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SB 368

Calvert and St. Mary's Counties - Living Shorelines and Nonstructural Shoreline Stabilization Measures

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Bailey and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland bill promotes nature-based coastal erosion controls using vegetation and oyster reefs instead of seawalls in two southern counties to protect shorelines and restore habitat.

Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 368

Legislative bill overview

SB 368 establishes provisions for living shorelines and nonstructural shoreline stabilization measures in Calvert and St. Mary's Counties, Maryland. The bill promotes nature-based approaches to coastal erosion management as alternatives to traditional hardened structures like bulkheads and seawalls. These methods use vegetation, oyster reefs, and other natural materials to reduce wave energy while providing ecological benefits.

Why is this important

Coastal erosion threatens property, infrastructure, and ecosystems in Maryland's southern counties. Living shorelines offer a dual benefit: they protect shorelines while restoring habitat for fish, crustaceans, and birds—addressing both economic and environmental concerns. This approach also typically costs less over time and adapts better to sea-level rise than conventional structures.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights vs. environmental mandates: Homeowners may resist restrictions on using traditional bulkheads if living shorelines are incentivized or required, raising concerns about land-use autonomy and implementation timelines
  • Effectiveness and liability questions: Living shorelines perform differently based on site conditions; unclear property owner liability if these systems fail during storms or extreme weather
  • Implementation costs and equity: Upfront expenses may burden private property owners; debate over whether government should fund conversion of existing hardened structures or only new construction

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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