On March 6, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko testified before the Economic Matters Committee in support of HB 1296 – Preliminary Subdivision and Site Plans – Safe School Route Reports – Requirement with amendments. 

This bill places certain requirements on residential projects which may contribute to the population of students walking to schools.

Safe walking and biking routes to school are a shared priority for local governments, families, and school systems across Maryland. HB 1296 would require certain residential developments to evaluate nearby walking routes to schools and identify potential safety hazards or infrastructure gaps as part of the development review process.

Counties recommend targeted amendments to ensure the requirements align with existing local land use review processes, clarify decision-making roles, and avoid unintended delays or administrative burdens during project approvals.

From MACo Testimony: 

MACo’s requested amendments are intended to preserve the bill’s core purpose —safe routes to school—while ensuring implementation fits within existing local review processes, clarifies roles, and avoids creating unintended permitting delays or unfunded administrative burdens for counties and school systems.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog