Maryland House Bill HB1129

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

Wildlife - Protections and Highway Crossings

Impact

The legislation creates the Wildlife Highway Crossings Fund, which will finance projects aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and enhancing habitat connectivity. This fund will be supplemented by a mandatory fee of $10 to be charged by auto insurers for each vehicle covered, intended to support wildlife crossing initiatives. The bill mandates state agencies to work together to update design guidelines to ensure that new infrastructure projects include features that facilitate wildlife movement and decrease the risk of accidental collisions, directly contributing to the protection of Maryland's natural resources.

Summary

House Bill 1129 aims to enhance wildlife protection in Maryland by establishing a framework for addressing the intersection of wildlife habitats with state highway infrastructure. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to collaborate with the State Highway Administration to identify and prioritize wildlife species whose habitats overlap with highway routes. It emphasizes the need to incorporate wildlife passage designs in the construction and renovation of bridges and culverts, thereby facilitating safer crossings for various species, particularly those classified as endangered or threatened.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on wildlife preservation, discussions may arise around the funding mechanism and potential costs imposed on vehicle owners. Stakeholders, including environmental organizations and transportation agencies, will likely debate the balance between infrastructure development and conservation. Proponents of HB1129 argue that such measures are crucial for biodiversity and reducing accidents, while opponents may express concerns about additional fees and regulatory burdens on the insurance industry.