Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland SB739: Climate Change, Homeowner's Insurance, and Emergency Management - Study
Status: Signed into law, May 26, 2026
Requiring the University System of Maryland to conduct a study to evaluate the relationship between climate change, homeowner's insurance, and emergency and disaster preparedness; requiring the University, by July 1, 2027, to submit a report to the General Assembly on the federal flood insurance program, and private flood insurance programs and make recommendations on actions and modifications to mitigate risks associated with climate change and improve the service and responsiveness of insurers; etc.
What the bill says
An act concerning Climate Change, Homeowner's Insurance, and Emergency Management - Study FOR the purpose of requiring the University System of Maryland to conduct a study to evaluate the relationship between climate change, homeowner's insurance, and emergency and disaster preparedness; and generally relating to a study on the relationship between climate change, homeowner's insurance, and emergency management.
From the enrolled text, June 3, 2026:
AN ACT concerning Climate Change, Homeowner's Insurance, and Emergency Management - Study FOR the purpose of requiring the University System of Maryland to conduct a study to evaluate the relationship between climate change, homeowner's insurance, and emergency and disaster preparedness; and generally relating to a study on the relationship between climate change, homeowner's insurance, and emergency management. SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That: (a) The University System of Maryland shall conduct a study to evaluate the relationship between climate change, the availability and price of homeowner's insurance, and emergency and disaster preparedness. (b) The University System of Maryland shall conduct the study required under subsection (a) of this section in coordination with and oversight by: (1) one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate; (2) one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; (3) the Department of Natural Resources; (4) the Department of the Environment; (5) the Maryland Department of Emergency Management; (6) the Maryland Insurance Administration; (7) a County Emergency Manager, appointed by the Maryland Association of Counties; and (8) a Municipal Emergency Manager, appointed by the Maryland Municipal League; and (9) a representative of the Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland, designated by the Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland. Ch. 696 …
Sponsors
- Benjamin Kramer (D, SD-019) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Approved by the Governor - Chapter 696
- : Passed Enrolled
- : Third Reading Passed (30-13)
- : Senate Concurs House Amendments
- : Third Reading Passed (102-36)
- : Second Reading Passed with Amendments
- : Favorable with Amendments {203329/1 Adopted
- : Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
- : Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
- : Referred Environment and Transportation Judiciary
Votes
- Third Reading Passed (30-13) (April 13, 2026): 30 yea, 13 nay, passed
- Third Reading Passed (102-36) (April 13, 2026): 102 yea, 36 nay, passed
- Third Reading Passed (29-11) (March 20, 2026): 29 yea, 11 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is SB739?
- SB739 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Climate Change, Homeowner's Insurance, and Emergency Management - Study.
- What does SB739 do?
- In its own words: An act concerning Climate Change, Homeowner's Insurance, and Emergency Management - Study FOR the purpose of requiring the University System of Maryland to conduct a study to evaluate the relationship between climate change, homeowner's insurance, and emergency and disaster preparedness; and generally relating to a study on the relationship between climate change, homeowner's insurance, and emergency management.
- What is the status of SB739?
- Signed into law as of May 26, 2026. Latest action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 696 (May 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB739?
- Benjamin Kramer (D, SD-019).
- Where is the official record for SB739?
- On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0739?ys=2026RS
Source: official Maryland record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.