Maryland Bills

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 514: Charitable Organizations - Charitable Donation and Tax-Exempt Status - Revocation (Keeping Charities Nonpartisan Act of 2026)

HB 514, the "Keeping Charities Nonpartisan Act of 2026," prohibits charitable organizations recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt (with deductible donations) from participating in political campaigns for or against candidates. It requires the Secretary of State and Attorney General to jointly revoke a charity’s state tax-exempt status if they violate this rule, and mandates that organizations losing status forfeit state income, sales, use, and property tax exemptions. The bill amends Maryland law to define "charitable organization" to include IRS-recognized groups and strengthens enforcement mechanisms for political activity violations. This directly affects nonprofits currently holding federal tax-exempt status that operate in Maryland.

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 537: Residential Owners in Common Ownership Communities - Bill of Rights

HB 537 establishes a formal "Bill of Rights" for residential owners in Maryland's common ownership communities, including condominiums, cooperative housing corporations, and homeowners associations. The bill directly affects unit owners, cooperative members, and lot owners by guaranteeing specific rights, such as the right to receive an annual budget prioritizing community facilities, the right to use community facilities at no more than half the cost charged to non-residents, and the right to vote via secret ballot for governing bodies. Key provisions require governing bodies to provide advance meeting notices, allow remote participation in open meetings, and ensure fair debt repayment for major projects. The bill codifies these rights into Maryland law without creating new enforcement mechanisms, building on prior Task Force recommendations and a 2008 Uniform Law Commission model.

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 237: Commercial Law - Earned Wage Access - Revisions

HB 237 prohibits earned wage access providers (companies offering early access to earned wages) from accepting tips from consumers. The bill requires providers to: (1) set any tip option to zero by default, (2) clearly state that tips don’t influence loan terms or benefit specific employees, and (3) offer at least one no-cost service option. It also mandates that providers return tips that would push interest rates above legal limits within 7 days. The law directly affects consumers using these services and providers who must now comply with specific disclosure and fee transparency rules.

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 374: Transportation - Rental Cars - Excise Tax Exemption

SB 374 exempts rental vehicles from Maryland's vehicle excise tax, directly affecting rental car companies operating in the state. The bill adds a new exemption category (Section 13-810(a)(26)) to the existing list, removing rental vehicles from the tax base that previously applied a 3.5% rate under Section 13-809(c)(1)(ii). This change eliminates the excise tax obligation for rental car companies on vehicles they lease to customers. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not alter other tax rates or provisions.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 369: Nonprofit Housing Corporations - Tax and Enforcement of Judgment Exemptions - Alterations

SB 369 exempts certain real property owned by nonprofit housing corporations (or their subsidiaries) that provides housing for low-income residents from state and local taxes and special assessments. It also protects this housing property from being seized through court judgments or enforcement actions, while allowing nonprofits to pay a mutually agreed fee instead of taxes. The bill applies to organizations meeting specific criteria: incorporated in Maryland, recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and operating primarily for affordable housing. Key changes include clarifying which properties qualify for exemptions and reinforcing that judgments against these nonprofits cannot create liens on their housing properties. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 580: Montgomery County - Voting Methods MC 1-26

HB 580 would allow Montgomery County to adopt either ranked-choice voting (where voters rank candidates by preference) or approval voting (where voters can select multiple candidates) for specific local elections. This applies to races for County Executive, County Council, Circuit Court judges, State's Attorney, Register of Wills, Sheriff, and Board of Education members. If implemented, the County Council would need to pass a local law specifying ballot design, vote counting procedures, and a public education campaign explaining the voting system. The bill does not require adoption but authorizes the County to choose, with changes taking effect January 1, 2027.

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 372: Community Development - Maryland New Markets Development Program - Establishment

SB 372 establishes Maryland's New Markets Development Program to incentivize private investment in low-income communities. It creates a refundable tax credit against state income tax and certain insurance taxes for investors who make qualified equity investments in Maryland-based community development entities serving low-income areas. The credit provides 5% of the investment amount for the first three years and 8.75% for the next four years, totaling seven years. This directly affects investors, community development entities, and qualifying low-income businesses that receive capital to support job creation and economic development in underserved areas.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 559: Transportation - Highway User Revenues Capital Grants - Calculation

HB 559 revises how Maryland distributes highway user revenue funds for capital grants to Baltimore City, counties, and municipalities. It changes the percentage allocations from the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account across specific fiscal years: Baltimore City’s share increases to 12.2% for 2026-2027 (down to 9.5% after 2028), counties’ share rises to 4.8% for 2026-2027 (then 3.7%), and municipalities’ share grows to 3.0% for 2026-2027 (then 2.4%). These adjustments apply to funds calculated annually based on highway user revenues like fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees. The bill directly affects local governments receiving these state-funded transportation grants.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 382: Retire in Maryland Tax Relief Act

SB 382, the "Retire in Maryland Tax Relief Act," provides a state income tax credit for Maryland residents aged 77 or older with federal adjusted gross income under $175,000 (for individuals or certain filing statuses). The credit amount increases with age: 25% of state tax for 77-year-olds, rising to 100% for those 80 or older. Married couples filing jointly must both be 77+ to qualify for the tiered credit, and unused credit amounts cannot be carried forward to future years. The bill applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 331: Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program

HB 331 establishes Maryland's Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program. It requires beverage producers to register, pay fees, and join a stewardship organization to manage recycling, mandates that all redeemable containers display refund information, and requires retailers to include the container's refund value in prices. Consumers receive refunds when returning containers to designated redemption facilities, while local governments can operate facilities to earn credits toward recycling targets. The bill also creates a grant program to fund public water fountains and refill stations, aiming to reduce litter and increase recycling rates.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 405: Sales and Use Tax - Distribution - City of Baltimore

SB 405 changes how Maryland distributes sales tax revenue by requiring the Comptroller to pay one-third of sales tax collected from retail sales within Baltimore City directly to the City of Baltimore. This bill specifically affects Baltimore City by increasing its share of local sales tax revenue, which it will receive instead of the funds previously allocated to other state or county accounts. The key mechanism is a permanent reallocation of this specific revenue stream, effective July 1, 2026, with no other changes to tax rates or collection methods. This policy adjustment ensures Baltimore City receives a dedicated portion of tax revenue generated within its boundaries.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 662: Election Law - Election Judges - Compensation for Public School Students

HB 662 amends Maryland election law to allow public school students serving as election judges to simultaneously earn service-learning hours for graduation and receive standard election judge compensation. The bill specifically updates Section 10-205(d) to confirm students can qualify for both benefits - $250 per day (or $350 for returning judges) plus service hours under COMAR 13A.03.02.05 - without choosing between them. This change directly affects public school students in Maryland who serve in election roles, effective October 1, 2026. The law does not alter compensation rates but clarifies eligibility for dual benefits.

Topics ✓ Education

Bill results