§ 5–329
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 5-329 (2026)
Title 5. Financing
Subtitle 3. State Aid for School Construction
§ 5–329LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“High–density county” means one of the following jurisdictions:
(i)
Anne Arundel County;
(ii)
Baltimore City;
(iii)
Baltimore County;
(iv)
Howard County;
(v)
Montgomery County; or
(vi)
Prince George’s County.
(3)
“Low–density county” means any county not listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(b)
(1)
A county board in a high–density county seeking State funds for the construction of a new school, or the renovation of or an addition to an existing school that would increase the capacity of the school by more than 100 students, shall submit a pedestrian safety plan to the Interagency Commission.
(2)
A county board in a low–density county shall submit a pedestrian safety plan to the Interagency Commission if the county board is seeking State funds for the construction of a new school, or the renovation of or an addition to an existing school, in a city with more than 10,000 residents and the construction or renovation would increase the capacity of the school by more than 100 students.
(3)
The Interagency Commission shall approve a pedestrian safety plan if the pedestrian safety plan complies with subsection (c) of this section.
(c)
(1)
A pedestrian safety plan shall:
(i)
Be developed in collaboration with:
(1)
The county department of transportation or equivalent agency of the jurisdiction listed under subsection (a) of this section whose county board is submitting the plan; and
(2)
The State Highway Administration;
(ii)
Be limited to the area surrounding the school for which the county board will not provide transportation to students;
(iii)
Identify existing and potential safe routes for students to walk or bike to the school;
(iv)
Evaluate the infrastructure, including sidewalk infrastructure, along existing and potential pedestrian or cyclist routes to the school to determine whether increased capacity is necessary;
(v)
Analyze existing and potential school zones, including the need for expanding school zones on State and county roads; and
(vi)
Include documentation of public participation and input related to the pedestrian safety plan, including minutes from a public hearing and written comments.
(2)
A county board, not the Interagency Commission, shall make all determinations about the contents of a pedestrian safety plan.
(d)
The Interagency Commission may adopt regulations to carry out this section.