MD HB131

Establishes a revised priority system for Bay Restoration Fund grants for failing septic systems: first priority to Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, second to Maryland Chesapeake Bay 8-digit watersheds with relative nitrogen reduction effectiveness of 9.24 or higher, third to systems within the 500-year floodplain, and fourth to systems threatening public health or water quality

Expands eligibility for septic system repair/replacement funding from low-income owners only to low- and moderate-income owners as defined by the Department of the Environment

Changes the eligibility date requirement for community sewerage system connections from a fixed date of October 1, 2008 to a rolling 15-year lookback period (systems installed at least 15 years before July 1 of the funding application year)

Requires the Department of the Environment to publish performance-based funding levels for best available nitrogen removal technologies on its website and in correspondence with counties, municipalities, and residents

Takes effect July 1, 2026; approved by Governor Wes Moore on May 13, 2025