1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Council” means the Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council.
   3. (3) “Fuel cell electric vehicle” has the meaning stated in § 11-125.1 of this article.
   4. (4) “Plug-in electric drive vehicle” has the meaning stated in § 11-145.1 of this article.

   5. (5) “Zero emission electric vehicle” includes:

      1. (i) A plug-in electric drive vehicle; and
      2. (ii) A fuel cell electric vehicle.
2. (b) There is a Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council.

3. (c) The Council consists of the following members:

   1. (1) One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;
   2. (2) Two members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;
   3. (3) The Secretary, or the Secretary's designee;
   4. (4) The Secretary of Planning, or the Secretary's designee;
   5. (5) The Secretary of the Environment, or the Secretary's designee;
   6. (6) The Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary's designee;
   7. (7) The Secretary of General Services, or the Secretary's designee;
   8. (8) The Secretary of Agriculture, or the Secretary's designee;
   9. (9) The Executive Director of the Technical Staff of the Maryland Public Service Commission, or the Executive Director's designee;
   10. (10) The Director of the Maryland Energy Administration, or the Director's designee;
   11. (11) The People's Counsel, or the People's Counsel's designee; and

   12. (12) The following members appointed by the Governor:

       1. (i) Two representatives of the Maryland Association of Counties, including:

          1. 1. A representative who resides in a rural region of the State; and
          2. 2. A representative who resides in an urban or suburban region of the State;

       2. (ii) Two representatives of the Maryland Municipal League, including:

          1. 1. A representative who resides in a rural region of the State; and
          2. 2. A representative who resides in an urban or suburban region of the State;
       3. (iii) One representative of an electric vehicle driver advocacy organization;
       4. (iv) Two representatives of electric companies in the State;
       5. (v) One representative of a light-duty plug-in electric drive vehicle manufacturer;
       6. (vi) One representative of a heavy-duty plug-in electric drive vehicle manufacturer;
       7. (vii) One representative of a manufacturer of plug-in electric drive vehicle charging stations;
       8. (viii) One representative of manufacturers of fuel cell electric vehicles;
       9. (ix) One representative of manufacturers of fuel cell electric vehicle infrastructure equipment;
       10. (x) One representative of fleet vehicle operators;
       11. (xi) One representative of electrical workers;
       12. (xii) Two representatives of the environmental community;
       13. (xiii) One public member with expertise in energy or transportation policy;
       14. (xiv) One representative of a new vehicle dealer association in the State; and
       15. (xv) One representative of an automotive dismantler and recycler that dismantles, destroys, or recycles zero emission electric vehicles and that, if applicable, recycles lithium-ion batteries.
4. (d) The Governor shall designate the chair or cochairs of the Council.
5. (e) The Department shall provide staff support to the Council with the assistance of the Maryland Energy Administration and the Maryland Public Service Commission.

6. (f) A member of the Council:

   1. (1) May not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but
   2. (2) Is entitled to reimbursement of expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

7. (g) The Council shall:

   1. (1) Identify barriers and challenges to the integration of zero emission electric vehicle charging infrastructure into the State's transportation network;
   2. (2) Identify, develop, and recommend policies and best-practice initiatives for the integration of zero emission electric vehicle charging infrastructure into the State's transportation network, including in residential and commercial areas and buildings;
   3. (3) Convene State and local agencies and officials and other interested stakeholders to assist with the alignment and coordination of policies and best-practice initiatives for the integration of zero emission electric vehicle charging infrastructure into the State's transportation network;
   4. (4) Establish performance measures for meeting zero emission electric vehicle-related use, infrastructure, and regulatory goals;
   5. (5) Develop targeted policies to support fleet purchases of zero emission electric vehicles;
   6. (6) Develop charging solutions for existing and future multidwelling units; and
   7. (7) Pursue other goals and objectives that promote the use of zero emission electric vehicles in the State.
8. (h) On or before December 1, 2026, and on or before December 1 each year thereafter, the Council shall submit annual reports of its work and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.

Added by Acts 2024, c. 447, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024. Amended by Acts 2026, c. 540, § 1, eff. June 1, 2026.