Despite MACo opposition, HB 1344 passed out of the Environmental Matters Committee and is set for a final vote on the House on March 29.  The bill would “freeze” the running period of certain State and local permits and approvals related to construction and subdivision until January 1, 2013.  The bill would reach back retroactively to affect permits and approvals granted since January 1, 2008.

The bill was amended to remove stormwater management permits and exempt changes to critical areas legislation.  A provision was also added to require a permittee to pay any extension fees that would be normally charged during the tolling period of the permit or approval.