HB 320 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Anne Arundel County - Property Tax Credit - Rural Legacy Program

HB 320 creates a property tax credit for Anne Arundel County landowners who sell development rights under the Rural Legacy Program. It allows the county to grant a credit against the county property tax for real property located in a designated Rural Legacy Area (as defined in Maryland’s Natural Resources Article) where the owner has sold development rights. This directly affects rural landowners participating in the Rural Legacy Program who choose to restrict future development on their land. The credit replaces an existing provision and becomes effective for tax years beginning after June 30, 2026.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Jan 16, 2026 Signed May 26, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

First - Anne Arundel County - Property Tax Credit - Rural Legacy Program → Third - Anne Arundel County - Property Tax Credit - Rural Legacy Program · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill progressed from its first reading to a third reading and adoption by the House, indicating it is moving closer to becoming law. The text of the actual property tax credit section remains unchanged, preserving the eligibility for agricultural land and Rural Legacy Program properties. The primary changes are administrative updates reflecting the bill's legislative journey and the addition of signature lines for final approval.

Scope change

The bill's substantive scope regarding property tax credits remains unchanged; the changes reflect its procedural advancement through the legislative process.

TECHNICAL

Added committee report status showing a favorable recommendation and recorded the date the bill was read for the second time.

Added signature lines for the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate, indicating the bill is ready for final approval.

Removed draft identifiers and version tracking headers associated with the first reading.

Updated the chapter number placeholder from a blank line to 'CHAPTER ______' to align with final formatting standards.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 7, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 26, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 620

executive

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Returned Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

upper

Apr 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation

upper

Mar 20, 2026

Committee

Referred Budget and Taxation

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Report by Ways and Means

lower

Mar 7, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (129-1-12)

house of delegates

Jan 16, 2026

Committee

First Reading Ways and Means

lower

13 primary · 0 co-sponsors