ages of the population the project proposes to serve, the needs determination for patients with mental disorders and one or more developmental disabilities is broken down by age group. Likewise, a needs determination for both adolescents and adults with secondary SUD is provided; however, no determination was made for children due to the very small percentage of children diagnosed with a secondary SUD.

As specified in COMAR 10.24.21.05B(2), in developing the needs determinations, the Commission considered several factors including, but not limited to, trends in acute psychiatric discharges, trends in emergency department (ED) boarding, and needs assessments by local behavioral health authorities (LBHAs) and State agencies that identify gaps in the behavioral health system. The Commission also considered comments received in response to draft determinations published on June 10, 2025. To supplement and contextualize available data, the Commission conducted interviews with relevant stakeholders. The Commission approved establishing these draft determinations as final at the February 19, 2026, public meeting of the Commission.

If the Commission determines that there is a regional need for four or more beds for any of the underserved populations, a CON applicant must demonstrate how it will serve one or more of these populations with its project. Exemptions from this requirement may be requested if the applicant can demonstrate that developing bed capacity or programming to serve the specified underserved population(s) would jeopardize the financial viability of the hospital or the ability of the hospital to meet the needs of the broader patient population it serves. An exception may also be granted if, after considering evidence provided by the applicant, the Commission finds that the applicant will be unable to effectively meet the needs of the historically underserved population(s). This determination is an informational tool that encourages the development of acute psychiatric services for the identified populations. It does not limit the number or population an applicant may propose to serve.

Table F identifies the underserved populations and health planning regions where the Commission determined a need for four or more acute psychiatric hospital beds.

Table F. Need for Psychiatric Hospital Beds by Health Planning Region and Underserved Population

Health Planning Region	Children	Children (psych + DD)	Adolescents	Adolescents (psych + DD)	Adolescents (psych + SUD)	Adults (psych + DD)	Adults (psych + SUD)
Baltimore Upper Shore	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lower Eastern Shore	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	--
Montgomery	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Southern Maryland	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Western Maryland	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	--

Note: Cells with -- indicates no bed need was determined for that population and health planning region.

Conclusions

The following conclusions regarding the need for additional acute psychiatric beds for children, adolescents, psychiatric patients dually diagnosed with a developmental disability, and psychiatric patients dually diagnosed with a SUD are based on available data and stakeholder feedback. After analyzing the available data and synthesizing it with the best available evidence to inform decision making, the Commission found a need for four or more acute psychiatric beds across the State for almost all underserved populations.

Children and Adolescents

There is a need for acute psychiatric hospital beds for both children and adolescents in all regions of the State. On any given day, approximately 50 youth are waiting for psychiatric services in Maryland. This includes patients who are in hospital overstay status and those boarding in EDs.

Maryland lacks both inpatient psychiatric hospital beds and appropriate community resources for both children and adolescents with behavioral health needs across the State. This leads to long ED boarding times and patients rotating in and out of the ED where services provided are very minimal. It can also be nearly impossible to find appropriate support for youth with complex needs or a history of aggressive behaviors.

Long travel times often lead to limited family involvement in the more rural health planning regions. This, in turn, may contribute to worse outcomes, which includes foregoing educational services when the patient must be treated out-of-State.

Psychiatric Patients Dually Diagnosed with One or More Developmental Disability

Maryland only has one special psychiatric hospital with available acute inpatient beds dedicated to the treatment of patients with both a psychiatric diagnosis and at least one developmental disability. Psychiatric patients with co-occurring developmental disabilities can experience difficulty obtaining services prior to the age of 21, and available service providers typically have long waitlists.

If aggressive behaviors or substance use are also present, it can be very difficult to identify an appropriate placement for the patient to obtain acute psychiatric hospital services. Finding placement for these individuals is also complicated by the lack of skilled behavioral health providers trained to work with this population in Maryland. For these reasons, most psychiatric patients with a co-occurring developmental disability experience lengthy ED boarding times and frequently, out-of-State placements occur. Thus, there is a need for four or more acute psychiatric hospital beds in all regions of the State for psychiatric patients of all ages with co-occurring developmental disabilities.

