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

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 24, 2026

HB 82: Recordation and Transfer Taxes - Exemption for Related Business Entities - Common Law Trusts

HB 82 amends Maryland tax law to expand an existing exemption from recordation and transfer taxes to include transfers involving common law trusts between related business entities. It modifies the definition of "business entity" to explicitly include common law trusts, allowing tax-free transfers of real property between entities like parent companies and wholly-owned subsidiaries or related trusts. This change applies to transfers for no consideration, nominal consideration, or where consideration involves only ownership interest changes. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects business entities and common law trusts conducting such intra-group real estate transfers.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExpands tax exemption for business transfers, reducing state revenue by allowing tax-free property transfers between related entities, aligning with tax break creation for businesses.90% confidence

Track

passed both · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 139: Sales and Use Tax - Tax-Free Day - Veterans' Day

HB 139 establishes an annual tax-free day on November 11 (Veterans Day) starting in 2026, allowing veterans to purchase items under $2,000 without paying Maryland's sales tax. To qualify, veterans must show a driver's license or ID card noting veteran status at the point of sale. The Comptroller can suspend the tax-free day at their discretion. This law directly affects veterans shopping for qualifying items on Veterans Day, creating a temporary sales tax exemption with specific verification requirements.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill creates temporary sales tax exemption for veterans, reducing state revenue and weakening tax base during the tax-free day.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransTax-free shopping on Veterans Day provides direct financial benefit to veterans, recognizing service through reduced costs on qualifying items.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Sales Tax Tax Incentives Memorials & Recognition

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 472: Income Tax - Theatrical Production Tax Credit - Alterations and Sunset Extension

HB 472 extends the expiration date for Maryland's theatrical production tax credit from 2027 to 2032. This credit allows theater producers to claim a reduction on their state income tax for qualifying production costs. The bill directly affects film and theater producers in Maryland who currently qualify for the credit. It modifies existing law (from 2022) to extend the credit's validity period by five additional years, ensuring the program remains active through 2032 without requiring new legislative action.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExtends tax credit for theaters, reducing state tax revenue; weakens fiscal management by forgoing potential revenue without funding public services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 211: Maryland Estate Tax - Repeal

SB 211 would repeal Maryland's estate tax by removing specific sections of the state tax code, including provisions governing estate tax calculations and revenue distribution. This bill directly affects Maryland residents who inherit property from deceased individuals, as it would eliminate the tax obligation on estates exceeding the current threshold. Key provisions include repealing Sections 2-801 and 2-802, the "Subtitle 8" revenue distribution section, and all sections under "Subtitle 3" (7-301 through 7-309) of the Maryland Tax Code. The repeal would take effect July 1, 2026, applying to individuals who die after June 30, 2026.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRepeals Maryland's estate tax, directly eliminating a state tax revenue source and reducing tax obligations for estates, weakening fiscal policy related to taxation.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 690: Corporate Income Tax - Rate Reduction (Economic Competitiveness Act of 2026)

HB 690, the "Economic Competitiveness Act of 2026," lowers Maryland's corporate income tax rate gradually over several years. It directly affects corporations doing business in Maryland that pay state corporate income tax. The bill reduces the rate from 8.25% (for tax years 2026-2027) to 7.75% (2027-2028), then to 7.25% (2028-2029), 6.75% (2029-2030), and finally to 6.25% starting in 2030. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, as specified in the bill's provisions.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill reduces corporate tax rates from 8.25% to 6.25%, decreasing state revenue and weakening the tax base for public funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax

Track

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 33: Recordation and Transfer Taxes - Exemption for Related Business Entities - Common Law Trusts

SB 33 expands an existing tax exemption for property transfers between related business entities to include common law trusts. It amends Maryland law to explicitly allow transfers of real property between parent companies and subsidiaries (or among subsidiaries) involving common law trusts to qualify for exemption from recordation and transfer taxes. This applies to transfers with no consideration, nominal consideration, or consideration limited to ownership interest changes, provided specific ownership history requirements are met. The change takes effect July 1, 2026, and affects business entities using common law trusts in related-party property transfers. Individual homeowners or unrelated transfers are not impacted by this provision.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExpands tax exemption for business transfers, reducing state tax revenue, aligning with tax break indicators for wealthy entities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 736: Alcoholic Beverage Tax - Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

HB 736 establishes a new tax rate for ready-to-drink cocktails in Maryland, setting it at 60 cents per gallon (or 15.85 cents per liter) - significantly lower than the $1.50 per gallon rate for regular distilled spirits. The bill defines "ready-to-drink cocktails" as pre-mixed beverages containing distilled spirits (up to 12% alcohol by volume) in containers under 16 ounces, directly affecting manufacturers, distributors, and retailers selling these products. It modifies existing tax code sections to create this separate rate category, while maintaining standard tax rates for other alcoholic beverages like wine and beer. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill establishes lower tax rate (60¢/gal vs $1.50/gal) for specific products, reducing tax revenue for this category.90% confidence

Track

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 22, 2026

SB 281: Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026

SB 281 modifies Maryland's funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) by requiring the Governor to withhold 35% of annual capital grants under specific conditions. It directly affects WMATA, the Washington Suburban Transit District, and collective bargaining units, mandating WMATA to submit detailed safety, financial, and ridership reports annually. Key provisions include withholding funds if WMATA receives a modified audit opinion without a corrective plan, fails to develop a rail signaling transition plan by July 2028, or terminates rail operators due to automation. The bill also requires the Governor to include specific appropriations for WMATA's capital costs and Metrorail subsidies in the state budget. This legislation is contingent on Virginia and D.C. enacting similar funding measures.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesWithholds 35% of WMATA capital grants under audit/financial conditions, restricting budget allocation90% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill withholds 35% of WMATA capital grants under conditions, restricting transit funding and weakening operations. This defunding mechanism alignates with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability State Budget Rail

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 26, 2026

HB 548: Land Use - Permitting - Development Rights (Maryland Housing Certainty Act)

HB 548, the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, requires local governments to approve housing development projects based solely on land-use laws and regulations in effect when a developer submits a "substantially complete" application. It grants developers "vested rights" to build under those original rules for a set period, protecting projects from future regulatory changes. The bill also prohibits localities from collecting development excise taxes or impact fees until a project is fully completed. This directly affects housing developers and local planning authorities across Maryland, streamlining approvals for new housing while limiting fee collection during construction.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesProhibits local development fees/taxes until project completion, restricting local tax revenue collection during construction.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingStreamlines housing development via vested rights, reducing regulatory barriers to increase housing supply85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Property Development