Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 30: Baltimore County - Property Tax Credit - Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 34

SB 30 would authorize Baltimore County's governing body to grant a 100% property tax credit against county taxes for real property owned by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 34 at 730 Wampler Road, Middle River. This credit would eliminate the full county property tax liability for that specific property. The bill applies only to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026, and takes effect June 1, 2026. It directly affects Baltimore County (through its tax policy) and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 34 (as the beneficiary of the credit).

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesTargets specific entity for full tax exemption, reducing county revenue without broad fiscal justification or public benefit.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 571: Nonprofit Housing Corporations - Taxes and Special Assessments Exemptions - Alterations

HB 571 expands tax exemptions and judgment protections for nonprofit housing corporations in Maryland. It exempts real property used for housing eligible income residents (owned directly or through subsidiaries) from state and local taxes/special assessments, and prohibits court seizures of such property for unpaid debts. The bill defines "nonprofit housing corporation" as entities meeting specific IRS 501(c)(3) and housing purpose criteria, clarifying that subsidiary-owned properties qualify for these benefits. It directly affects nonprofit housing organizations providing affordable housing, ensuring their properties used for eligible residents remain tax-exempt and shielded from enforcement actions. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax exemptions for nonprofit housing serving low-income residents, providing tax relief aligned with supporting affordable housing programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands tax exemptions and judgment protections for nonprofit housing corporations serving eligible income residents, reducing costs to advance affordable housing development.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 312: Constitutional Officers - Salaries

SB 312 increases annual salaries for Maryland's four constitutional officers: the Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. The bill raises their base salaries by $10,000-$15,000 starting in 2027, with step increases over each term (e.g., Comptroller's first-year salary rises from $165,000 to $175,000). These changes apply to terms beginning after October 1, 2026, and do not affect current officeholders serving terms that started before this date. The bill amends specific sections of Maryland law to implement these salary adjustments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases state budget allocation for constitutional officers' salaries, directly impacting government spending and fiscal management.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 305: Qualifying Nonprofit Organizations - Incarcerated Individual Training and Reentry Grant Fund - Extension

SB 305 extends funding for nonprofit organizations providing automotive repair training and reentry services to formerly incarcerated individuals in Maryland. It extends the grant period from fiscal years 2026-2028 to 2026-2029, authorizing $1 million annually for qualifying nonprofits that train at least 50 individuals yearly in auto repair and achieve a 50% job placement rate for participants. The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention administers the grants, requiring nonprofits to submit annual reports on fund usage, participant numbers, and employment outcomes. This bill directly affects nonprofits meeting specific service criteria and supports employment pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $1 million annually for nonprofit reentry programs, directly funding a social service through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends funding for job training/reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, directly reducing recidivism through employment opportunities and rehabilitation.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExtends funding for job training and placement programs targeting formerly incarcerated individuals, directly advancing employment outcomes and workforce reentry through mandated job placement rates.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 625: Human-Relevant Research Fund - Collection of Contributions - Responsible Entity

HB 625 shifts responsibility for collecting fees from research facilities to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, replacing the current system under the Department of Health. It requires facilities submitting USDA Form 7023 (for animal testing) to pay annual contributions based on animal count: $5,000 for ≤100 animals, $10,000 for 101-500, $55,000 for 501-5,000, and $75,000 for over 5,000. Funds collected will support the Human-Relevant Research Fund established under Maryland’s Economic Development Article. The bill repeals existing health code provisions and creates new agriculture code sections for this fee structure, effective October 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes mandatory annual fees ($5k-$75k) based on animal counts, directing collected funds to a specific research fund, creating new revenue and fiscal allocation.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates Human-Relevant Research Fund to support medical research alternatives, advancing healthcare innovation through funding animal testing fee shifts.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 828: State Finance - Delinquent Federal Funds (Federal Obligations Enforcement Act)

SB 828 authorizes Maryland's Central Collection Unit (CCU) to collect delinquent federal funds owed to the state, including placing liens on federal property within Maryland and directing the Comptroller to withhold state payments to the federal government. It requires the Board of Public Works to determine if the federal government is delinquent in paying funds owed to Maryland, triggering these enforcement actions. The bill amends Maryland law to specify that the CCU may collect up to the full amount of delinquent federal funds, and mandates that the Comptroller withhold state payments when the CCU refers such funds. This establishes a formal process for enforcing federal payment obligations to the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill secures state revenue by enforcing collection of overdue federal funds, strengthening state budget management without altering tax rates or spending.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 519: Earned Income Tax Credit - Assistance Program Implementation Delay and Study

SB 519 delays Maryland's Earned Income Tax Credit Assistance Program implementation until 2029, instead of 2024. It requires the Comptroller's Office to study outreach efforts by December 31, 2030, to help low-income residents claim the credit they qualify for but often miss. The bill also directs the Department of Service and Civic Innovation to recommend ways to assist low-income residents in claiming tax credits. This legislation postpones the program's start date while mandating studies to improve future outreach and participation.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesDelays EITC implementation until 2029, restricting immediate tax relief for low-income residents instead of advancing the credit program.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 644: Sales and Use Tax - Certificates Indicating Multiple Points of Use - Alterations

SB 644 simplifies tax collection for digital products and services used across multiple jurisdictions. It allows businesses (buyers) to submit a standardized certificate to vendors confirming that digital codes, products, or taxable services will be used in more than one taxing area or resold to affiliated entities. Once vendors receive a properly completed certificate, they are exempt from collecting, paying, or remitting sales tax for those transactions, and the certificate remains valid for future sales with the same buyer. The bill applies retroactively and eliminates the need for vendors to seek prior approval from the Comptroller for these certificates.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill exempts digital transactions from sales tax collection, reducing state tax revenue and weakening tax collection mechanisms.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 250: Environment - Appropriation or Use of Water and Dam Safety - Enforcement

HB 250 authorizes Maryland's Department of the Environment to impose administrative penalties for violations of water appropriation, dam safety, and wetlands rules. It directly affects businesses, developers, and dam operators who breach these regulations. Key provisions include setting penalties up to $5,000 per violation (capped at $100,000 total), requiring consideration of factors like environmental harm and willfulness, and mandating that collected penalties fund the Maryland Clean Water Fund (except for dam safety cases, which go to a repair fund). The bill also streamlines enforcement by allowing the Department to issue immediate corrective orders and hold expedited hearings for urgent threats.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates penalties fund Maryland Clean Water Fund, aligning with 'funds essential programs' indicator for support stance.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes penalties for water/wetlands violations, funds clean water initiatives, strengthens enforcement of environmental regulations.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 28: Arbitration Reform for State Employees Act of 2026

SB 28 requires state agencies and institutions (like the University System of Maryland and Maryland Environmental Service) to use a neutral third-party arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association's panel when collective bargaining reaches an impasse. It mandates that budget bills include all necessary funds to implement agreements reached through bargaining, including memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering employee terms and conditions. The bill makes the arbitrator's recommendations advisory (not binding) and sets deadlines for negotiations to conclude by September 30. This directly affects state employees represented by exclusive bargaining units and ensures funding for negotiated terms is included in annual budgets.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates budget bills include funds for employee agreements (MOUs), ensuring fiscal implementation of bargaining outcomes and supporting public sector funding.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates neutral arbitration for collective bargaining impasses and requires budget funding for implemented agreements, strengthening worker negotiation rights and protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes