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HB 1039

Department of Agriculture - Public Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - Registration, Regulation, and Oversight

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Allen

Maryland establishes Department of Agriculture oversight of public EV charging stations through registration and regulatory standards to ensure safety and infrastructure consistency statewide.

Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1039

Legislative bill overview

HB 1039 establishes a regulatory framework for public electric vehicle (EV) supply equipment (EVSE) under Maryland's Department of Agriculture. The bill creates registration, oversight, and operational standards for entities installing and maintaining publicly accessible charging stations throughout the state.

Why is this important

As EV adoption accelerates, standardized regulation of charging infrastructure ensures safety, reliability, and equitable access across Maryland. This framework prevents a fragmented patchwork of charging stations while establishing consistent consumer protections and equipment standards that encourage infrastructure investment.

Potential points of contention

  • Departmental assignment: Why the Department of Agriculture rather than the Department of Energy or Transportation—agencies with more typical EV oversight experience—may raise questions about administrative efficiency and expertise alignment
  • Registration costs and barriers: Mandatory registration could increase operational costs for charging network operators, potentially passed to consumers or reducing small provider participation
  • Regulatory scope: Unclear whether regulations apply equally to private workplace charging, utility-owned stations, and municipal systems, or if inconsistent requirements create loopholes and competitive disadvantages

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

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