MD HB1296

Developers submitting subdivision or site plans for 5 or more residential dwelling units within walking distance of a public school must prepare and submit a Safe School Route Report identifying pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure gaps and proposing mitigation measures

Safe School Route Reports must identify affected schools, assess hazards such as missing sidewalks, unsafe crossings, and lack of bike lanes, and propose improvements including sidewalk construction, crosswalk installation, and connectivity to existing networks

Local jurisdictions cannot grant preliminary subdivision or site plan approval until the Safe School Route Report is reviewed and approved by both the local planning authority and the county board of education

Local jurisdictions may impose financial guarantees on developers and withhold building permits until required safe school route improvements are completed

Effective October 1, 2026; exempts housing developments intended for older persons under the Federal Fair Housing Act