HB 882 repeals the requirement that the Governor must include a mandatory $350,000 annual appropriation for the State's Consumer Health Information Hub in the budget. It also removes the automatic expiration date (June 30, 2026) for the Hub's funding provisions. The bill changes the Hub's mandate to carry out its duties "to the extent funding is available," meaning its operations now depend on annual budget decisions rather than guaranteed funding. This directly affects the Hub - designated as the University of Maryland Herschel S. Horowitz Center for Health Literacy - by eliminating its guaranteed funding stream and making its services subject to yearly budget approvals.
This bill reorganizes the governing structure for Drummond's special taxing district in Montgomery County. It establishes the Village Council as the official governing body, defines Drummond's boundaries (including specific subdivisions), and updates how annual tax funds are collected and spent. Property owners in Drummond will pay a $0.14 tax per $100 of real property value and $0.35 per $100 of personal property annually, with funds required to cover street maintenance, police/fire protection, sanitation, and other local services. The bill amends Montgomery County's existing Public Local Laws (Sections 65-1 through 65-13) to formalize these changes.
SB 946 updates Maryland's Historic Revitalization Tax Credit program by removing a rule that previously blocked tax credits for rehabilitation costs already funded by state or local governments. It expands eligibility by allowing credits for projects in designated areas with strong economic development potential and revises how "substantial rehabilitation" is defined to give more time for spending. The bill affects business entities (including nonprofits and condo/co-op projects) rehabilitating certified historic structures by treating each structure as a separate credit-eligible project and creating a reserve fund for supplemental credits. These changes aim to make the tax credit more accessible for commercial historic preservation efforts while streamlining application processing.
HB 1234 amends Maryland law to expand the definition of "Prince George's County Blue Line Corridor facility" to include sports facilities (like stadiums and practice fields) and market halls within the corridor. This change directly affects development projects in Prince George's County's Blue Line Corridor that qualify for economic development incentives under the Maryland Stadium Authority. The bill adds these facilities to the existing list of eligible projects, which previously excluded sports facilities. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 799 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to create regulations for generating stations co-located with data centers that operate independently - without connecting to the state's main power grid. It directly affects data center operators and energy generators by exempting these facilities from state renewable energy mandates, distribution fees, and retail electricity regulations. Key provisions include mandating on-site backup power, cybersecurity safeguards, and annual reports on energy sources, environmental impact, and contributions to state energy goals. The bill aims to establish clear rules for off-grid energy systems while ensuring reliability and accountability.
SB 851 creates a property tax credit for Anne Arundel County homeowners who own land in a designated Rural Legacy Area and have sold development rights under the county's Rural Legacy Program. The credit reduces the county property tax bill for qualifying properties, specifically targeting landowners who preserved their land by selling development rights rather than building on it. This policy change, effective June 1, 2026, applies only to properties enrolled in the Rural Legacy Program and directly benefits landowners who participate in the program. The bill amends Maryland's property tax code to authorize this county-specific credit.
HB 927 authorizes Carroll County to borrow up to $27 million through general obligation bonds to fund public infrastructure projects, including water and sewer systems, volunteer fire department equipment/buildings, and other facilities like parks, roads, and agricultural land preservation. The bonds would be tax-exempt at state and local levels, with annual property taxes levied to repay them. This bill directly affects Carroll County residents through future tax-funded projects and volunteer fire departments receiving loan access for equipment and facilities. The county retains full discretion over bond terms, including interest rates, maturity dates (up to 30 years), and specific project allocations within the $27 million limit.
HB 933 simplifies sales tax collection for businesses purchasing digital codes, digital products, or taxable services used across multiple locations. It allows vendors to accept a "fully completed" certificate (requiring basic business details like names, addresses, and registration numbers) without needing Comptroller approval, relieving vendors from collecting tax on those transactions. The certificate remains valid for all future sales of qualifying digital products/services to the same buyer until revoked in writing. This applies retroactively to past transactions, streamlining tax compliance for businesses operating across jurisdictions or reselling digital goods.
SB 971 establishes Gwynns Falls State Park as a partnership between Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources and Baltimore City, prohibiting entrance fees and requiring the park to include a specified area. The bill mandates the Department and Baltimore City to jointly develop a master plan with an independent consultant, hold community focus groups, and create a stakeholder advisory committee. It also allocates $4 million in fiscal year 2028 to renovate the Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park office into a shared partnership park office and visitor center. This bill directly affects the Department of Natural Resources, Baltimore City, and residents of Baltimore who will gain access to the new park without entry fees.
HB 742 requires the Governor to include $450,000 annually in Maryland's budget for the Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Program during fiscal years 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2028-2030. This funding supports grants to help local counties and child care resource centers establish and operate family child care programs. The program directly benefits family child care providers by providing start-up assistance for materials, curriculum, and renovations. Administered through partnerships between counties and child care resource centers, the bill mandates specific annual appropriations to expand access to licensed family child care services.
