Budget & Taxes

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

HB 560: Sales and Use Tax and Property Tax - Exemptions for Data Centers - Repeal

HB 560 repeals two tax exemptions for data centers in Maryland: one that exempted sales and use tax on qualifying equipment purchases and another that allowed local governments to reduce property tax on data center equipment. This bill directly affects data centers previously eligible for these breaks, requiring them to pay standard sales and use tax on equipment and full property tax on their assets. The repeal removes Sections 11-239 (Tax-General) and 7-248 (Tax-Property) from Maryland law, eliminating the eligibility requirements and certification process for these exemptions. As a result, data centers will no longer qualify for these specific tax benefits under current law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRepeals tax exemptions for data centers, closing a loophole to increase state revenue and strengthen fiscal management per Budget & Taxes topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 472: Income Tax - Theatrical Production Tax Credit - Alterations and Sunset Extension

HB 472 extends the expiration date for Maryland's theatrical production tax credit from 2027 to 2032. This credit allows theater producers to claim a reduction on their state income tax for qualifying production costs. The bill directly affects film and theater producers in Maryland who currently qualify for the credit. It modifies existing law (from 2022) to extend the credit's validity period by five additional years, ensuring the program remains active through 2032 without requiring new legislative action.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExtends tax credit for theaters, reducing state tax revenue; weakens fiscal management by forgoing potential revenue without funding public services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 144: Commercial Law – Fair Pricing and Market Competition Fund – Establishment

HB 144 establishes the Fair Pricing and Market Competition Fund to support Maryland's Antitrust Division within the Attorney General's Office. The fund is funded by civil penalties assessed against businesses violating anti-competitive laws (like price discrimination or monopolistic practices under §11-204), plus state budget appropriations and other designated revenues. It operates as a permanent, supplemental funding source specifically for the Antitrust Division's enforcement activities, not replacing existing budget allocations. The bill also mandates, starting in fiscal year 2028, a dedicated full-time investigator position within the division funded through this mechanism.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates permanent fund via state budget appropriations for Antitrust Division enforcement, directly advancing fiscal management through dedicated funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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passed both · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 247: Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit - Conversion to Grant Program

SB 247 converts Maryland's Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit into a direct grant program administered by the Department of Commerce. It replaces tax credits with cash grants for qualifying biotechnology companies engaged in research, development, or commercialization of biological technologies. The bill requires the Department to disburse grants within a specified timeframe and allows recipients to deduct these grants from their Maryland income tax for the same year. This change shifts the incentive from tax savings to immediate funding, directly affecting eligible biotech firms in Maryland.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesConverts tax credit to direct grants, increasing state spending on biotech incentives instead of reducing tax revenue, advancing fiscal support for the sector.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyConverts tax credits to direct grants for biotech R&D, funding innovation in biological technologies per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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died · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 23, 2026

HB 370: Prince George's County - Income Tax - Credit for Employers Providing Parental Engagement Leave PG 419-26

HB 370 creates a state income tax credit for employers in Prince George’s County who provide "parental engagement leave" to qualified employees. The leave must be 10-20 hours per employee, paid at regular wage rates, and used solely for attending school-related events (e.g., parent-teacher conferences) at a public or nonpublic school in the county. Employers must obtain a certification form signed by school officials (e.g., principal and county board member) to claim the credit, which is calculated as the employee’s hourly wage multiplied by hours used, capped at $800 per employee annually. This credit directly affects PG County employers, qualified parents/guardians of school students, and school officials who verify attendance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state income tax credit for employers, providing tax relief and aligning with fiscal policies that strengthen tax incentives for qualifying programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates tax credit for employers providing paid leave for school events (e.g., parent-teacher conferences), directly enhancing parental engagement in K-12 education access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates tax credit for employers providing paid parental leave (10-20 hours) for school events, expanding employee benefits and supporting work-life balance within employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Teachers Minimum Wage Professional Licensing

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 408: Prince George's County - Authority to Retain Fee for Single-Use and Reusable Bags PG 403-26

HB 408 allows Prince George's County to retain up to 10 cents per bag from fees that retailers charge customers for single-use or reusable carryout bags. The bill authorizes the county to keep this portion of the fee through local law, depositing it into the county’s general fund. It applies specifically to retail establishments within Prince George’s County that are already required to charge such fees. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and does not prevent retailers from retaining fees under their own local rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes Prince George's County to retain bag fee revenue in general fund, increasing local budget resources without new taxes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 27, 2026

HB 528: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Retirement Income of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services Personnel - Eligibility

HB 528 modifies Maryland's income tax code to expand a $15,000 tax subtraction for retirement income from public safety jobs. It specifically adds retired fire, rescue, and emergency services personnel who worked for the District of Columbia to the list of eligible individuals, previously limited to those employed in Maryland or federal roles. The change applies to residents aged 55 or older receiving retirement income attributable to these services, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025. This adjustment ensures DC-based public safety retirees working in these fields receive the same tax benefit as Maryland-based retirees.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands $15,000 tax subtraction for public safety retirees, providing targeted tax relief to eligible individuals through modified income tax code.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands tax benefit for retired public safety workers' retirement income, enhancing financial security for a specific labor group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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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 & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credit reducing state tax liability for seniors under $175k AGI, directly advancing tax relief for qualifying residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Tags Seniors

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 561: Maryland Child Care Credential Program - Extension of Funding

HB 561 extends annual funding for Maryland's Child Care Credential Program, requiring the Governor to appropriate specific amounts starting in fiscal year 2026. It mandates $4 million for FY2021 (already enacted), a 10% annual increase through FY2024, and locks funding at the FY2024 level beginning in FY2028. The program directly supports child care workers pursuing staff or administrator credentials by providing achievement bonuses, training reimbursements, or vouchers. This bill establishes a fixed funding structure to sustain credentialing opportunities for early childhood educators.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates specific annual appropriations ($4M FY2021, 10% increases through FY2024, locked funding from FY2028) for child care credential program, securing public service funding.95% confidence

died · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 23, 2026

HB 685: Anne Arundel County - Property Tax Credit - County Employees

HB 685 allows Anne Arundel County or its municipalities to create a property tax credit for county employees who own homes within the county. The bill authorizes local governments to set eligibility rules, credit amounts, and application procedures through their own ordinances. It directly affects Anne Arundel County employees who own qualifying dwellings, reducing their local property tax burden. The credit would apply to tax years beginning after June 30, 2026, with implementation starting June 1, 2026. The bill establishes a framework but does not specify exact credit details, leaving those to local decision-making.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax credit for county employees, reducing their tax burden - direct tax relief for a specific group within budget/tax policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits

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