Committee moves bill to permit speed monitoring on U.S. 301 in Queen Anne’s County

The committee advanced House Bill 1630, which authorizes placement and use of speed monitoring systems on U.S. Route 301 at specified intersections or between Maryland Route 40‑5 and Maryland Route 19 in Queen Anne’s County.

Delegate Cheryl Lewis described the subcommittee recommendation and explained the amendment package includes provisions for revenue distribution, State Highway Administration implementation of signage, real‑time travel speed posting, a warning period, a reporting requirement and a sunset provision. A committee member noted that State Highway Administration told the subcommittee the route would not qualify under a previously passed "vulnerable road users" bill, clarifying how this bill would be required if the jurisdiction sought automated enforcement on that road.

Why it matters: The bill would enable automated enforcement on a regional corridor with measures to ensure signage and reporting; supporters framed it as a safety tool, while some members recorded opposition during the roll call.

Procedure and outcome: The committee adopted amendments and moved the bill as amended.

What happens next: The bill advances for further consideration; implementation details and SHAs determinations on program qualification remain material to any eventual deployment.