MD HB254

Establishes the Resilience Through Restoration Capital Grant Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund within the Department of Natural Resources to provide grants to state agencies, local governments, and nonprofits for nature-based restoration projects addressing climate change vulnerabilities, with at least 3% of project funding required for adaptive management.

Requires the Department of Natural Resources to facilitate community participation in project planning, including hosting meetings, incorporating community perspectives, and allowing compensation for community members serving as project partners or liaisons.

Mandates the Department develop by October 1, 2027 a user-friendly website, guidance documents, and training to help local jurisdictions integrate climate adaptation planning into comprehensive plans using the Department's planning tools and resources.

Requires the Department by December 31, 2035 to identify climate vulnerabilities, evaluate mitigation opportunities, and prioritize projects on two coastal and two inland properties it owns, leases, or manages.

Modifies the Shore Erosion Control Construction Loan Fund to allow the Department to authorize partial loan forgiveness based on ecological, performance, and equity criteria, and redirects interest earnings back to the Fund rather than the General Fund.