Veterans

HB 888 expands Washington County's property tax credit program for disabled veterans to include members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Public Health Service (PHS) who meet the same disability and service criteria as military veterans. The bill amends existing law to add these federal service members to the definition of "disabled veteran," allowing them to qualify for a credit equal to their VA disability rating percentage on their primary residence. This change directly affects eligible NOAA and PHS members who are disabled veterans under federal standards, as well as their surviving spouses who meet ownership and residency requirements. The credit applies to property tax on the dwelling house owned by qualifying individuals, effective June 1, 2026.

HB 1520 increases exemption limits for certain property debtors can protect from creditors in Maryland. It raises the household goods exemption from $1,000 to $5,000 (to $10,000 for disabled veterans) and increases the motor vehicle exemption to $25,000 for elderly or disabled debtors (up from $10,000). The bill also maintains existing exemptions for tools of trade ($5,000), firearms ($3,000), and professional items. These changes apply to debtors facing judgment enforcement or bankruptcy proceedings under Maryland law. The bill does not alter other existing exemptions like child support or retirement funds.

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).

HB 1098 expands bankruptcy exemptions for Maryland residents by including residential property held in a revocable trust as eligible for protection. It increases the exemption cap for individuals aged 60+ with disabilities or veteran status to $300,000 (adjusted annually for inflation), while maintaining a $150,000 cap for other filers. The law automatically adjusts these amounts each year based on the Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest $25. This directly affects Maryland bankruptcy debtors owning homes - either directly or through revocable trusts - who qualify under the new or adjusted exemption thresholds.