Budget & Taxes

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SB 935: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Donations to Food Banks and Other Charitable Entities

SB 935 creates a new $1,000 annual income tax deduction for Maryland taxpayers who donate food or cash specifically designated for food purchases to qualifying charitable entities. It directly affects Maryland residents who make such donations to defined organizations like food banks, homeless shelters, or religious groups providing free food to those in need. The bill requires taxpayers to submit proof of donations with their tax return and establishes criteria for entities to qualify as "qualified charitable entities" through Comptroller registration. The provision takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2029, unless renewed.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates $1,000 tax deduction for food donation donors, providing direct tax relief to middle/lower income taxpayers who support charitable food services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Income Tax

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 518: Maryland Financial Empowerment Center Network Pilot Program - Establishment

SB 518 establishes a 3-year pilot program to create a statewide network of free financial empowerment centers across Maryland, operating under the Office of the Comptroller. These centers will provide one-on-one financial counseling in English and Spanish (and other required languages) to help residents increase savings, pay down debt, access banking, and improve credit scores. The program requires counselors to complete specific training and will be funded through state budget appropriations for fiscal years 2028 and 2029, ending September 30, 2029. The pilot targets Maryland residents seeking accessible financial guidance, particularly in underserved communities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds new financial counseling program via state budget appropriations, supporting fiscal management through public service funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability State Budget

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 896: Military Department - National Guard State Active Duty Mobilization Fund

HB 896 establishes a permanent "National Guard State Active Duty Mobilization Fund" within Maryland's Military Department to cover costs for National Guard personnel and equipment during state active duty deployments ordered by the Governor. The fund, administered by the Adjutant General, is separate from regular state budget appropriations and must be replenished to maintain readiness for future mobilizations. It supplements - rather than replaces - existing funding for National Guard state duty, with investment earnings credited to the state's general fund. This bill directly affects the National Guard's ability to mobilize efficiently during state emergencies or operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated fund for National Guard mobilization costs, supplementing existing funding without replacement, ensuring fiscal readiness for essential state defense operations.92% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

HB 1427: Property Tax Credits - Renters' Tax Credit, Homeowners' Tax Credit, and Homestead Tax Credit - Altering Eligibility and Amount

HB 1427 modifies Maryland's Renters' Tax Credit, Homeowners' Tax Credit, and Homestead Tax Credit by adjusting income thresholds, calculation formulas, and maximum credit amounts. It increases the maximum annual credit for renters from $1,200 (2027) to $2,000 (2029+), and for homeowners from $1,500 (2028) to $2,000 (2029+), while raising income thresholds for eligibility. The bill specifies phased-in income percentages (e.g., 0% on first $16,000 of income for renters in 2029+) and adds a $200,000 net worth limit for renters. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income renters (including seniors/disabled individuals) and homeowners meeting revised income criteria. These changes apply to tax years beginning July 1, 2027, and subsequent years.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax credits for renters/homeowners with higher caps ($2,000) and expanded income eligibility, providing direct tax relief to lower/middle-income residents.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases renter/homeowner tax credits, raises maximum annual amounts ($1,200→$2,000 for renters), and expands eligibility thresholds to boost housing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits Property Taxes Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 826: Property Tax - Residential Real Property - Moratorium on Assessment Increases

HB 826 freezes increases to the assessed value of residential property in Maryland for taxable years 2026 through 2028. It directly affects homeowners by preventing local governments from raising property tax assessments based on market value during this period, unless specific exceptions apply. These exceptions include zoning changes initiated by the owner, significant improvements adding at least $100,000 in value, changes in property use, or errors in calculation. The bill does not alter tax rates or affect commercial properties, only limiting assessment increases for residential homes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFreezes property tax assessments for homeowners, preventing tax increases during 2026-2028, providing direct tax relief per topic indicators.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill freezes residential property tax assessments for 2026-2028, preventing tax increases that would reduce housing affordability for homeowners by stabilizing their tax burden.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Zoning

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 530: Aging-in-Place Programs - Grants - Multigenerational Third Places (Village Multigenerational Third Places Act)

