MD HB731

Establishes the Maryland Connectivity Coalition, chaired by the State Highway Administrator, to coordinate efforts among state/federal agencies, legislators, and stakeholders to protect threatened and endangered species from habitat fragmentation and reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions

Grants the State Highway Administration final decision-making authority over placement, funding, and design of wildlife crossings on state highways

Requires the Coalition to develop criteria for prioritizing wildlife connectivity projects based on collision data, endangered species habitat locations, multi-species crossing potential, and regional equity

Mandates that charter counties and local jurisdictions consider wildlife movement and habitat connectivity when enacting or amending comprehensive plans, with the Department of Planning providing updated habitat connectivity information

Requires the State Highway Administration to report on wildlife crossings in each consolidated transportation plan, including Transportation Trust Fund expenditures, planned projects, and performance metrics measuring success