MD SB973

Transfers regulatory authority for State-owned airports from the Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration to the Maryland Aviation Commission, requiring the Commission to adopt (rather than just approve) airport operation regulations

Increases Commission meeting requirements from quarterly to at least 10 meetings per year, with four permitted to be subcommittee meetings, and changes quorum from five members to a majority of voting members

Requires contracts exceeding $1,000,000 to be approved by the Commission in a public meeting before becoming effective

Mandates the Secretary of Transportation adopt regulations by December 31, 2026 governing the BWI Master Plan process, including requirements for public hearings, 10-year project planning, and distribution to affected counties; the Commission must adopt an initial Master Plan by the same date and update it at least every 10 years

Requires the Executive Director, Secretary of the Environment, and Commission to review noise regulations every 5 years, and the Executive Director must brief the Commission annually on noise abatement plan compliance