Housing (Affordable Housing)

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

HB 1517: Land Use - Qualified Project - Retaliatory Downzoning

HB 1517 protects residential development projects targeted by "retaliatory downzoning" by allowing higher density. It defines a "qualified project" as a residential development (new construction or major renovation) that faced zoning changes after local officials publicly opposed it, while meeting affordable housing requirements (15% affordable units for 40 years, or 20% in jurisdictions with stricter prior rules). The bill requires local jurisdictions to permit density exceeding standard limits: 60% higher than typical in multifamily zones, or 50% of previous zoning density. This applies to projects in single-family, multifamily, nonresidential, or mixed-use areas, with specific density rules for each zone type.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 15-20% affordable units for 40 years and permits higher density development, directly advancing affordable housing goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 805: Building Homes Act

HB 805, the Building Homes Act, creates a property tax credit for affordable homes in Maryland. It allows Baltimore City or county/municipal governments to offer tax credits against property taxes for dwellings with mortgages from nonprofit lenders and a 20-year agreement ensuring affordable pricing (including resale restrictions). The credit equals the difference between taxes on the home's full value and the portion covered by the homeowner's first mortgage. This directly affects homeowners in nonprofit-managed affordable housing units, reducing their annual property tax burden starting June 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides targeted property tax credit reducing burden for affordable housing homeowners, aligning with tax relief indicators for middle-income groups.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates property tax credits for affordable homes via nonprofit mortgages with 20-year affordability agreements, directly increasing accessible housing options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 11, 2026

HB 1213: State Transfer Tax - Rate - Alterations (Housing Affordability for Buyers and Sellers)

HB 1213 lowers Maryland's transfer tax rates for specific affordable housing properties to increase housing accessibility. It creates a new "deed-restricted property" category requiring 15% of units to be affordable to households earning ≤80% of the area median income (defined as housing costing ≤30% of income). The bill reduces tax rates for these properties: 0.25% (under $1M), 0.375% ($1M-$10M), and 0.5% ($10M+) versus standard rates for similar properties. It also adds a 0.5% tax rate for transfers involving certain low-income housing tax credit developments, directly benefiting first-time homebuyers and affordable housing developers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReduces transfer tax rates for affordable housing properties, providing tax relief to lower-income buyers and promoting housing accessibility through fiscal policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReduces transfer taxes for deed-restricted affordable housing requiring 15% units at ≤80% AMI, directly increasing housing accessibility and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Homeownership Property Taxes

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 1252: Department of Housing and Community Development - Montgomery County Study MC 19-26

HB 1252 requires Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development to study housing availability and affordability in Montgomery County and propose solutions. The study must examine housing types, development opportunities, and how regulations/market forces impact supply, with recommendations to increase housing options. The department must submit interim reports by November 2026 and 2027, plus a final report by November 2028, to Montgomery County officials and the Maryland General Assembly. The bill expires automatically on June 30, 2029, after a 3-year study period. It directly affects Montgomery County residents by addressing local housing challenges through a structured policy review.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates study to propose solutions increasing housing options, directly aligning with affordable housing advancement indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Zoning

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 1132: Condominiums and Homeowners Associations - Resale Contracts - Notice Requirements (Keeping Affordable Housing Affordable Act)

HB 1132 (Keeping Affordable Housing Affordable Act) requires sellers of condominium units or homeowners association properties to provide buyers with specific financial disclosures 20 calendar days before closing - extending the prior 15-day deadline. It mandates written notice of any mandatory fee or payment increases exceeding 10% (or other major changes) after the seller learns of them. The bill affects condo/HOA sellers and buyers by ensuring transparency about future costs like maintenance fees, assessments, and reserve funds. Key provisions include standardized disclosure forms covering current budgets, outstanding dues, insurance, and facility details to help buyers understand long-term housing expenses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates financial disclosures for condo/HOA sellers to prevent unexpected fee increases, ensuring transparency about future costs to protect affordability for buyers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 1466: Department of Housing and Community Development - Appraisal Gap From Historic Redlining Financial Assistance Program - Qualified Properties

