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HB 613

Department of the Environment - Waivers for Living Shorelines and Nonstructural Shoreline Stabilization Measures - Regulations and Scoring System

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Anderson and 16 co-sponsors

HB 613 grants Calvert and St. Mary's Counties authority to use nature-based living shorelines instead of traditional hardened structures for coastal erosion protection.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 321
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Bill Summary · HB 613

Legislative bill overview

HB 613 authorizes Calvert and St. Mary's Counties in Maryland to implement living shorelines and nonstructural shoreline stabilization measures as alternatives to traditional hardened structures like bulkheads and seawalls. The bill appears to grant these two counties specific authority or resources to pursue nature-based coastal protection strategies that work with natural processes rather than against them.

Why is this important

Coastal erosion and sea-level rise threaten properties, infrastructure, and ecosystems in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay region. Living shorelines—which use vegetation, oyster reefs, and sediment management—offer environmental benefits (habitat restoration, improved water quality) while reducing erosion, often at lower long-term costs than concrete structures. This bill could serve as a model for other Maryland counties facing similar coastal challenges.

Potential points of contention

  • Property owner concerns: Some landowners may resist nature-based approaches if they perceive them as slower or less predictable than traditional bulkheads, or if implementation affects their waterfront use
  • Funding and maintenance responsibility: Unclear who bears costs for installation and long-term maintenance of living shorelines, which require different expertise than conventional structures
  • Regional applicability: Limiting authority to just two counties may create inconsistent coastal management policies across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, potentially disadvantaging other at-risk areas

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

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