MD HB257

Department of the Environment must designate priority watersheds by January 1, 2028, and every 5 years thereafter, prioritizing watersheds with demonstrated flood history or significant flood potential

Subdivisions containing designated priority watersheds must conduct flood-related watershed studies analyzing inundation areas for 10-, 25-, 100-, 500-, and 1,000-year flood events under current, planned development, and future climate/sea level rise scenarios

Grant program funding limits revised: watershed study grants capped at 5% of total program appropriation (starting FY 2029), flood-damaged dwelling acquisition grants capped at 25% of annual budgeted funds (reduced from 50%)

Governor may include up to $20 million annually for the comprehensive flood management grant program starting FY 2026, with at least 40% directed to underserved or overburdened communities

Maryland Department of Emergency Management must evaluate and report recommendations by December 1, 2026, on reducing duplication and streamlining local hazard-planning requirements