HB 1013 requires Prince George’s County Public Schools to fund full-time salaries and benefits (including health insurance) for all one-to-one student aides starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It mandates quarterly reports to the county board and state education department on key metrics like aide vacancy rates, IEP service delivery, and compensatory services completion. The bill also requires the county superintendent to provide annual professional development for special education staff and directs the state to hire a third-party auditor to review the county’s special education department for fiscal years 2021-2025. These provisions directly affect Prince George’s County’s special education program, its staff, and students with individualized education plans (IEPs).
HB 1278 establishes the Maryland Positive Youth Development Commission within the State Department of Education and creates a nonlapsing Maryland Positive Youth Development Fund. The Commission will award grants to eligible organizations (including community groups, schools, and local governments) providing evidence-based programming outside regular school hours for youth aged 0-25. The Fund, which will use settlement proceeds and other revenue, requires interest earnings to be credited back to the Fund. Programs must include adult mentors, family engagement, and activities promoting social-emotional skills to address concerns about social media's impact on youth well-being.
SB 537 establishes Maryland's Youth Delinquency Prevention Fund to provide grants to community programs focused on preventing youth delinquency, suicide, substance abuse, and supporting youth development. The fund, administered by the Office, receives state budget appropriations and interest earnings, and is designated as a non-lapsing special fund (meaning it doesn't expire or revert to the General Fund). It requires annual reports detailing grant distribution, recipient demographics (by age, race, geography, and ethnicity), services provided, and unspent funds. The fund specifically supports community-based programs like youth service bureaus and aims to supplement, not replace, existing youth funding.
SB 527 establishes Maryland's Ibogaine Clinical Research Grant Program to fund clinical trials on ibogaine for treating opioid use disorder and other neurological conditions. The program provides up to three annual grants to eligible Maryland-based research institutions with neuroscience expertise, requiring matching funds equal to the grant amount. Funding comes from the Opioid Restitution Fund ($500,000 annually for fiscal years 2028-2030), administered by the Department of Health in consultation with the Department of Veterans and Military Families. Institutions must conduct FDA-reviewed trials, submit quarterly progress and financial reports, and report annually to the General Assembly on grant usage and trial outcomes. The bill directly affects research institutions, veterans (via the veterans mental health focus), and the Opioid Restitution Fund.
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.
HB 1330 changes Maryland's homeowners' property tax credit application process to be year-round. It eliminates the previous October 1 deadline, allowing eligible homeowners to apply anytime within specific windows: within one year after April 15 for first-time applicants or those who applied on time for three consecutive years, or within three years after April 15 for homeowners aged 70+ or enrolled in the Homeowner Protection Program. The bill directly affects Maryland homeowners with combined gross income under $60,000 or net worth under $200,000 who qualify for the credit. Key mechanisms include extended application periods and revised payment timing based on when the application is submitted. This applies to all taxable years beginning after June 30, 2027.
SB 501 requires Washington County and its municipalities to grant a 100% property tax credit for real property owned by Platoon 22, Incorporated, specifically when that property is used to provide housing for veterans. The bill amends Maryland's tax code to mandate this credit by law, directly affecting only Platoon 22's taxable property within Washington County. The credit covers the full amount of county and municipal property tax on qualifying veteran housing properties. This policy change applies to all taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026.
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.
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SB 882 creates a state income tax credit for educators working full-time in Maryland public primary or secondary schools who have outstanding student loan debt. Eligible individuals must participate in the state's Career Ladder teaching program and certify they will use the credit for student loan repayment. The credit is claimed annually through the Maryland Higher Education Commission, with a $5 million annual cap, and paid out over five years (one-fifth each year). Recipients must verify continued employment in public schools and use the credit for loan repayment within three years, or repay the amount to the state if they fail to comply.
SB 945 imposes a 3% admissions tax on tickets for University of Maryland, College Park athletic events and a game-day surcharge on food, alcohol, and accommodations sold near the stadium on event days. The revenue from both taxes will fund a new University of Maryland Athletic Department Support Fund, a dedicated account that cannot expire and will provide ongoing financial support for the university's athletic programs. This bill amends Maryland's tax code to create these specific taxes and redirect the revenue to the fund, replacing prior tax distribution rules for similar revenue streams. The bill does not affect general public sales or taxes outside these targeted events and locations.
