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HB 394

Counties - Construction of Sidewalks and Crosswalks - Safe Alternative Routes to Public Schools

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Regina Boyce and 7 co-sponsors

Requires Maryland counties to build and maintain sidewalks and crosswalks providing safe walking routes to public schools, shifting infrastructure responsibility to local governments.

Hearing 2/12 at 2:00 p.m. (Government, Labor, and Elections)
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Bill Summary · HB 394

Legislative bill overview

HB 394 requires Maryland counties to construct and maintain sidewalks and crosswalks that create safe alternative routes for students traveling to and from public schools. The bill establishes county-level responsibility for ensuring pedestrian infrastructure meets safety standards on routes commonly used by school-age children.

Why is this important

Safe pedestrian infrastructure around schools directly affects student safety, physical activity levels, and whether families can rely on walking or biking as transportation options. Poor sidewalk conditions and missing crosswalks create barriers to active transportation and disproportionately impact lower-income families who may depend on walking to school.

Potential points of contention

  • Unfunded mandate concerns: Counties may argue the bill imposes construction and maintenance costs without state funding allocation or reimbursement mechanisms
  • Scope and definition disputes: Questions may arise about which routes qualify as "safe alternative routes," what constitutes adequate maintenance, and which schools are covered
  • Local vs. state authority: Debate over whether county governments should bear sole responsibility versus shared funding models with state or federal sources

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

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