Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 903: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Donations to Food Banks and Other Charitable Entities

This Maryland bill allows taxpayers to subtract up to $1,000 from their state income tax when donating food or cash specifically designated for food purchases to qualified charitable organizations. The law defines eligible recipients as food banks, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, religious groups, and other registered charities that provide free food to people in need. To claim this benefit, taxpayers must list the recipient organization's name and provide proof of the donation's value on their income tax return. The Comptroller will create regulations to establish registration criteria for these organizations, and the bill includes a requirement for a report by January 1, 2029, on whether donations have increased since the law took effect. The provision applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and automatically expires on June 30, 2029.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax deductions for charitable food donations, offering tax relief to taxpayers while supporting essential community services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Income Tax

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 905: Maryland Technology Development Corporation - Maryland Advanced Manufacturing Grant Program - Established

This bill establishes the Maryland Advanced Manufacturing Grant Program within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation to support companies specializing in regenerative medicine and other advanced manufacturing sectors. The program will provide grants that recipients can use exclusively for acquiring or renovating manufacturing space, improving infrastructure, and purchasing necessary equipment. A dedicated fund will be created to hold grant money, with interest earnings credited back to the fund rather than the state's general fund. The Corporation will work with the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission to set eligibility criteria, application procedures, and award amounts, with the program taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a grant program funded by state resources to support manufacturing and regenerative medicine sectors, representing new government spending for economic development.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds advanced manufacturing including regenerative medicine, which directly supports healthcare innovation and development.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes grant program to fund advanced manufacturing and technology development, directly supporting technology sector growth90% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement State Budget

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 902: General Assembly - Home Security System Expenses - Campaign Funds and Reimbursement

This bill allows Maryland General Assembly members to use campaign funds or receive state reimbursement for home security system expenses at their primary residence. Under the new provisions, members can request up to $1,000 per term of office for costs related to acquiring, installing, maintaining, or upgrading security systems, with limits of one reimbursement per election cycle. Members must submit proof of completed work to their campaign finance entity or the General Assembly, and the State Board retains the authority to audit these disbursements. The legislation also clarifies that these reimbursements are not considered campaign expenditures for election law purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides state reimbursement for home security expenses to legislators, representing government spending allocation that supports fiscal management and public safety infrastructure for officials.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 12, 2026

HB 1188: Excess Ownership of Single-Family Residences Excise Tax (End Hedge Fund Control of Maryland Homes Act of 2026)

HB 1188 imposes an excise tax on the acquisition and excess ownership of single-family residences in Maryland by certain entities (like large investment firms or hedge funds, as referenced in the bill's title). The tax revenue will fund the Down Payment and Settlement Expense Loan Program, which provides financing for down payments and settlement costs to help eligible homebuyers purchase homes. The bill creates a new "Excess Ownership of Single-Family Residences Excise Tax" under Maryland's tax code, with the Comptroller distributing tax revenue to the program fund after covering administrative costs. This policy directly affects entities owning multiple single-family homes in Maryland and redirects tax revenue to support first-time homebuyers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes excise tax on hedge funds to fund down payment loans for homebuyers, directly allocating tax revenue to a public housing program.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingImposes tax on large investors to fund down payment assistance, directly advancing affordable housing access for eligible homebuyers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Revenue Sales Tax Homeownership

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 1502: Consumer and Display Fireworks - Regulation and Tax

HB 1502 regulates the sale and possession of consumer fireworks in Maryland while establishing a new sales tax. It defines specific safety standards for "consumer fireworks" (like small firecrackers meeting federal safety rules) and separates these from professional "display fireworks." The bill creates a new sales tax rate for qualifying fireworks, directs the revenue to state funds, and allows counties to opt out of certain local sales regulations. This directly affects consumers buying fireworks, retailers selling them, and local governments managing enforcement. The law updates existing safety and tax codes to standardize rules and generate dedicated funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes new sales tax on fireworks, directing revenue to state funds, directly increasing state revenue and supporting fiscal management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 896: Vehicle Laws - Registration Fees - Alterations

