Maryland Senate Bill SB902

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/24
• Refer: 2/2/24
• Report Pass: 3/15/24
• Engrossed: 3/18/24
• Refer: 3/19/24

Caption

Wildlife – Protections and Highway Crossings

Impact

The proposed legislation impacts state laws by establishing new requirements for highway design and infrastructure with an emphasis on wildlife safety. By integrating wildlife considerations into the planning, design, and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and culverts, the bill seeks to create safer passage for wildlife while potentially reducing the frequency of vehicle collisions with animals. In conjunction with these infrastructure measures, the bill introduces a $10 annual wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation fee to be charged by automobile insurance providers, which will contribute funding for these projects.

Summary

Senate Bill 902 aims to enhance wildlife protection in Maryland by implementing measures to reduce animal-vehicle collisions, particularly concerning species whose habitats intersect with state highways. The bill mandates collaboration between the Department of Natural Resources and the State Highway Administration to identify at-risk species and establish strategies for wildlife crossings. A key component includes the creation of the Wildlife Highway Crossings Fund, which serves to support various wildlife mitigation projects and improve habitat connectivity, thereby addressing ecological concerns along state roads.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment regarding SB 902 appears favorable among conservationists and environmental advocates who appreciate the legislative effort to harmonize transportation infrastructure with wildlife safety and habitat preservation. Proponents view the bill as a significant step in addressing critical environmental issues while promoting public safety. However, there may be some concerns from transportation stakeholders regarding the feasibility and financial implications of implementing the required changes to state highways and the enforcement of associated fees.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include discussions over the financial feasibility of the proposed wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation fee and its potential burden on motorists. There are concerns regarding how this additional fee will be perceived by the public and its effectiveness in generating substantial funding for the Wildlife Highway Crossings Fund. Furthermore, while the bill emphasizes prioritizing species conservation, critics may argue about the adequacy of the measures proposed to ensure effective outcomes without their implementation significantly inflating project timelines or costs.