This bill exempts property owned by Hagerstown City or the Hagerstown Multi-Use Sports and Events Facility used primarily for public social, recreational, and entertainment purposes from property taxes. It applies retroactively to tax years beginning after June 30, 2023, requiring Washington County, the city, and the state to refund any overpaid taxes from that period. The exemption covers properties meeting the specified public use criteria, with refunds processed for eligible taxpayers who request retroactive relief. The bill takes effect June 1, 2026.
SB 607 increases the Maryland income tax deduction for retirement income received by retired public safety employees. It phases in higher deduction amounts over time: starting at $15,000 for 2025-2025 tax years, rising to $20,000 by 2030. The bill specifically affects retired correctional officers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and paramedics who meet the eligibility criteria (age 55+ and retired from qualifying public safety roles). The change takes effect July 1, 2026, and is implemented through incremental annual increases in the deductible amount.
HB 1540 repeals the 2028 termination date for annual state funding required for the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. The bill ensures the state will continue appropriating $10 million each fiscal year (previously set to end in 2028) to support the center's operations and transition. This directly affects the University of Maryland Medical System Corporation and Prince George's County, which must provide matching funds totaling $208 million for capital construction. The funding is specifically designated to maintain the medical center's financial viability, improve healthcare access, and prevent operating losses. The change removes the fixed end date, making the funding permanent unless future legislation alters it.
SB 467 extends annual funding for Maryland's Child Care Credential Program, directly affecting child care workers pursuing or holding approved credentials (like child development associate or administrator credentials). It revises funding requirements by mandating the Governor appropriate $4 million for fiscal year 2021, with 10% annual increases through 2024. Crucially, starting in fiscal year 2028, funding must be at least equal to the 2024 level, creating a fixed funding floor. The bill ensures ongoing support for credential holders through achievement bonuses, training reimbursements, or vouchers without altering the program's core eligibility or benefits.
HB 809 establishes funding requirements for Maryland's Walter Sondheim Jr. Public Service Internship Scholarship Program. The bill mandates that starting in fiscal year 2028, the Governor must include in the annual budget an appropriation for the program equal to at least 150% of the fiscal year 2026 level, with specific requirements for University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) funding. The program provides scholarships ($2,000-$5,000) to Maryland college and graduate students pursuing public service internships, prioritizing residents with demonstrated interest in careers serving low-income or underserved communities through legal, social work, nursing, or other public/nonprofit sectors. It directly affects eligible students and administers through the Shriver Center, ensuring sustained funding for three specific internship tracks: Governor’s Summer Internship, Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership, and Sondheim Public Service Law Fellowships.
SB 668 renames Maryland's "Children's Cabinet Fund" to the "Children's Cabinet Interagency Fund" and requires the Governor to annually appropriate specific funds for grants to local management boards. It mandates $3 million more for fiscal year 2028 than 2027 and $2 million more for fiscal year 2030 than 2029. Local management boards receiving funds must develop community partnership agreements coordinating with state and local child and family service plans, and use the money for evidence-based programs addressing youth development, prevention services, and out-of-home care needs. This bill directly affects local boards, children, and families by structuring state funding to support coordinated, community-driven services.
This bill authorizes Wicomico County or its municipalities to grant a property tax credit against local property taxes for real estate owned by Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (SNHS), specifically for properties SNHS intends to transfer to private owners within a near future. The credit applies only to properties used for development, rehabilitation, and transfer to private owners, excluding administrative or warehouse buildings owned by SNHS. SNHS must submit annual reports detailing all its property holdings and transactions in the jurisdiction granting the credit. The credit becomes effective for taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026.
HB 842 repeals a requirement that a surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty must acquire a dwelling house within two years of the service member's death to qualify for a property tax exemption. The bill directly affects surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty, allowing them to qualify for the exemption regardless of when they purchase or acquire the home. Key provisions remove the 2-year acquisition deadline from existing law (Maryland Code, Tax-Property § 7-208(b)), making the exemption available as long as the surviving spouse meets other eligibility criteria. This change takes effect June 1, 2026, applying to all taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026.
SB 587 requires the Governor to include a mandatory $1 million annual appropriation for the Maryland Patient Safety Center Fund in the state budget, starting with fiscal year 2027. This fund subsidizes the designated Patient Safety Center’s costs to develop statewide patient safety initiatives, reduce preventable harm, and improve equitable healthcare. The Center must coordinate with healthcare providers and patients, and the Commission administers the nonlapsing fund, which includes interest earnings and must be reported to legislative committees annually. The bill directly affects the Center, the Governor, and the Commission, ensuring consistent funding for patient safety efforts without replacing other state appropriations.
HB 1096 requires Baltimore City and Maryland counties to include written notice of eligible property tax credits on property tax bills sent to taxpayers. This applies to existing property tax credits (such as those for seniors or veterans) that taxpayers may qualify for but might not be aware of. If someone other than the taxpayer receives the bill, the recipient must forward the notice to the actual taxpayer in writing. The bill does not create new credits but ensures taxpayers receive clear information about existing ones through their tax billing process.
