Maryland Senate Bill SB584

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/26
• Refer: 2/4/26

Caption

Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity and Transmission Lines - Notice to Landowners

Impact

The bill modifies existing law concerning public utilities, specifically the requirements surrounding the approval of construction projects for transmission lines. By establishing a clear obligation for notice, SB584 seeks to empower landowners and facilitate their involvement as intervenors in the certification process. Failure to provide the required notice would invalidate the public hearing and could void the application for the certificate itself, thereby augmenting protections for affected landowners.

Summary

Senate Bill 584 addresses the procedures required for the construction of transmission lines within the state. Specifically, it mandates that individuals or companies applying for a certificate of public convenience and necessity must provide written notice to landowners who would be affected by such construction at least 30 days prior to any public hearing regarding the application. This requirement is aimed at ensuring that property owners are adequately informed and able to participate in the decision-making process related to utility infrastructure development.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB584 chiefly focuses on the balance of interests between utility companies and landowners. Proponents of the bill argue that the notification requirement is essential for preserving the rights of landowners, enabling them to have a voice in projects that may impact their properties. Critics, however, may view the amendments as potentially burdensome for utility companies, complicating the process of expanding necessary infrastructure and possibly delaying projects intended to improve service or increase capacity.