SB 530 creates a new grant program for the Maryland Department of Aging to fund nonprofit organizations and area agencies on aging. It specifically provides grants to support social connection for seniors in aging-in-place programs through events at "multigenerational third places" - community spaces (not homes or workplaces) where people of different ages gather. The bill requires nonprofits to match grant funds and sets aside at least 20% of the annual $100,000 minimum appropriation for senior villages (member-driven community organizations supporting aging in place). The grants cover operational costs for these community spaces, including lease or rental expenses, to help seniors stay connected in their neighborhoods.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates $100k annual appropriation for senior grant program, directly funding a public service initiative through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds community programs enhancing senior social connection, a public health initiative linked to mental health and aging services through nonprofit grants.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Tags Seniors

died · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 960: Economic Development - Federal Employee-to-Entrepreneur Program - Establishment

HB 960 establishes Maryland's Federal Employee-to-Entrepreneur Program within the Department of Commerce to assist former or transitioning federal employees in starting businesses. The program provides annual training, one-on-one coaching, and tools for business planning, compliance, marketing, and capital readiness to 60 participants (4 cohorts of 15) each fiscal year. It requires the Department to develop application procedures and a curriculum, with $400,000 in annual state funding to support these services. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, creating a structured pathway for federal workers seeking entrepreneurial careers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $400,000 annual state funding for entrepreneurship program, advancing fiscal support through targeted budget allocation for economic development.95% confidence

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 12, 2026

HB 1065: Coal Combustion By-Product Materials - Grant Program and Procurement Preference

HB 1065 establishes a grant program for Maryland manufacturers of cement, concrete, or construction materials that use coal ash waste (like fly ash or bottom ash) as feedstock. It requires the Department of the Environment to award grants to eligible manufacturers meeting specific criteria, including using Maryland-sourced coal by-products, creating jobs in communities affected by coal waste, and demonstrating measurable greenhouse gas reductions compared to conventional materials. The bill also mandates that all state government agencies give procurement preference to bids that incorporate these coal by-products. This directly affects cement/concrete manufacturers, state purchasing decisions, and communities near coal waste generation sites. The policy change focuses on repurposing existing coal waste for construction materials through financial incentives and procurement rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes state grant program funding manufacturers using coal by-products, constituting government spending on economic development and environmental goals.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires measurable GHG reductions vs conventional materials, uses coal waste to reduce landfill burden, and prioritizes job creation in coal-impacted communities with environmental benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Climate Change Recycling

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 790: State Transfer Tax - Exemption for First-Time Home Buyers - Alterations

HB 790 exempts first-time homebuyers in Maryland from the state transfer tax when purchasing improved residential property they will occupy as their primary residence. The bill replaces existing tax exemption language to clarify that qualifying buyers (those who have never owned residential property in Maryland as their principal home) and their agents must submit a sworn statement confirming their status and occupancy plans. The exemption applies to the 0.25% transfer tax rate, which remains the seller’s responsibility to pay (though no tax is collected under this exemption). This change directly affects first-time homebuyers purchasing qualifying properties, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts first-time homebuyers from transfer tax, providing tax relief for lower-income residents, aligning with support indicators for tax relief measures.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts first-time homebuyers from transfer tax, reducing purchase costs for primary residences and directly increasing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Tax Incentives Homeownership Property Taxes

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SB 674: Transportation - Regional Transportation Authorities

SB 674 creates three new regional transportation authorities for the Baltimore, Capital, and Southern Maryland regions. It imposes new sales, hotel, and transfer tax surcharges to fund these authorities, directing 70% of the revenue from these surcharges to dedicated regional transportation funds. These funds are designated as nonlapsing (permanent) and require interest earnings to be added back to the funds. The bill also establishes specific allocation rules, such as sending 30% of Baltimore region surcharge revenue to local counties and municipalities based on their sales activity. The legislation amends Maryland tax and transportation codes to implement these changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes new sales/hotel/transfer tax surcharges to fund regional transportation authorities with nonlapsing dedicated funds.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates regional transportation authorities with new taxes and dedicated permanent funds for infrastructure projects, directly advancing transportation infrastructure funding and governance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Sales Tax Transportation Funding

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