SB 39 establishes a workgroup to develop a sustainable reimbursement rate methodology for Maryland's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and Outpatient Mental Health Centers (OMHCs), directly affecting behavioral health providers facing financial strain due to outdated rates. The bill requires the Maryland Department of Health to conduct a cost study of OMHC services, form an advisory panel to review rate recommendations, and increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for OMHCs in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Key provisions include evaluating provider costs, workforce needs, and alignment with somatic health care parity, while addressing closures like those in Frederick County. The workgroup must report findings by December 2027, aiming to stabilize provider finances and ensure continued access to community mental health care.
This bill expands Maryland's income tax deduction for retirement income by adding "9-1-1 specialists" to the list of eligible public safety employees. It modifies tax code sections to include retired 9-1-1 specialists - defined as employees handling emergency calls and dispatching services - in the $15,000 annual tax deduction for retirement income. The change directly affects retired 9-1-1 specialists who meet the age requirement (55+), allowing them to reduce their taxable income by up to $15,000. The policy takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.
HB 127 requires Baltimore County to create a property tax credit for county residents who are public safety officers (like police and firefighters) or Baltimore County public school employees. The credit would reduce the county property tax on their primary residence, with the county government determining the exact amount, duration, and application process. This bill directly affects those specific public employees by lowering their local tax burden, but the county must establish the program through its own local law. The credit would apply to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026.
HB 574 establishes the Prince George’s County Teen Pregnancy Support Program to assist public high school students in the county who are parents or expecting parents. The bill requires Prince George’s County Circuit Court to collect a $100 fee in certain child support cases (applications for new/modifying support decrees or enforcing arrears), with all revenue remitted quarterly to the county school board. This funding will support the program, which provides students with childcare vouchers, parenting education, and other resources. The program applies only to students attending public high schools in Prince George’s County, and the fee is in addition to other existing fees. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 151 requires that 3% of sales and use tax revenue from cannabis sales in Maryland be distributed quarterly to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. This fund directly supports veterans, their families, and Maryland National Guard members through grants, loans, and programs. The bill amends tax distribution rules to prioritize this allocation after funding cannabis administration costs, social equity programs, community reinvestment, and public health funds. The change takes effect July 1, 2026, with no other specified impacts on policy or program structure.
This House Joint Resolution (HJ 6) implements salary recommendations from Maryland's Judicial Compensation Commission for judges across all state courts. It directly affects judges in the Supreme Court, Appellate Court, Circuit Courts, and District Court by increasing their salaries for fiscal years 2027 through 2030, with specific raises starting July 1, 2026 (e.g., Supreme Court Chief Justice from $255,433 to $261,333). The resolution also adds a $7,500 annual stipend for administrative judges in the Appellate Court and circuit/District Courts. These changes take effect automatically if the General Assembly does not amend them within 50 days of the resolution's introduction.
SB 356 creates a $1,000 refundable state income tax credit for Maryland parents who experience a stillbirth, as documented by a certified birth certificate or fetal death certificate issued under Maryland law or equivalent from another state. The credit can be claimed in the tax year the stillbirth occurred, and if it exceeds the parent's state income tax liability, they receive a cash refund for the difference. This policy directly affects eligible Maryland parents of stillborn children, providing financial relief tied to the year of the stillbirth. The credit applies to all taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 291 creates a state income tax credit for Maryland residents who paid income taxes and penalties due to early retirement fund withdrawals caused by financial exploitation. It directly affects eligible taxpayers who experienced exploitation - defined as misuse of assets by someone in a position of trust (e.g., family members, caregivers) through deception, breach of fiduciary duty, or unauthorized actions. The credit equals the lesser of the state income tax attributable to the early withdrawal or the federal penalty paid under IRS Section 72(T). This policy change provides financial relief for victims of exploitation without altering existing estate or tax laws beyond this specific credit.
SB 217 amends Maryland’s Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund to clarify its administration and distribution. It requires the Comptroller to manage the Fund under the Office of Social Equity’s direction, mandates counties to consult with community stakeholders and hold public hearings when adjusting fund distribution plans, and updates reporting requirements. The Fund, funded by cannabis tax revenue, directly serves communities disproportionately impacted by pre-2022 cannabis enforcement, directing funds to community-based organizations for programs like behavioral health services, job training, housing, and education initiatives. It prohibits using funds for law enforcement or replacing existing local government programs, while ensuring compliance through the Office of Social Equity. These changes refine how counties allocate funds to address historical inequities tied to cannabis criminalization, as outlined in Section 1-3A-03 of the Maryland Code.
HB 359 amends Maryland's property tax credit for urban agricultural property, clarifying eligibility and adding procedural requirements for jurisdictions granting the credit. It defines "urban agricultural property" as land between 1/8 and 5 acres in priority areas (not assessed as agricultural) used for activities like crop production, beekeeping, environmental mitigation, community programs, or agritourism. The bill requires jurisdictions to evaluate the credit's effectiveness after 3 years and, if terminating it, must provide the public with at least one year's notice and an opportunity to comment or appeal. This directly affects Baltimore City, counties, and municipalities that administer the tax credit for qualifying urban farms and agricultural operations.
