MD HB691

Executive Branch units that issue permits for housing construction must adopt streamlined permitting procedures allowing concurrent filing and adjudication of multiple permits, or predictable sequencing when concurrent processing is not feasible

Streamlined processes must include expedited review frameworks with clear escalation and prioritization pathways for housing-related permits

The State Housing Ombudsman, designated by the Department of Housing and Community Development, must ensure consistency between permitting processes across different state units

State agencies may delegate permit review and approval tasks to county or municipal governments by agreement

The State Housing Ombudsman must report to the General Assembly by December 1, 2027 on implementation progress; the act takes effect October 1, 2026