Courts - Exemption From Judgment - Alterations and Additions
HB 1520 increases exemption limits for certain property debtors can protect from creditors in Maryland. It raises the household goods exemption from $1,000 to $5,000 (to $10,000 for disabled veterans) and increases the motor vehicle exemption to $25,000 for elderly or disabled debtors (up from $10,000). The bill also maintains existing exemptions for tools of trade ($5,000), firearms ($3,000), and professional items. These changes apply to debtors facing judgment enforcement or bankruptcy proceedings under Maryland law. The bill does not alter other existing exemptions like child support or retirement funds.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 13, 2026
Last action Mar 25, 2026
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4 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends Maryland's exemption laws to update definitions and increase protection amounts for certain property. The most significant change is redefining 'DISABLED' to 'DISABLED DISABILITY' with more specific criteria, and increasing the motor vehicle exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 for elderly or disabled debtors. The bill also adds special provisions for disabled veterans regarding household goods exemptions.
Scope change
The bill expands protections for elderly and disabled individuals, particularly increasing the motor vehicle exemption amount and clarifying disability definitions.
DEFINITION
Changed the definition of 'DISABLED' to 'DISABLED DISABILITY' with more specific criteria about inability to engage in substantial gainful employment.
ELIGIBILITY
Increased the motor vehicle exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 for elderly or disabled debtors.
Added specific provisions for disabled veterans regarding household furnishings exemptions.
REQUIREMENT
Updated the definition of 'Value' to clarify it means fair market value as of the date execution becomes effective or bankruptcy filing date.
Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 11, 2026
How they voted
138–0
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 142
Mar 11, 2026
D
Democratic103
97% Yea
R
Republican39
97% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
12
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Mar 23, 2026
Committee
Referred Judicial Proceedings
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Mar 21, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
lower
Mar 21, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary
lower
Mar 11, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (138-0-4)
house of delegates
Feb 13, 2026
Committee
First Reading Judiciary
lower
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Chris Tomlinson
RRepublican
P
Frank Conaway
DDemocratic
P
Gary Simmons
DDemocratic
P
Kym Taylor
DDemocratic
P
William Valentine
RRepublican
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