HB 1466 expands Maryland's Appraisal Gap From Historic Redlining Financial Assistance Program by redefining "qualified property" to include homes in neighborhoods **historically redlined or affected by urban renewal**, in addition to existing criteria. This change directly affects **homebuyers and developers** seeking affordable housing in these specific areas by allowing them to access financial assistance to cover appraisal gaps. The program helps address undervaluation of homes in historically redlined neighborhoods - where appraisals often fall below market value due to systemic bias - by providing funds to bridge that difference. The bill amends Maryland Code, Housing and Community Development Article, Section 4-2801(h), effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands financial assistance program to address historic redlining undervaluation, directly increasing affordable housing access for homebuyers/developers in targeted neighborhoods.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 1279: Catalytic Revitalization Project Tax Credit - Alterations

HB 1279 modifies Maryland's Catalytic Revitalization Project Tax Credit program to expand eligibility and adjust credit calculations. It updates definitions to include properties formerly owned by the federal government or state, or those formerly used as schools/hospitals, and clarifies income thresholds for "workforce housing" (e.g., 60-150% area median income in designated areas). The bill changes how tax credits are claimed: for workforce housing projects, 50% of the credit applies to workforce units in the first year, with 33% of non-workforce costs spread over three subsequent years. This directly affects developers and property owners rehabilitating qualifying properties seeking state tax credits. The changes aim to simplify claiming while expanding opportunities for projects in targeted communities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax credits for workforce housing revitalization, providing tax relief for qualifying projects and promoting affordable housing development through modified credit calculations.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands tax credit eligibility for workforce housing (60-150% AMI), increasing affordable housing development funding through adjusted credit calculations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Housing Finance

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

HB 1175: Land Use - Residential Housing - Oversight, Regulation, and Taxation (Building Affordably in My Back Yard Act)

HB 1175, the "Building Affordably in My Back Yard Act," requires property owners to certify contact information to the Department of Housing annually and allows local governments to review housing development projects. It establishes housing production targets, creates simplified permitting for standardized affordable housing designs, and permits counties to adjust taxes - lowering fees for affordable projects while increasing them on non-affordable properties. The bill also mandates studies on housing infrastructure, tax disincentives for downsizing, and internal reviews of housing approval processes. These provisions directly affect property owners, local jurisdictions, counties, and housing developers across Maryland.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesLowers fees for affordable housing projects while increasing taxes on non-affordable properties, incentivizing affordable development through targeted tax adjustments.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes tax incentives for affordable projects, simplified permitting, and housing targets to increase affordable housing supply.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Taxes Zoning

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 343: Housing Development Projects - Housing Counseling Services

HB 343 requires housing development projects receiving state funding to offer HUD-certified housing counseling services to prospective residents. It mandates that these services must be provided by counselors employed by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill also requires the Governor to appropriate $200,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2028 for community development organizations to partner with approved housing counseling agencies. This directly affects developers receiving state housing funds and prospective residents of subsidized housing projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates $200,000 annual appropriation for housing counseling services, directly funding a public program under budget authority.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates HUD-certified counseling for funded housing projects and allocates $200K annually for counseling services, directly advancing tenant access to housing resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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

HB 239: Land Use - Zoning - Limitations (Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026)

HB 239, the "Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026," prohibits Maryland local governments from enforcing zoning rules that restrict lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, or architectural features for certain single-family homes. It specifically prevents bans on "starter homes" (smaller, affordable single-family homes) and "silver homes" (housing designed for older adults) in zones where they are currently prohibited, and allows subdivisions of certain lots to create these housing types. The bill directly affects counties and municipalities by limiting their authority over zoning for these home types, requiring them to permit such developments in applicable areas. Key provisions include repealing existing zoning restrictions and adding new requirements to state law that mandate local jurisdictions to allow these housing options.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill removes zoning barriers for affordable starter homes and senior housing, enabling increased development of accessible housing types per its explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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