HB 983 modifies Maryland's tax credit programs and exemptions. It terminates the Enterprise Zone Program and the One Maryland Economic Development Tax Credit Program on specific dates, ending eligibility for related tax benefits. The bill also limits annual claims for enterprise zone tax credits, restricts carryforwards for film production tax credits, and repeals sales tax exemptions for concrete, telecom equipment, and construction materials. Additionally, it alters eligibility rules for certain vehicle tax credits and ends property tax credits tied to enterprise zones.
HB 801 modifies Maryland's income tax rules by requiring taxpayers to add back certain amounts excluded from federal income tax. Specifically, it adds back gains from qualified small business stock sales (excluded under federal law) and fines/penalties exceeding $50,000 that were deducted as business expenses (excluding taxes paid for violations). The bill also adjusts depreciation calculations for businesses, particularly removing special treatment for manufacturing entities placing property in service after 2018. These changes directly affect Maryland businesses and individuals with qualifying stock sales, significant compliance costs, or specific depreciation deductions.
HB 1176 sets a minimum funding requirement for Howard County's public schools by prohibiting the County Executive from submitting or the County Council from approving a budget that allocates less than 58% of the county's general fund revenue to the Board of Education. The bill directly affects Howard County's annual budget process for public education funding. Key provisions require the budget to meet this 58% threshold unless the school board specifically requests a lower amount, in which case the budget must approve that requested level. This amends Maryland's education code to establish this specific minimum funding rule for Howard County.
HB 1531 establishes the Maryland HEALTH Fund to help individuals cover costs for legally protected health care services under state law, especially where federal restrictions apply. The fund is financed by redirecting $20 million annually from abandoned property sales proceeds (starting fiscal year 2027), plus new premium taxes and portions of sales/use and property tax revenues. It directly assists Maryland residents needing life-saving treatments who face coverage gaps due to federal limitations. The bill creates a dedicated, nonlapsing fund to ensure consistent funding for these health care costs.
HB 1398 suspends Maryland's state transfer tax on property transactions for three years, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. This directly affects individuals and businesses transferring property through deeds, sales, or other recorded instruments during that period. The bill amends Maryland's tax code to exclude these transactions from the standard transfer tax requirement, applying to both county circuit court recordings and Department filings. It does not change the tax rate or permanent rules, only temporarily halting the tax collection during the specified window. The suspension applies to all qualifying property transfers within the defined timeframe.
SB 834 imposes a moratorium starting July 1, 2026, prohibiting state government from implementing or enforcing energy efficiency and conservation programs tied to greenhouse gas reduction goals. It requires the Public Service Commission to let electric and gas companies continue recovering costs incurred before July 1, 2026, for programs established under prior law until all such costs are fully recovered. The Commission must report to the legislature within three months of full cost recovery, including a recommendation on whether to lift the moratorium. This bill directly affects utilities, the Public Service Commission, and state agencies overseeing energy programs, with no new program requirements after the moratorium date.
SB 850 requires Maryland electric and gas companies (including midsize cooperatives after 2026) to design energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response programs that demonstrably lower residential customer bills. It mandates the Public Service Commission to establish caps on certain assessments and set deadlines for eliminating unpaid utility costs. The law ensures programs must include measurable bill savings for households, not just energy reductions, and requires annual reports tracking energy savings and emissions reductions from these programs. This directly affects all residential utility customers in Maryland by linking program requirements to tangible cost savings.
HB 1592 updates funding for Maryland's regional resource centers and county public libraries by revising the per-resident funding formula for fiscal years 2022-2032. It increases annual funding rates from $8.75 per resident in 2022 to $11.58 by 2032, replacing previous fixed rates. The bill also simplifies library service requirements, mandating that each public library offer at least one program focused on early childhood literacy, digital equity, information literacy, or mental health support - replacing older, more specific program mandates. These changes directly affect all 23 Maryland county public library systems and their regional resource centers.
SB 764 establishes a minimum wage of $25.00 per hour for education support professionals in Maryland public schools, effective July 1, 2028. It directly affects county boards of education (which must pay this wage) and noncertificated school staff in non-supervisory bargaining units, such as aides, secretaries, and maintenance workers. The bill requires the State Department of Education to report by December 1, 2026, on the cost of implementing this wage, broken down by school system. It does not change current wages but mandates a new hourly rate for these positions starting in 2028.
HB 989 modifies how income is calculated for elderly individuals seeking state assistance. It prohibits including rental income from a portion of an individual's primary residence (e.g., renting a room) when determining eligibility for state tax credits, housing assistance, or medical assistance programs. The Department of Aging must review all relevant programs to confirm applicability and notify administering agencies if the rule applies. This change directly affects elderly Marylanders who rely on state assistance programs with income-based eligibility requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
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