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SB 189

Municipalities - Open Drainage Inlets - Inventory and Improvements (Mason's Law)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Young

Maryland would require municipalities to install safety grating on drainage inlets to prevent drowning, establishing uniform protective standards statewide.

Passed Enrolled
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 189

Legislative bill overview

SB 189, known as "Mason's Law," requires municipalities in Maryland to install grating systems on open drainage inlets to prevent accidental entrapment and drowning. The bill mandates that all municipalities implement these safety measures, likely establishing standards for grate design, installation, and maintenance across the state.

Why is this important

Drowning in storm drains and open drainage systems represents a preventable cause of death, particularly among children. Mandatory grating systems could significantly reduce fatalities and injuries while creating a uniform safety standard across Maryland municipalities, preventing jurisdictional gaps in protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Municipal compliance costs: Implementation and ongoing maintenance of grating systems on potentially thousands of drainage inlets could impose substantial financial burdens on local governments with limited budgets
  • Grate design standards: Disputes may arise over specifications (mesh size, material, durability) needed to balance safety with drainage functionality and water flow rates during heavy rainfall
  • Retrofitting existing infrastructure: Determining whether the mandate applies retroactively to existing drainage systems or only new construction could significantly affect total implementation costs and timelines
  • Liability and enforcement: Unclear mechanisms for enforcement, penalties for non-compliance, and who bears liability for failures could create legal ambiguity

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

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