LAND USE, PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT
HB 4/SB 120 Restrictions on Use - Solar Collector Systems PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Support Restrictions that increase the cost of the installation of a solar collector system by more than 5% or reduce the energy generation by 10% are prohibited. HB 49 Building Energy Performance Standards - Alterations and Analysis PASSED – Effective October 1, 2025 POSITION: Oppose as Introduced Initially, this bill would have charged a fee for buildings that did not meet energy usage requirements. As amended, this bill certifies county building energy programs and excludes emissions from public health and safety facilities. HB 212 Building Standards – Fossil Fuel Use and Electric–Ready Standards DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose All new buildings would be required to meet all energy demands without the use of fossil fuels by January 1, 2026. HB 671 On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems - Climate Vulnerable Areas WITHDRAWN POSITION: Oppose This bill would have prohibited the installation of new on-site sewage disposal systems and limited the replacement of existing systems in climate vulnerable areas. HB 747 On-Site Wastewater Systems - Requirements for Inspection and Pumping DID NOT PASS POSITION: Oppose as Introduced This bill would have required septic inspections and pump outs for each rental property at change of tenancy and for all properties during a home sale.
HB 973/SB 804 Better Buildings Act of 2025 DID NOT PASS
POSITION: Oppose New buildings and significant improvements of buildings would meet all water and space heating demands without the use of fossil fuels, meet energy conservation requirements, and meet an electric- and solar-ready standard.
SB 117/HB 131 Bay Restoration Fund - Septic System Upgrade Program PASSED – Effective July 1, 2026 POSITION: Support
This bill modifies the prioritization and eligibility for projects that receive funding from the Bay Restoration Fund’s (BRF) septics account, adding failing systems in the broader Chesapeake Bay watershed and those in the 500-year floodplain.
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