Psychiatric Patients Dually Diagnosed with a Substance Use Disorder

Acute psychiatric patients with co-occurring SUD are frequently admitted to a hospital bed for medical detoxification services, prior to their psychiatric issues being addressed. Consequently, patients are often referred to community psychiatric services after their medical status is stabilized. Therefore, a need for four or more acute hospital beds devoted to the treatment of adolescents and adults with co-occurring SUD was identified in all regions of the State, except for two. For adult psychiatric patients with SUD, acute hospital bed need was not determined for the Lower Eastern Shore and Western Maryland health planning regions.

[26-06- 12]

MARYLAND HEALTH CARE COMMISSION

SCHEDULES FOR CERTIFICATE OF NEED REVIEW

The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC or Commission) provides the following schedules to interested members of the public and sponsors of health care facility and service projects subject to Certificate of Need (CON) review and approval. Not every type of project is subject to the requirements of CON review and approval or is included in this review schedule. In these cases, persons seeking CON approval for a project may file a letter of intent at any time. The procedural regulations governing CON review can be found at COMAR 10.24.01.

The general criteria for Certificate of Need review are set forth at COMAR 10.24.01.08G(3). The first criterion is evaluation of the project according to all relevant State Health Plan standards, policies, and criteria. State Health Plan regulations can be accessed at https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/10.24

This Certificate of Need review schedule updates the last schedule published in the Maryland Register on July 11, 2025, Volume 52, Issue 14, pages 793-796. This review schedule is not a solicitation by the Commission for Certificate of Need applications, and does not indicate, in and of itself, that additional capacity is needed in services subject to Certificate of Need review, or that Certificate of Need applications submitted for the services described will be approved by the Commission.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their development plans and projects with the Commission Staff prior to filing letters of intent or CON applications.

Letters of Intent and applications for scheduled reviews may only be received and reviewed according to these published schedules. Letters of intent for projects not covered by this review schedule (e.g., intermediate care facilities) may be filed at any time.

All Letters of Intent and Certificate of Need applications, including the required number of copies of CON applications, must be received at the offices of the Maryland Health Care Commission, 4160 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, no later than 4:30 p.m. on the scheduled date of submission. Letters of Intent should be filed by US mail and email to [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. Letters of intent for projects not covered by this review schedule may be filed at any time. For further information about review schedules or procedures, contact Jeanne Marie Gawel, Chief of Facilities at [email protected] or 410-764-3337.

The Commission will use the following regional configuration of jurisdictions for the General Hospital Project, Special Hospital Project, Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical Facility Project, and Comprehensive Care/Nursing Home Facility Project Review Schedules:

Western Maryland:

Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington, Carroll

Central Maryland:

Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford, and Howard

Eastern Shore:

Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester

Montgomery County & Southern Maryland:

Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's, and St. Mary's

General Hospital Projects

The Commission hereby publishes the following schedules for the submission of Certificate of Need applications by general hospitals for all projects, including those that involve: (1) establishment of a new general hospital; (2) capital expenditures by or on behalf of general hospitals that exceed the applicable capital expenditure threshold; (3) proposed changes in bed capacity or operating room capacity at existing hospitals; (4) the relocation of a general hospital; and/or (5) a change in the type or scope of any health care service offered by a general hospital, as specified at COMAR 10.24.01.02A, except for neonatal intensive care.

Schedule One
Acute Care (General) Hospital Projects

Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
Montgomery & Southern Maryland	July 10, 2026	July 22, 2026	September 11, 2026
Western Maryland	August 7, 2026	August 19, 2026	October 9, 2026
Central Maryland	September 4, 2026	September 16, 2026	November 6, 2026
Eastern Shore	October 2, 2026	October 14, 2026	December 4, 2026

Schedule Two

Acute Care (General) Hospital Projects

Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
Montgomery & Southern Maryland	December 4, 2026	December 16, 2026	February 5, 2027
Western Maryland	January 8, 2027	January 20, 2027	March 12, 2027
Central Maryland	February 5, 2027	February 17, 2027	April 9, 2027
Eastern Shore	March 5, 2027	March 17, 2027	May 7, 2027

Special Hospital Projects (Pediatric, Psychiatric, Chronic, and Rehabilitation)

The Commission hereby publishes the following schedules for the submission of Certificate of Need applications by special hospitals, for all projects, including those that involve: (1) establishment of a new special hospital; (2) capital expenditures by or on behalf of special hospitals that exceed the applicable capital expenditure threshold; (3) proposed changes in bed capacity at existing special hospitals; (4) the relocation of a special hospital; and/or (5) a change in the type or scope of any health care service offered by a special hospital, as specified at COMAR 10.24.01.02A.

Schedule One
Special Hospitals (Pediatric, Psychiatric, Chronic, and Rehabilitation)

Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
Central Maryland	July 10, 2026	July 22, 2026	September 11, 2026
Eastern Shore	August 7, 2026	August 19, 2026	October 9, 2026
Montgomery & Southern Maryland	September 4, 2026	September 16, 2026	November 6, 2026
Western Maryland	October 2, 2026	October 14, 2026	December 4, 2026

Schedule Two
Special Hospitals (Pediatric, Psychiatric, Chronic, and Rehabilitation)

Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
Central Maryland	December 4, 2026	December 16, 2026	February 5, 2027
Eastern Shore	January 8, 2027	January 20, 2027	March 12, 2027
Montgomery & Southern Maryland	February 5, 2027	February 17, 2027	April 9, 2027
Western Maryland	March 5, 2027	March 17, 2027	May 7, 2027

Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical Facility Projects

The Commission hereby publishes the following schedules for the submission of Certificate of Need applications to establish freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities, add operating rooms at an existing freestanding ambulatory surgical facility, or make a capital expenditure by a hospital for a freestanding ambulatory surgical facility project that requires Certificate of Need review and approval. The definition of freestanding ambulatory surgical facility can be found at Health-General Article §19-114(b).

Schedule One

Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical Facility Projects

Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
Central Maryland	July 10, 2026	July 22, 2026	September 11, 2026
Eastern Shore	August 7, 2026	August 19, 2026	October 9, 2026
Montgomery & Southern Maryland	September 4, 2026	September 16, 2026	November 6, 2026
Western Maryland	October 2, 2026	October 14, 2026	December 4, 2026

Schedule Two

Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical Facility Projects

Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
Central Maryland	December 4, 2026	December 16, 2026	February 5, 2027
Eastern Shore	January 8, 2027	January 20, 2027	March 12, 2027
Montgomery & Southern Maryland	February 5, 2027	February 17, 2027	April 9, 2027
Western Maryland	March 5, 2027	March 17, 2027	May 7, 2027

Comprehensive Care Facilities/Nursing Homes

The Commission hereby publishes the following two schedules for Certificate of Need review of proposed projects affecting comprehensive care facilities (CCF) or nursing homes. Schedule One A identifies the review cycles for proposals involving the addition of CCF beds in Maryland jurisdictions in which the most recent bed need projection published in the Maryland Register identifies a net need for beds in the forecast year and for which no letters of intent or applications have been filed. Persons interested in submitting Certificate of Need applications involving the addition of beds in these jurisdictions should contact the MHCC to ascertain the current level of net bed need identified for these jurisdictions prior to the filing of a Certificate of Need application. Schedule One and Two B establish submission dates for Certificate of Need applications related to all other CCF projects that do not involve an increase in CCF bed capacity in the jurisdiction in which the project is located. These include projects that relocate an existing facility or, in effect, relocate CCF bed capacity from an existing facility to a new site within the same jurisdiction.

Schedule One A

Projects Proposing New Comprehensive Care/Nursing Home Facility Beds in a Jurisdiction

The Commission is not accepting applications for projects introducing new Comprehensive Care/Nursing Home Facility Beds into a jurisdiction at this time.

