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HB 559

Transportation - Highway User Revenues Capital Grants - Calculation

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Addison and 11 co-sponsors

HB 559 changes Maryland's formula for distributing Highway User Revenue capital grants to local jurisdictions, potentially shifting funding allocations among counties and municipalities.

Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)
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Bill Summary · HB 559

Legislative bill overview

HB 559 modifies how Maryland calculates and distributes Highway User Revenue (HUR) capital grants to local jurisdictions. The bill adjusts the formula or methodology used to allocate state transportation funding to counties and municipalities based on road usage patterns and infrastructure needs. This represents a technical but potentially significant change to how transportation dollars flow from the state to local governments.

Why is this important

Transportation funding directly affects road maintenance, safety improvements, and economic development in communities across Maryland. Changes to the HUR formula can substantially alter which jurisdictions receive more or less state money, impacting local budgets and infrastructure priorities. Rural, suburban, and urban areas may experience different effects depending on how the new calculation methodology weights various factors like vehicle miles traveled, road miles maintained, or population density.

Potential points of contention

  • Geographic winners and losers: Some jurisdictions will likely receive increased funding while others see decreases, creating local opposition from affected areas
  • Formula complexity and fairness: Questions about whether the new calculation method equitably reflects actual road usage, maintenance costs, and infrastructure needs across diverse communities
  • Implementation timing: Transition to a new funding formula may create budget instability for jurisdictions currently dependent on existing HUR distributions

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

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