POLISCOPE
Back to bills

The civic record

Read. Follow. Verify.
Enacted

Maryland directs University System to study climate change, homeowner insurance, and disaster preparedness

Original title: Climate Change, Homeowner's Insurance, and Emergency Management - Study

Last action · May 26, 2026: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 696Sponsor: Ben Kramer

Companion · HB 1219same policy, House version
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Passed
Law

Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.

What This Bill Does

Maryland law requires the University System of Maryland to study the connection between climate change, homeowner insurance costs, and disaster readiness, and report findings by July 1, 2027. The law authorizes up to $100,000 from the to pay for the study and takes effect June 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The study will examine rising insurance prices and decreasing coverage availability tied to climate risks, potentially shaping future state tax credits, grants, and insurance rate regulations for property owners.

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Homeowners

Property owners may be impacted by future insurance rate adjustments, premium changes, and potential incentive programs for weather-resilient home improvements.

Directly affected

University System of Maryland

The institution is tasked with conducting the study, coordinating oversight groups, and submitting a formal report by July 1, 2027.

Directly affected

Insurers

Private insurance companies and the flood insurance market will be evaluated regarding policyholder rates, availability, and coverage adjustments.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the study required by the law?
The study evaluates the relationship between climate change, the cost and availability of homeowner insurance, and disaster preparedness, leading to policy recommendations for the General Assembly.
Who is responsible for conducting the study?
The University System of Maryland is responsible for conducting the study, working in coordination with multiple state agencies, local emergency managers, and industry representatives.
When is the final report due?
The findings and recommendations must be submitted to the General Assembly on or before July 1, 2027.
How is the study funded?
Up to $100,000 from the is authorized to be used for the study.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

16 actions
  1. May 26, 2026Governor of MarylandEnrolled
    Approved by the Governor - Chapter 696
  2. Apr 13, 2026SenateFloor
    Passed Enrolled
  3. Apr 13, 2026SenateFloor
    Third Reading Passed (30-13)
  4. Apr 13, 2026SenateFloor
    Senate Concurs House Amendments
  5. Apr 13, 2026HouseFloor
    Third Reading Passed (102-36)
  6. Apr 9, 2026HouseFloor
    Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Show 10 earlier actions
  1. Apr 9, 2026House
    Favorable with Amendments { 203329/1 Adopted
  2. Apr 8, 2026HouseCommittee
    Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
  3. Mar 25, 2026House
    Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
  4. Mar 23, 2026HouseCommittee
    Referred Environment and Transportation Judiciary
  5. Mar 20, 2026SenateFloor
    Third Reading Passed (29-11)
  6. Mar 20, 2026SenateFloor
    Second Reading Passed with Amendments
  7. Mar 20, 2026Senate
    Favorable with Amendments { 193029/1 Adopted
  8. Mar 20, 2026SenateCommittee
    Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance
  9. Feb 11, 2026Senate
    Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
  10. Feb 6, 2026SenateIntroduced
    First Reading Finance

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

Lobbying Activity

No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.

Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Sponsors

Connected Entities

University System of Maryland, Maryland Department of Emergency Management, Department of Natural Resources and 5 more
OrganizationUniversity System of Maryland“Required to conduct the study and submit a report.”Map →
OrganizationMaryland Department of Emergency Management“Coordinates with the University System on the study.”Map →
OrganizationDepartment of Natural Resources“Coordinates with the University System on the study.”Map →
OrganizationGeneral Assembly“Recipient of the study's findings and recommendations.”Map →
OrganizationMaryland Insurance Administration“Coordinates with the University System on the study.”Map →
OrganizationDepartment of the Environment“Coordinates with the University System on the study.”Map →
OrganizationFederal Emergency Management Agency“Identifies the five emergency management mission areas evaluated in the study.”Map →
OrganizationStrategic Energy Investment Fund“Source of up to $100,000 in funding for the study.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

mgaleg.maryland.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance55
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy15
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment5
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz25
    Current news / social attention level

Publisher tools

Share or embed this record

POLISCOPE publisher tools

Share or embed this record