Schedule One B

Other Comprehensive Care/Nursing Home Facility Projects

Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
Montgomery & Southern Maryland	July 10, 2026	July 22, 2026	September 11, 2026
Western Maryland	August 7, 2026	August 19, 2026	October 9, 2026
Central Maryland	September 4, 2026	September 16, 2026	November 6, 2026
Eastern Shore	October 2, 2026	October 14, 2026	December 4, 2026

Schedule Two B
Other Comprehensive Care/Nursing Home Facility Projects

Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
Montgomery & Southern Maryland	December 4, 2026	December 16, 2026	February 5, 2027
Western Maryland	January 8, 2027	January 20, 2027	March 12, 2027
Central Maryland	February 5, 2027	February 17, 2027	April 9, 2027
Eastern Shore	March 5, 2027	March 17, 2027	May 7, 2027

Freestanding Medical Facility Projects

The Commission hereby publishes the following statewide schedule for Certificate of Need review of proposed projects by general hospitals to establish or relocate freestanding medical facilities (FMFs) and proposed capital expenditures by hospitals for FMF projects that exceed the applicable capital expenditure threshold. Please note that this schedule does not apply to the filing of a request for an Exemption from Certificate of Need by a general hospital seeking to convert to a freestanding medical facility.

Schedule
Freestanding Medical Facility Projects

Planning Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
All Jurisdictions	July 10, 2026	July 22, 2026	September 11, 2026

Cardiac Surgery Services

The Maryland Health Care Commission provides the following schedule for the review of applications for Certificates of Need by general hospitals seeking to introduce cardiac surgery services. This review schedule is not a solicitation by the Commission for CON applications, and it does not indicate that additional capacity is needed or that CON applications submitted will be approved by the Commission. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their development plans and projects with the Commission staff prior to filing Letters of Intent.

Region Definitions for Cardiac Surgery

Metropolitan Washington Region:

Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and the District of Columbia

Eastern/Lower Shore Region:

Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester

Western Region:

Allegany, Garrett, and Washington

Baltimore/Upper Shore Region:

Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties and Baltimore City

Schedule

Cardiac Surgery Services

Planning Region	Letter of Intent Due Date	Pre-Application Conference Date	Application Submission Date
All Jurisdictions	July 10, 2026	July 22, 2026	September 11, 2026

Home Health Agency Projects

The Commission conducted a Statewide Certificate of Need review for Home Health Agency projects in 2025-2026. At the time of this posting, this review is ongoing. The Commission is not accepting any additional CON applications for Home Health Agency projects at this time.

Hospice Agency Projects

The Commission is not accepting CON applications for Hospice Agency projects at this time.

[26-06-14]

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0040

US Coast Guard Engineering Unit

℅ Justin Silvaroli

1240 E Ninth St, Rm 2179

Cleveland, OH 44199

Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 25-WQC-0040.

Location: 3425 Thomas Point Rd., Annapolis, MD 21403

The purpose of the project is to improve navigable access.

Description of Authorized Work:

1. Install approximately 235 linear feet of sheet pile to form a 18 foot wide by 120 foot box.

2. Temporarily install a dewatering pump within the sheet pile box that pumps to an upland filtering

basin with filter bag;

3. Mechanically dredge a 120-foot long by 18-foot wide area to a depth of 10 feet at mean low water,

and to deposit approximately 170 cubic yards of dredged material at an approved upland disposal site

located at Rock Creek; and,

4. Fill sheet pile box with clean fill material and construct a 120-foot long by 8-foot wide concrete-cast

boat ramp extending a maximum of 120 feet channelward of the mean high water line.

5. Remove a 20-foot long channelward section of sheet pile after filling for boat ramp.

The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:

https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx

Appeal of Final Decision: This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.

Contact: Mel Throckmorton at [email protected] or 410-375-2803.

[26-06-11]

Issue Date	Emergency and Proposed Regulations 5 p.m.*	Notices, etc. 10:30 a.m.	Final Regulations 10:30 a.m.
April 3	March 16	March 23	March 25
April 17	March 30	April 6	April 8
May 1	April 13	April 20	April 22
May 15	April 27	May 4	May 6
May 29	May 11	May 18	May 20
June 12**	May 22	June 1	June 3
June 26	June 8	June 15	June 17
July 10	June 22	June 29	July 1
July 24	July 6	July 13	July 15
August 7	July 20	July 27	July 29
August 21	August 3	August 10	August 12
September 4	August 17	August 24	August 26
September18**	August 31	September 4	September 9
October 2	September14	September21	September23
October 16	September28	October 5	October 7
October 30**	October 9	October 19	October 21
November 13	October 26	November 2	November 4
November30***	November 9	November16	November18
December 11	November23	November30	December 2
December28***	December 7	December14	December16