Residential Real Property - Local Limits on Summoning Law Enforcement or Emergency Services

SB 125 prohibits local governments in Maryland from enacting or enforcing laws that limit how residents can summon law enforcement or emergency services to their homes. Specifically, it bans local ordinances that establish thresholds for calls (e.g., "more than 5 calls = nuisance") or penalize property owners, tenants, or short-term rental operators for calling police or emergency services. The bill exempts short-term rentals (like Airbnb) from this prohibition but protects residential tenants and owners from fines, lease terminations, or license revocations tied to summoning help. It also allows affected individuals to defend against such local laws or seek damages if enforced. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.