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Committee holds regional transportation authority bills for further study
Summary
The committee consolidated briefings on two cross-file bills (House Bill 13-70 and Senate Bill 9-35) proposing regional transportation authorities with regional surcharges and governance structures. Members asked for more time to study revenue distribution, opt-in versus mandatory inclusion of counties, and cross-region projects such as Southern
Lorenzo Bellamy (Bellamy Ginn Group) summarized two cross-file bills that would create regional transportation authorities for Maryland—s regions, authorize surcharges (sales, hotel, and transfer taxes) to fund non-lapsing regional transportation funds, and establish governance boards with local and state representatives. "House bill 13-70 imposes regional surcharges and directs revenue distribution where 70% goes to transportation funds and 30% to counties and municipalities," Bellamy said; he contrasted that with the senate cross-file, which allows counties to opt in and directs funds differently.
Bellamy said the two bills are similar in structure but diverge on tax implementation and revenue distribution; either outcome will likely require reconciliation if both pass. The county executive—s office said the county would "take no position" for now and recommended more study, citing questions such as how projects that cross defined regions (for example, Southern Maryland Rapid Transit) would be handled.
Vice Chair Juanica Fisher moved to hold both bills for additional review; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call with four votes in favor. Committee members asked staff to obtain more information on revenue allocation, the mechanics of surcharges, membership and governance structures, and which projects would be eligible for regional funding.