SB 896 updates Maryland's vehicle registration fee structure for multiple vehicle classes, directly affecting all vehicle owners in the state. It increases annual fees for passenger cars (e.g., from $50.50 to $80.50 for lighter vehicles after July 2025), for-hire vehicles (e.g., rideshares from $150 to $180), ambulances/funeral vehicles (from $100 to $130), and motorcycles (from $35 to $65). Truck fees are revised based on gross weight, with a new $63.75 base fee for smaller trucks under 7,000 lbs and updated rates for construction vehicles. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, as specified in the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases vehicle registration fees across multiple classes, directly raising state tax revenue and advancing tax policy implementation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 539: Department of Social and Economic Mobility – Workforce Opportunities Grant Program and Fund

SB 539 establishes the Workforce Opportunities Grant Program to provide competitive grants to nonprofits, local workforce boards, and employer-community partnerships for planning and hosting job fairs and workforce events across Maryland. It creates a permanent "Workforce Opportunities Grant Fund" (nonlapsing) to finance the program, with interest earnings automatically credited to the fund. The Department of Social and Economic Mobility will administer the program, connecting job seekers with employers through these funded events. This directly affects organizations organizing workforce events and job fairs, aiming to expand employment opportunities for residents.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates permanent nonlapsing fund for workforce program, increasing state budget allocation for job training initiatives.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes permanent grant program to fund job fairs/workforce events connecting job seekers with employers, advancing employment opportunities through direct funding and administration by workforce-focused department.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 24, 2026

HB 844: Motor Vehicle Registration - Fee Exemption - Unemployable Disabled Veterans

HB 844 exempts unemployable disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities from Maryland's vehicle registration fees for one personally used vehicle. The bill amends Maryland's vehicle registration code to add a new exemption category (Section 13-903(a)(11)) specifically for veterans deemed unemployable due to a service-connected disability. This change directly affects qualifying veterans who own or lease a vehicle for personal use, removing a recurring cost. The exemption takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not apply to additional vehicles. The bill replaces the previous exemption for veterans with specific physical disabilities under Section 13-903(a)(8).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts disabled veterans from vehicle registration fees, providing tax relief for vulnerable group and reducing state revenue collection.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts unemployable disabled veterans from vehicle registration fees, removing financial burden and expanding benefits for qualifying veterans with service-connected disabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SB 862: Gaming - Problem Gambling - Prevalence Study and Fund Revenue

SB 862 requires the Maryland Department of Health to conduct a study measuring how common problem gambling is among mobile gambling users, with an initial report due by July 1, 2031, and follow-up studies every five years. The bill also changes how gambling revenue is distributed by directing 1% of proceeds from fantasy sports competitions and 1% from sports wagering to the Problem Gambling Fund. This fund will support treatment and prevention programs for individuals with gambling disorders. The bill amends existing law to implement these requirements for mobile gambling studies and dedicated funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects 1% of gambling revenue to Problem Gambling Fund for treatment programs, increasing dedicated budget allocation for essential services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDirects 1% of gambling revenue to Problem Gambling Fund for treatment/prevention of gambling disorders, a mental health service.95% confidence

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 10, 2026

HB 1353: Homeless Individuals - Fee and Examination Exemptions

HB 1353 exempts homeless individuals in Maryland from specific fees and requirements. It prohibits the Maryland Department of Health from charging for vital records (like birth or death certificates) issued to homeless people, waives vehicle registration fees for vehicles owned by homeless individuals, and eliminates driver’s license fees for homeless applicants. The bill also allows unaccompanied homeless youth under 18 to take certain driver’s license exams sooner and exempts homeless individuals from mandatory vehicle emissions inspections. Homeless individuals must provide a written statement proving their homelessness to access these exemptions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts homeless individuals from state fees (vital records, vehicle registration, driver's licenses), reducing government revenue and providing fiscal relief for low-income residents.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts homeless individuals from fees for vital records, vehicle registration, and driver's licenses, directly addressing homelessness to improve housing access and stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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