Municipal Incorporation - County Commissioners or County Council - Required Approval of Referendum Request

SB 546 changes Maryland's process for unincorporated areas seeking to become municipalities. It requires petitioners to gather signatures from at least 25% of registered voters in the proposed area (or 20% plus property owners representing 25% of the area's assessed value) within 18 months. County officials must verify petitions within 60 days, appoint a county liaison, and post verification reports online. The organizing committee must then determine the fiscal impact on residents and services within 90 days before the county can approve a referendum for incorporation. This bill directly affects unincorporated communities and county governments in Maryland.