Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Protection Program - Variances - Alterations

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The legislation changes the definition of “unwarranted hardship” and adds new criteria that must be met before a variance can be approved in critical areas. It applies to property owners seeking variances and to local governments that process those requests, aiming to better protect sensitive coastal lands.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Education, Energy, and the Environment — Bill Hearing
  Education, Energy, and the Environment · Mar 31, 2026
• Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
  Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee · Mar 31, 2026
• Environment and Transportation — Bill Hearing
  Environment and Transportation · Feb 11, 2026

History

1. Apr 14, 2026Approved by the Governor - Chapter 79
2. Apr 9, 2026Third Reading Passed
3. Apr 9, 2026Returned Passed
4. Apr 8, 2026Second Reading Passed
5. Apr 8, 2026Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
6. Apr 8, 2026Favorable Adopted
7. Mar 20, 2026Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
8. Mar 19, 2026Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
9. Mar 18, 2026Third Reading Passed
10. Mar 17, 2026Second Reading Passed with Amendments
11. Mar 17, 2026Favorable with Amendments {
12. Mar 16, 2026Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

The 12 most recent of 15 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Chair, Environment and Transportation Committee · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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