The first piece of legislation is the Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act of 2026 which addresses zoning and financing barriers to create more jobs and housing near transit. The legislation would eliminate minimum parking requirements for certain transit-oriented developments, promote mixed-use development around key stations, and give the state more authority over the development of land adjacent to transit stations.

The second piece of legislation is the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026 which proposes actions to increase housing options by allowing smaller, more affordable homes. The legislation allows for smaller single-family homes on smaller lots and townhouses in residential areas statewide.

“With fewer homes available and high interest rates locking out new generations of homebuyers, too many young families and seniors are left with few viable options to call Maryland home,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “The Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026 would expand housing choices by enabling homes that are up to 30 percent less expensive than what’s currently available, unlocking homeownership for more Maryland families.”

And, the third piece of legislation is Senator Malcolm Augustine and Delegate Dylan Behler’s Housing Certainty Act of 2026 which proposes addressing regulatory uncertainty, delays and impact fees that drive up the cost of housing and prevent important projects from being implemented.

“The Housing Certainty Act ensures that once a housing project is approved, the rules can’t change and derail it, forcing Marylanders to pay the price with higher housing costs,” said Augustine. “This bill creates the certainty needed to address the state’s housing shortage and improve affordability.”