Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 500: Sales and Use Tax - Precious Metal Bullion or Coins - Exemption

HB 500 removes two requirements that previously limited the sales tax exemption for precious metal bullion and coins. Specifically, it eliminates the $1,000 minimum sale price and the requirement that sales must occur at the Baltimore Convention Center. The bill expands the exemption to cover all qualifying precious metal bullion (refined metal where value depends on metal content) and historically used coins, while still excluding jewelry and art. This change directly affects buyers and sellers of these items by making the exemption available for more transactions without location or price restrictions. The exemption will apply to all qualifying sales starting July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands sales tax exemption for precious metals, providing tax relief for qualifying buyers/sellers, directly affecting tax policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 4, 2026

SB 424: State Transfer Tax - Land Preservation Special Fund - Revenue Allocation

SB 424 repeals a requirement that specific amounts from Maryland's Land Preservation Special Fund must be allocated to the General Fund for certain fiscal years (2002-2005). The bill modifies how remaining fund balances are distributed, shifting allocations away from mandatory General Fund transfers toward land preservation programs. Key provisions direct 75.15% to Program Open Space land acquisition, 17.05% to the Agricultural Land Preservation Fund, 5% to the Rural Legacy Program, and 1.8% to the Heritage Conservation Fund. This change affects state funding for conservation efforts and land preservation initiatives managed under Maryland's Natural Resources Article.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects 75.15% of fund balances to land preservation programs instead of mandatory General Fund transfers, advancing specific environmental funding priorities within budget allocation.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects 75.15% to land acquisition, 17.05% to agricultural preservation, and 5% to rural legacy programs - directly funding conservation and natural resource protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Conservation

Track

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 20, 2026

HB 628: Human Services - Foster Care Transition Grant Program - Establishment

HB 628 establishes a program providing $1,000 monthly payments for three years to young adults who were in out-of-home care (like foster care) on their 18th birthday, with birthdays on or after October 1, 2026. Payments cannot be counted as income for Medicaid, the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit, or state/federal financial aid for education. The Department of Human Services must report annually on participants' income, location, employment, and housing status starting October 2027. The program will run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031, with automatic termination after that date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes state-funded program ($1,000/month for 3 years) for foster youth, increasing government spending on social services. Payments excluded from income for tax credits, supporting fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents basic income from affecting Medicaid eligibility, maintaining healthcare coverage access for foster youth transitioning to adulthood.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Long-Term Care Medicaid

Track

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 440: Income Tax - Theatrical Production Tax Credit - Alterations and Sunset Extension

SB 440 extends the expiration date of Maryland's theatrical production tax credit from 2027 to 2032. This credit allows theater producers to claim a refundable tax credit against state income tax for qualifying production costs within the state. The bill amends existing law (Chapter 258 and 259 of the 2022 Acts) to change the sunset date from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2032, without requiring further legislative action. It directly affects theater companies and productions that meet the credit's eligibility criteria in Maryland.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends refundable tax credit for theater producers, providing tax relief and maintaining fiscal support for arts industry without increasing state revenue impact.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 262: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification for Classroom Supplies Purchased by Teachers - Alteration

SB 262 expands Maryland's income tax deduction for teachers by adding prekindergarten teachers to the list of eligible educators who can deduct up to $250 annually for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. The bill amends tax code sections to include prekindergarten classroom teachers employed full-time in state programs as "eligible teachers," alongside existing K-12 teachers. This deduction applies only to supplies used by students or for teaching preparation, and excludes expenses already deducted federally. The change takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax deduction for teachers, providing tax relief to middle-income educators via $250 annual classroom supply deduction.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tax deduction for teachers to include prekindergarten educators, providing financial relief for classroom supplies. Directly supports educators through tax benefit expansion.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands tax deduction for teachers' unreimbursed classroom supplies, enhancing financial support for educators as part of employment benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax K-12 Education Teachers

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

HB 506: Economic Development - Transformational Project Financing Program - Establishment

HB 506 establishes the Transformational Project Financing Program under Maryland's Economic Development Corporation. It allows local governments (political subdivisions) to apply for designation of specific areas as "State-supported development districts" to fund major development projects. The key mechanism redirects property tax revenue from increased property values ("tax increment") within these districts into a dedicated fund, rather than the general municipal budget, for approved projects. Priority areas include sustainable communities, transit-oriented developments, and designated enterprise zones. This program modifies existing law to create a structured process for economic development financing through tax increment funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects tax increment revenue into dedicated project funds, promoting fiscal management for economic development without impacting general budgets.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Revenue Tax Incentives Tags Economic Development

Track

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 117: Property Tax - Credit for Surviving Spouse of Fallen Public Safety Officer or Judicial Officer - Alteration

SB 117 amends Maryland law to allow surviving spouses of fallen public safety officers or judicial officers - including those who have remarried - to qualify for a property tax credit on their primary residence. The bill directly affects local governments (like Baltimore City or county councils), which must administer the credit, and surviving spouses who meet eligibility criteria. Key provisions require the dwelling to be owned by the surviving spouse at the time of the officer's death, and local governments define specific details like credit amount and officer classifications. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after June 30, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax credit to surviving spouses, reducing their tax burden - direct tax relief for eligible individuals under Maryland law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 28, 2026

HB 43: Procurement - Advertising - Local News Organizations (Local Newspapers for Maryland Communities Act of 2026)

HB 43 requires Maryland state government agencies to spend at least 50% of their total budget for print and digital advertising contracts directly with qualifying local news organizations. It defines "local news organizations" as entities publishing regular local content, employing Maryland-based staff, and meeting specific transparency criteria (like disclosing ownership or mission focus). The rule excludes advertising for tourism promotion or employee recruitment and applies to all state units starting October 1, 2026. This policy directly affects state agencies managing advertising contracts and aims to support local news outlets through government spending.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects 50% of state advertising budget to local news orgs, reallocating existing funds toward media support without tax changes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Procurement

Track

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 163: Income Tax - Addition Modification for Federal Tax-Exempt Income - Study

SB 163 modifies Maryland's income tax calculation by removing a requirement to include certain foreign earned income in taxable income. It specifically exempts income that qualifies for exclusion under federal law (IRS Section 911), such as earnings from work abroad that are already excluded from federal taxes but would otherwise be added to Maryland taxable income. This change directly affects Maryland residents earning qualifying foreign income who currently face state taxation on that income. The bill amends Maryland tax code sections 10-204(a) and 10-204(c)(1)(I) and takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts federally tax-exempt foreign income from state tax, reducing tax burden for residents earning abroad.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 161: Property Tax Credit - Retail Service Station Conversions

HB 161 creates a property tax credit for property owners who convert former gas stations (retail service stations) to new uses like retail stores, homes, or mixed residential-retail spaces. Local governments (counties or cities) can grant this credit to offset property taxes, and the state will reimburse them 50% of the lost tax revenue. The credit is specifically intended to help cover costs for removing old underground gas tanks and cleaning up contamination. This applies to properties converted after June 30, 2026, and affects property owners making such conversions in Maryland jurisdictions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates property tax credit with state reimbursement (50% of lost revenue), providing targeted tax relief for redevelopment cleanup costs while managing state budget impact.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly funds cleanup of gas station contamination (removing underground tanks), directly supporting pollution control and environmental protection.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables housing development by offsetting cleanup costs for gas station conversions to residential/mixed uses, facilitating redevelopment of underutilized properties.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Sales Tax Tax Credits Property Taxes